Illustrator keeps crashing when saving files using pattern swatches

Hi illustrator keeps crashing or not responding each time i try and save files, when using patterns from the swatch panel. It never use to do this. I was copying and pasting patterns from one file and putting into another larger file. was fine with first initial saves. then crashing started. ive reset preferences, ive tried saving directly to desktop, ive resaved under a new file name, ive even thought it was the copying and pasting that might have caused this, so i then saved the swatches to the library and opened them in the required file and used them that way. But it still kept crashing. I dont understand why. I really need all these swatches to work . Ive spent hours creating them. Can i send the files for checking. Is there a non public email? Appreciate any help.