Sort by attribute

[BGundlach]

I'd like to set up collections of products. My client sells handwoven goods. I'd like to be able to put all the matching "southwestern" products in a collection and all the "Corn Goddess" products in another. Because the product are diverse, (a purse, a rug, a tote, a duffel bag, etc) they are in different categories. I think the best way to set this up is to make a read-only "Collection" attribute and show all products that have said attribute. Is it possible to list items with a specific attribute?

[lhungil]

If by "create a collection" of items you mean create a page listing existing products grouped by a theme such as "southwestern"... Would creating a "southwestern" category and using linked products fit your needs?

[BGundlach]

I need to sort by attribute for other reasons as well. Some products are only available in certain sizes. I don't want to display a rug that's only available in small and medium sizes to someone who's looking for a 8'x10' rug.

[mc12345678]

By available in 8'x10' are you referring to in stock available or originally created available? Ie, it does/does not exist in what might be called large.

If understand correctly, you want to narrow down the items displayed based on some selection method that would present/eliminate items that do not match the chosen criteria. One suggested method was to apply items to at least one cateogry. The category need not be displayed, but can be used to filter items. Regardless of the method applied, going to have to maintain the items and chosen method of grouping. Might almost bebetter to have common terminology in the details of the product to be able to search on, just throwing out a third option.

[BGundlach]

Originally created available. Some rug patterns don't work at the 8x10 ratio. I believe you understand correctly.
So how would common terminology help? Ideally I'd like to have a dropdown box at the top of each category that you can select the size you want. ie for rugs, a selection box with '2x3','4x6','8x10' that will eliminate item's that don't have that option available.