I have had this question going around in my head lately, and I’m curious to see what everyone has to say about it; out of all of the sewing books and sewing patterns that you currently own, how many have you actually made a project from?
As a pattern designer, this is a really important question for me. Out of all of the people that buy my patterns, how many are actually making the projects? Of course, I think most designers want a high success rate with people cranking out a finished project from their design. I see a lot of bags pop up on Flickr, Instagram, etc. which makes me feel really happy and that I’ve done a good job.
So I went through my own book and pattern stash. Now, mind you, I’ve since traded some things on Flickr or elsewhere, or given away patterns to friends. So perhaps this throws off my percentages a bit. But here is what I found:
Books – I own 50 sewing books, and I’ve made projects from 18 of them.
Sewing Patterns – I own 35 sewing patterns, and I’ve made projects from 7 of them. I’m guessing compared to most people, I don’t own a lot of patterns. I think this is probably because once I’ve made a project from a pattern, I don’t make it again, so I’m likely to find it a new home. There are a few exceptions (i.e. the Serendipity Studio Monique Dress, ha!!).
I want to clarify that just because I trade or gift a pattern or book doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. I’m just more of a process person, so for some reason I’m way more interested in the process of making something than in the actual finished product (most of the time).
I would love to hear your thoughts; I’m not necessarily asking you to count your books and patterns (although I would love to know!), but what do you feel your purchasing to usage ratio is?
I know that I own far more books and patterns than I have ever made a pattern from or even plan to. They also inspire. I am interested in your take as a pattern designer about giving them away after you have made the pattern. That means that the next person is not buying it and so that is lost revenue to the designer. That is why I don’t usually give them away or trade them, maybe I am overcautious.
as well as books and patterns I keep magazines ! I have made some .. use others for colour selection.. not made from them all dont even want to work out the percentage!! lol x
I don’t have hard numbers, but I can say that I have made multiple quilts out of Modern Quilt Workbook by Ringle & Kerr – Some of them multiple times. (Other books I have just to look at or read.)
I have donated many books to the local “Friends of” Library assn. so that they can sell them to benefit the Library.
I have been given many patterns & have forwarded on the generosity. (I’d rather not have too much “stuff” & giving it away was better than throwing away.)
i’ve made projects from books/magazines before but i usually don’t use them that much. i try to limit my purchases these days to just reference books as opposed to patterns. if i find a project in a book i really like i’ll request it through interlibrary loan. i don’t mind owning unused books though because i like to keep them for inspiration or just to see what the author’s writing style is like. i have thinned the herd a bit lately though with destashing and i should probably do another round.
I very recently gave away many of my quilting/sewing/knitting/crafting books after I realized I hadn’t made projects from them. My new rule for keeping a book is that I have to be planning to make more than one project from it. If I only plan to make one, I copy those pages, then send the book on to a friend or the local library so someone else can enjoy it.
I don’t own a lot of patterns or books, but I would say of the patterns I have made 90%, but the books probably only about 25%. If I find a pattern I like and that fits well, I tend to reuse it.
I have used almost all of my books and most of my patterns but I do think I am super selective about what I purchase for my book shelves because space is limited and I tend to prefer buying fabric over patterns/books. I rarely, if ever, buy a book that I haven’t had a chance to preview via the library or bookstore.
I don’t make things from a lot of book patterns, more likely to from paper (although sometimes I just buy to see how things are put together). The thing about pdf patterns is that since I can buy at any time I don’t stash them the same way and try not to buy until I’m ready to use, unless there’s a special limited time discount.
I will check out books from the library and use those as inspiration, mostly. Of the books that I own, many have inspired projects but I kinda do my own thing when I quilt. I purchased Tula Pink’s new book because I am using it as part of the sew-along. (Even with this book though, I have changed a few blocks).
I have 4 patterns that were given to me and they are unused.
I tend to be a book collector :). I like looking through them for inspiration.
I buy individual patterns when I am ready to make the project.
I am becoming much more selective when it comes to purchasing books and patterns now as I have given so many books away, having never made a thing from several of them. I am also giving away patterns that I will never make or that I would not make again. Our library is starting to get a nice collection of quilting books, which helps, but I find the internet satisfies almost all of my pattern stashing needs and I like being able to save PDF documents and access them whenever.
I only started sewing 3 years ago and at that time, I would buy books/patterns that I really don’t need now – because most things in them I could have found online or figured out myself eventually. That being said, I do like some of my books for inspiration, even if I don’t specifically make something out of them.
Patterns on the other hand are very specific and I probably haven’t used 25% of the ones I’ve purchased. I’ve learned to stop buying “o that is cute and on sale!” patterns or “everyone is doing this sew a long, I need the pattern” type of things. I only buy patterns that I’m planning on making that month and have a plan for – so really I don’t buy too many patterns these days lol.
That is why I love testing your patterns, because I have a deadline and actually sit down and make the bag instead of saying “ooo I want to make that” and never getting to it!
That being said, having a book/pattern stash is perhaps like a fabric stash, it may sit around for a while but eventually I might have the time, inspiration, inclination, etc. to make a pattern I’ve had for a while and there it will be, ready to use! 🙂
I just did a quick basic count I own over 60 patterns (eek!) and have made about half of the patterms Ive purchased. Quite a lot of the patterns I have used over 10 times as I sell handmade clothes. I have only purchased three bag patterns and have made all of those patterns 4-30 times each, so they get good use 🙂
I almost cant believe this but I have only bought one sewing book (Tula Pinks City Sampler!) which I am using for your sew along. I have a quilting book my mom bought me by Elizabeth Hartman that I also use a lot, but more for reference than actual projects.
I just did a quick basic count I own over 60 patterns (eek!) and have made about half of the patterms Ive purchased. Quite a lot of the patterns I have used over 10 times as I sell handmade clothes. I have only purchased three bag patterns and have made all of those patterns 4-30 times each, so they get good use 🙂
I almost cant believe this but I have only bought one sewing book (Tula Pinks City Sampler!) which I am using for your sew along. I have a quilting book my mom bought me by Elizabeth Hartman that I also use a lot, but more for reference than actual projects.
i only have a few patterns but if i buy one its ’cause i want to make it. i have a ton of magazines and some books but i mostly use them for inspiration or technique, its good to see the quilting in prints better than on the video monitor. i frequently re-read though them as i progress as a quilter.
I never did understand buying books or patterns unless you had a plan right then to make them. But then, that’s how I buy fabric, too – by project. Then I found some books on clearance at Joanns and I picked them up. Just having them there, waiting to be looked through when I need something pretty, or I need inspiration. All of a sudden I need ALL THE BOOKS. And ALL the patterns. A friend was able to look through my books and pick out a quilt she wanted to make, so it was helpful for that.
I still can’t buy fabric “just because”. I have a really hard time with that. I figure I just have to do it a couple of times and I’ll get it… so I’ll refrain from doing so. My sewing room & my budget can’t handle it.
I love to buy each month the Burda magazine and read it, but I don’t usually make any clothing pattern, just a few dresses and some trousers! But in the other hand I’ve got lots of bag patterns and I think I’ve made about 80% of them
I LOVE to buy sewing books and magazines but it seems like the only way I ever get around to making projects out of them is if there is a sew along associates with them (Zakka, Style Stitches, etc). As soon as I get caught up on a few of my current WIP I plan on challenging myself to complete some of the wonderful projects (like your purse from the new Stitch issue) that I just haven’t had time for yet. I do tend to use individual patterns in a more timely manner :).
I have about 30 + books and have only made 7 -8 quilts from them. I also have about 20+ patterns and have only made ~ 2-3 quilts from them. I buy a lot of magazines for inspiration. I donate my magazines to my local Quilt Guild Library after I have perused them several times.
I’m not going here! If I started to count, I’m afraid I would be almost ashamed of myself! But I know I do like PDF patterns, because I usually tend to buy those to use right away! Also love ebooks
Hmmmm, I have maybe 5 store-bought patterns. They are all home decor/curtains and I have used them a few times. Most of my patterns in recent years have been through pdf/e-file. I have probably 40 of those and have used maybe 20 of them. I do not share my files typically. If someone asks, I will direct them to the pattern and let them go from there. The creator deserves the credit.
As for sewing books, I have about 30. Maybe 2 or 3 beginner sewing books, about 10 textile/technique books, 10 books that have patterns in them or attached to them (mostly for handbags) that I use for inspiration or for technique/processes.
I have a degree in Home Economics (Family & Consumer Sciences) so many of these books are college textbooks that I’ve had for some time.
The remaining books I have are all Japanese or Chinese handbag design/quilting books. Very inspirational, simple and classic. I won’t part with those. Ever LOL My books are my personal library. I am picky. So when I buy a book I plan on having it for the long haul!
Cindy
I know many of my friends just buy books to own it and look at the pretty pictures. I buy book to make certain project out of it and I do.
I admit (with a red face) that have lots and lots of books. I usually do not buy the book unless I plan to make something out of it. I also have lots of patterns. I have donated lots of books and patterns but still have many many left. I do make projects from my books and patterns, but not enough. Once I make a pattern I usually do not make it again. (Except maybe a baby quilt pattern). I need a reality check. There are things that I will never make so I do not need to keep the book or pattern. It is really something to think about if your space is limited.
I tend not to buy ‘project’ books, I think I have three in total- not made anything from them, two are very good for inspiration AND for top tips the third is a Japanese project book and I love looking through it for calming inspiration. Most of the sewing/textile-type books I have are for reference/inspiration and like Cindy above, those books are with me for the long haul. I have some tried and trusted clothing patterns which I re-use and adapt- recently I bought myself a vintage frilly apron pattern as I just could not resist the urge to make one any longer.I also bought a couple of bag patterns from a talented designer not a million miles from this blog…still choosing the right fabrics and seeking the perfect accessories for them!
I have so many sewing books & patterns I am afraid to count. Sometimes I think I just like all the “stuff” with sewing than the actual labor itself, lol. When I first started sewing I thought I had to have every book out there but soon learned there was way too much money going out the door so now I am much for particular about a pattern or book. I have a few books & patterns that I have made many projects from & a few books & patterns that I refer to time & time again for new techniques. I like making my own changes to a pattern to get the look I want. And I have many books that are pretty & nice to look at but haven’t made a darn thing from them . . . and they are taking up way too much space in my small home. Hope this helps!
I am a pretty picky book and pattern buyer. I have about half a dozen quilting books and probably the same number of patterns. I really enjoy designing my own quilts, so I really buy books for inspiration and patterns for things I can’t figure out just by looking at them. I am lucky to have access to a pretty extensive library of quilting books through my guild, and I guess I might buy more books if I didn’t have that.
I really don’;t purchase patterns. I have an ability to see something, and recreate it in an adapted way that is more pleasing to me. I, like you, enjoy the process, and especially enjoy the inspiration process–coming up with designs of my own. I do have books,–my source of inspirations– and have made probably less than one percent of the ideas presented in them.
To be honest. I do not buy patterns. I have a total of 11 patterns (such as simplicity etc.) and out of those I have not made projects from 4 of them. 2 of them are garment sewing and I ended up purchasing them right before we found out we were pregnant. I was intending on rebuilding my wardrobe for teaching. I have two pattern books for quilting. One my mom got me for Christmas when I decided I wanted to learn to quilt (and I have made several projects from that) and the City Sampler and I am having so much fun doing a sew along! I have two pattern books for crochet, both of which I have done patterns from… I have one purchased pattern off of Etsy for crochet, and that has been used 3 times. I love books, but I am more inclined to find free versions online and work them for what is suiting to me. I would like to have purchased more, but honestly the prices do add up and so I spend of fabrics and such instead! 🙂
Some people buy/horde fabric I feel like I buy/horde patterns. I have controlled myself in the last few years though. I’m usually torn because I will want a book for ONE pattern but then wonder why bother buying the book but then the book is $5 more then a single pattern so why not buy the book?? But recently I’ve found a lot of books are pretty basic designs and don’t impress me much. Especially with the fast turn around and the fact that it seems that everyone has a sewing book. I follow one quilter/designer who came out with a book and then 3 months later came out with numerous single patterns….why did they bother with the book then?
I will say if/when I find a designer/pattern writer that I like I’m more likely to buy and make that brand again. I’ve found one so far, and have purchased 3 bag patterns from them. Another problem I find is with bag patterns is, it looks good in the picture but then when I read the directions or realize the actual size I wonder why did I bother?
But my guess is I’ve only made 15-20% of the books and patterns I have. How sad is that?
I buy lots of books (shipping is now free or low on so many books, I can’t help myself!), and lots of e-patterns, and some paper patterns and magazines. I have made things from probably 25% of each kind. I tend to make multiples so some things get made frequently – others only once or twice. I pass the books, magazines and paper patterns on when I don’t think I’ll use them again – that gives me the room to buy more 😀
I suspect that the 25% completion rate is probably fairly close to the overall average for most of us – my math is that I buy 10 and might make 3, but if I only bought 2, I might not make any 😀
I have a lot of patterns, Simplicity, Style, Vogue and Burda. There may be an odd one I have not made, but almost every one will have been made more than once. Especially baby patterns.
I also have a large collection of Burda magazines- the most economical way to buy patterns! but I prefer to only buy a Burda magazine if I am over 60% sure a pattern will be used from it. As I have made a lot of costumes for a dancing school, I have also developed a lot of patterns, and adapted a lot. It really helps to have a lot of patterns you can mix about a bit to get a specific effect.
Books are different. I have bought more books on sewing for the girls than for me- it feels too extravagant, and I am less likely to make something from a book somehow. But I have still amassed quite a collection, and there will only be one or two from which I have not made something .
I like what I call ‘square’ patterns. That is, instructions fro the size and shape to cut, rather than needing a template. I can change size and shape on a square pattern to suit myself, more readily than if I need an odd shape template.
And , of course, I seldom follow any design to the letter,so most books and patterns are inspiration as much as anything! Pretty pictures are a big help there. And I would never throw a pattern out, it cannot be done!
I have to own up to having over 300 emnbroidery and patchwork books and even more have done very little from them, they are more for inspiration and my being unable to resist purchasing than actually doing projects. Since I started patchwork however I am working more from books as I do not know what I am doing yet!
I used to buy dressmaking patterns but no longer make clothes, no time with the embroider and patchwork.
When it comes to magazines I only buy those that have the patterns full size in as getting things enlarged is so expensive and I feel if some magazines can provide full sized patters (popular patchwork and patchwork and quilting do) I see no reason why others can`t. Likewise I will not buy magazines that come in sealed bags so that you cannot see what the contents are. hope this helps.
I have a ridiculous number of books and patterns. It’s part of my stash. I have a big library of books to begin with, not just the quilt books. Every one I purchase, I intend to make at some point :^) However, it’s looking like I’ll have to live several hundred years to do that. I find inspiration in them; I often combine elements of various patterns in a quilt or other project. I do use them all the time. Still, have been seriously thinking about winnowing some of them out and putting them in a garage sale or something. I do that periodically with all my books, and donate the ones I’m not going to read again. The quilt books/patterns are the same. Have you ever gone to a quilter’s garage sale? It’s like roller derby or mud wrestling, dozens and dozens of people are waiting on the driveway for the garage door to go up and the sale to begin. The demand for fabric, patterns, rulers, templates, etc. is really astonishing.
Without counting, I can say that I prefer books to learn a technique, then I make a project based on that rather than following a pattern. There are a few exceptions as I find patterns really useful for figuring out ways to use precuts with little wastage.
I own a lot of books that I have purchased over a few decades. Some I bought for because of the techniques and how to’s, some because I wanted to make a particular project. I have made several quilts from books over the years, but mostly I pick and choose elements from this book or design and some from that book or design and combined them into my own quilt. I also have tons of patterns for quilts, bags, clothing. I buy more than I make, but I still like to look at the books and patterns for inspiration or to just take one design element from it.
I rarely buy books anymore as I prefer the library and online sites where I get mostly free tutorials and patterns. I do buy some things online, but nowadays it has to really speak to me to buy a pattern because I have so many already. Most books I get from the library I don’t find too inspiring. Most are the same old patterns just shown in a newer fabric or a new way of sewing them. Perhaps because I have been sewing since I was a teenager and have seen it all before over the last several decades, that I am not as thrilled with the books these days. If I were new to quilting then perhaps I might have a different view point.
I also have purchased fabric for years and years without a plan in mind but because I loved a color or print or it was on clearance at an unbelievably great price so i bought it. I have been gifted with fabric too. So now I don’t need to buy anymore fabric as I have enough to probably last until I don’t want to or cannot sew anymore.
I think most people buy something (books, patterns, fabric) with the intent of making something, but then other projects get in the way and you don’t get to making the item and then years pass and perhaps now looking at that project you no longer have the desire to make it or your taste has changed. How many times have we purchased a fabric and then years later look at it and wonder “What was I thinking when I bought that?”
As I have gotten older my tastes for some things have changed and my need to buy has slowed down too. I have less desire to buy stuff now as when I was young I wanted it all and loved to shop. Now I don’t like shopping. I think we each evolve and change as time goes by and we are all different so I am sure you are getting all kinds of responses to this.
Hi Sara,
My numbers of books and patterns are VERY similar to yours! But it’s always my goal to make more from the patterns/books I already have! Sometimes I’ll get rid of books that I haven’t used, but I never get rid of patterns – they’re smaller and easier to save/stash in a small house!
I rarely buy books. I have 4-5 magazines and have made small projects from all of them. Patterns though – shameful. I’ve probably made them 25% of the time. But I buy them because I love them and know I will lose track of them by the time I’m ready to make them if I don’t. I just this week started a pattern I’ve had for a year when the perfect fabric and new baby came along.
I borrow sewing books from the library but don’t buy them, since I’ve never made any items from the books and magazines that I own (all of them were received as gifts). I’ve only ever bought one pattern, and I did make that item right away because I’d spent a lot of time considering that project before I was ready to buy.
I only own a handful of sewing books, maybe 5 or 6, and that’s counting my techniques books (for clothing) and my block bible. I have only a couple of sewing books that have projects in them, so your question is harder for me to answer. I’ve made stuff and used my books as a reference on techniques. The books I haven’t used (yet) were gifted to me while I was sick. I just haven’t had a chance to get to the projects that I want to make from those sources. Now, I also own a number of sewing/quilting/crafting magazines. I generally don’t buy this sort of thing because I know that I am not likely to do anything with them, and I feel like they lay around, making me feel guilty for not using them. But I can’t throw them away, because what if I want to make one of those projects someday? So I use the internet. The only exception to this was when I wanted to make the Marcelle Medallion quilt. I couldn’t bring myself to buy the book without seeing the projects, since I only knew that the medallion quilt project interested me. I checked it out from the library, and I’m glad I did. Nothing else in that book looks like anything I would make. Instead, I chose to buy the magazine that it was published in – and I paid just a few dollars less for it because it is an import. BUT … I liked looking at it, I am going to rip out the pattern and keep it in my 3-ring binder of patterns that I have used already and plan to use again. And I might lend it to a friend in the meantime, too. 🙂
As for patterns, I never buy them unless I need the pattern and go looking for it. I do like making bags, so I have bought a few bag patterns and I’ve made most of them. Yours are the exception – and that’s just because I haven’t yet had time. I’ve been busy with health stuff and had to push off about a gazillion projects. I once bought a pattern at the LQS when I lived close to Lexington, KY. I had to have the pattern, I really wanted to make that quilt, I was so excited. I was new to quilting and it gave me a huge rush of pleasure. Then I bought a book of quilt blocks and saw that the pattern that I bought, while called something different, was actually a pattern that I could get from a dozen places. I felt like I had been ripped off. I will probably buy some patterns from Amitie in Australia at some point because I love their stuff and I feel like it’s unique or put together in a new way. But when I see some of the stuff that people are calling patterns but are everywhere in different formats (paper-piecing, strip piecing, etc.) I don’t really get how they can make any money off of that. I’m certainly not the target audience for them. 🙂
I own 4 pattern books. I’ve used 3 patterns from one book and have plans to make items from the others this summer.
I own loads of patterns probably about 60. Though a good portion of them are vintage that I plan on framing (when we have a house) and decorating my sewing room with. Of the remaining patterns, I probably have used 15 some of which I have used multiple times.
I am working buying only supplies as I need them to complete a project rather than stockpiling. I am finding I have way to much clutter.
I’m pretty new to quilting, so I splurged a little bit and got quite a few patterns and books. I lucked out at at a thrift shop in our area and got a boatload of old quilting magazines. I knew I might never use any of the patterns if I left them in the magazines, so I tore out the ones that I knew I might want to use someday and collected them in a binder. I try to carry it to the fabric store with me, so if I see a fabric I like, I can try to match it to a pattern and make sure I buy enough. I have two quilting books that I really like, but I probably won’t make anything from them because I have an Etsy shop, and the books have a copyright that say the patterns are for personal use only 🙁 In my journey into quilting, I’ve really appreciated finding pattern designers such as yourself who allow people to use products made from patterns to sell on a small scale. Then, I don’t mind buying a pattern at all and supporting someone who is sharing their talents with others 🙂
WOW! It is a great question, and I actually read every single answer to it! When I first started making quilts and quilted gift items, quilt books were very scarce and if you found it, you bought it. Now they are plentiful, and some repeat the same ideas, information, or quilt blocks, while others have a fresh slant. I always have 100-200 quilt books, but as I learn the information in them, I pass them on and replace them with books that can teach me different techniques, and books that help with developing my own designs. I suspect that every quilt book I own has been leafed through at least a hundred times; I read them for inspiration, and look at the photos for ideas. There are certain designers that seem to speak to me, and always have something new to say. Roberta Horton, Yvonne Porcella, Nancy Crow, Gwen Marsdon and Freddy Moran are a few favorites. I love to read about people’s process, so I guess my goal in owning a book has nothing to do with making something from it! I buy patterns for the individual project, and I almost always buy them to make them – totally different attitude on them.
I do not buy books for patterns… but for inspiration and learning new techniques… also for entertainment. I love reading my quilt books before bed. As for making the projects I usually design my own quilts using the fabric for inspiration.. I swear the fabric talks to me. Some of my projects are stellar and some are a bust … but they are all mine.
Nonnie
way ahead of ya Sara! I have an ongoing page on my blog where I log my craft books and the projects I made from them, I have percentages too!
http://thecraftersapprentice.blogspot.co.uk/p/craft-book-challenge.html
I don’t count bought patterns but I’ve probably got about 3 of them. I don’t often buy them as books are better value, though I do make some exceptions.
I have about 10 books, and have used 3of them, each for 1project. About half are quilting books. I’m super picky abut the books I buy, and try to check them out from the library first if possible. I eliminate a lot that way.
Sewing books don’t interest me too much. I already know how to sew and there always seems to be some sort of error in many of the books that are printed. I’d much rather spend the same amount of money on one really well made pattern
To be honest, I buy some books just for general inspiration or techniques rather than wanting to make entire projects – eg Lisa Lam’s bag bible, I’ve never made one of the bags, but I’ve used a number of the different technique sections. I have 23 books in total, and I think I’ve specifically made projects from 9, and have a pattern cut from another that I just haven’t got to yet.
I don’t have many individual patterns, but I tend to only buy them (or download them if they’re free) if I think I’ll make them