Soft Opening

Hello! Hello! I'm so excited to share a project I've been working on and the next step for this site. But, before I go any further, I want to make sure to say that I expect blogging to be business as usual around here. I view this latest "WIP" as a supplement to the blog and a way to accommodate and enable my love and accumulation of vintage sewing patterns. It, by no means, will be the new focus of Tres Bien Ensemble. You can expect the same knitting and sewing and such that has been the template for the creation of this platform.  

Alrighty then. It's a not so well kept secret that I have a large number of sewing patterns- Far more than I will ever be able to use in my lifetime. I started collecting them years before I started sewing and I haven't stopped since. Due to several bulk pattern acquisitions, I'm verging on running out of places to put them. I've tried to quit them; it didn't work. So, I'm going to try something new. If you're viewing this post in a browser window or on a mobile device, you'll note an addition to the navigation bar Tres Bien Ensemble *Pattern Shop*

I am finally organized enough to start listing patterns. Presently, I have a small group posted.  Hovering over the Pattern Shop produces a series of drop down menus, wherein patterns can be viewed by different categories. In theory, each pattern falls under four separate sub-groups. Within each of these groups, patterns will ALWAYS be listed alphabetically by manufacturer, and then by number.  

In addition to the navigation bar, there is a link at the top of each sub-page to help you get back to the shop storefront. It's my goal to keep things as easy to navigate as possible. I'm working on trying to add a "scroll to top" sidebar feature to help with maneuverability as the pages become more densely stocked, but it remains to be determined whether I'll be able to incorporate it.  Accompanying each pattern there is a series of three images showing the front envelop, back envelop and pattern pieces of each pattern. Additionally, I've included the envelop description when available and tried to provide a brief subjective grading of condition. 

I'm in completely new territory with this project. I've decided to host and operate my own shop for a number of reasons. To start, I want to count and photograph each pattern ONE TIME, and not have to deal with re-listing weekly, as on eBay; I certainly want to clear room for more patterns, but I'm not in a hurry and don't need to get rid of anything quickly, (this is why the patterns are priced based on market comparable  not auction prices).  Also, I'd rather skip the middleman.  For now, the plan is to continue to add patterns monthly. I will likely do one post, on a Saturday each month noting shop updates. Aside from that, I'll be updating the shop Pinterest board as I add inventory. I've never created an online shop before, and I'm still getting my footing. I'm optimistic it will continue to be a fun and challenging project. If you have a minute to click around, I'd love to hear how the shop/links are working and any suggestions you have. I've tried to be meticulous with the organization; but it's a bit like proofreading your own writing.