Replies

1. 
   Beth | Apr 13, 2009 04:59pm | #1

   Easiest, for me, would be to call the local thrift stores, ask if they sell patterns. Then I would donate to them.
   Beth

1. 
   KharminJ | Apr 13, 2009 06:36pm | #2

   There are also many people who sell "vintage patterns" on the Web, including several who are members here. Google that topic, and contact those whose offerings seem to mesh with the particular age and/or styles that you have. I'm sure you could "donate" to their stock, but you may be able to get a-little-something for them, too.

   gailete - how do you work this?

   Happy Monday! Kharmin

1. 
   gailete | Apr 13, 2009 07:06pm | #3

   >>gailete - how do you work this?<<<

   I buy UNUSED, UNCUT patterns if the price is right. I also am happy to take unused, uncut patterns off of any ones hands if they want to give them away! (I'm glad to pay for shipping in that instance).

   If someone wants to sell them to me, I let them make an offer and I decide if I can afford what they want considering my costs for reselling as some patterns take years to sell. I only want uncut patterns as rooting through patterns to count pieces, try to refold them, etc. can take 20-30 minutes a piece and not a good use of my limited time--plus they don't sell very well. I am especially looking for the larger size patterns as I am a Ruben's size woman, and like to have a good selection of those size patterns for my sewing sisters!

   That's it for me in a nutshell. If you want to make a deal so to speak, email me through the links here.

   Gail

1. 
   joyfulneedles | Apr 21, 2009 06:02am | #4

   Thanks for the information Gail.  I am trying to downsize my multiple collecions of craft and sewing materials.  When I can pry the patterns from my fingers, I will contact you.  They are mostly size 18 and above.

2. 
   GoodFibrations | Apr 22, 2009 04:55am | #5

   sewing patterns destined to languish make great packing wrap for moving or shipping delicate items.

   When gifting to my sewing friends, I often use them as gift wrap.

   I have used them, mod podge to decorate the surface of my cutting table.

1. 
   rodezzy2 | Apr 22, 2009 04:59am | #6

   Talk about recycling!  Great idea, if we can part with them....he he giggle.

1. 
   GoodFibrations | Apr 23, 2009 04:48pm | #7

   I cannot resist patterns at tag sales if they're really cheap. The paper gets recycled instead of tossed and I get good quality packing material.

1. 
   rodezzy2 | Apr 24, 2009 01:03am | #8

   Sounds great!

3. 
   paddyscar | Apr 28, 2009 10:05pm | #9

   The ones with big skirt pieces are great for copying multi-sized childrens' patterns so that you can keep the original.

4. 
   SewTerri | May 02, 2009 06:34pm | #10

   I donate patterns, fabric and books to the thrift stores that financially support boarding schools for abused and needy children in Appalachia. You most likely have similar schools with thrift stores in your area. If you are traveling through, these have amazing thrift stores because donations come from all over the USA. Since I live in western NC, there are two that are fairly close, Tamassee School and Crossnore. You can send things like patterns FedEx Ground at very low rates. Here are the websites: Tamassee DAR School, Hwy 11 in South Carolina is a private non-profit children's home and family service organization offering multi-faceted programs to serve children and families in crisis. Year round services are provided for up to 68 children in residence. http://www.tdarschool.org/thriftshop.aspx?menuid=5 The Crossnore School, near Linville Falls, NC Founded in 1913, a a private, non-profit children's home and school in the western North Carolina mountains, serving children who, for circumstances beyond their control, can no longer live at home, whether permanently or temporarily. Most residents live at Crossnore because their primary care givers are abusive or have neglected them to the point that their well being is threatened. Residents come from all counties in North Carolina. Directions: take Rt. 221 north from I 40 at Marion, NC. Here is the website http://www.crossnoreschool.org/