jencarter

I've been thinking of keeping a journal for my quilts. I've got a lot going on with my boys and work and things, and I just don't trust myself to remember all the details of each quilt.

I'm just not sure what is the best thing to keep it in? I know there are journals made specifically for quilting, but just how practical are they when someone actually uses them? What sort of information do you usually keep track of, other than the obvious things like a photo, fabric used, etc.?

Would someone who uses a quilt journal be willing to share what they use and how they use it? It's a personal thing (but not quite like a diary or something) but also a practical thing, and I'm curious.

tscweaves

I just started quilting this spring and I keep a notebook with quilt information. I name and/or describe the quilt, what brand, color, and weight of thread because I am still figuring that out. The same with machine needles, brand and size, what machine I used because I have a bunch of them. I also include the type of batting, and how I quilted it and on which machine. I have been using different machines for both piecing and quilting as I figure out which one I like best for what.

I also note if the fabrics were precuts or yardage and then I use the project page for calculations for borders, bindings, and hanging pockets. I have been noting what books I have found answers to how to do things, such as proper rotary techniques and how to miter a border.

This is all in just a sprial notebook, with a page for each project. I try to remember start and finish dates and the pattern used. I also have an expandable file for copies of block patterns that I have already accumulated.

I have always kept project notes on my weaving projects and I also have started a notebook for garment and other items that I have begun to sew. Some of them tend to cross artforms so sewing information will end up in weaving notes and something pieced will end up in the sewing book. I found the notes useful as a weaver so I figured I would do the same with quilting and sewing.

eta: I always take picture of all my handwork.

Faintly Artistic

Interesting that you bring this up. My college student daughter has been looking at bullet journaling lately. Right now I keep track of start and end dates, but would like to keep more details. In bullet journaling, you create your own custom layout. Most pre-made journals seem over priced and are never quite what I need, so they end up being abandoned partway into them.

Quilting Grandma

I use large envelopes with the info on the outside and fabric swatches and pattern inside.
I have found this to be best for me. The envelopes go into loose leaf notebooks.

jencarter

I really like the idea of an expandable file for patterns and other ideas and information. I hadn't thought of that yet, but I think I'm going to steal that idea.

I also like the simplicity of a spiral notebook for the journal. It's easy enough that way to add whatever I want to add - and I like your suggestions.

jencarter

I've looked at bullet journaling as well. I like the quick and easy layout, but I agree that the majority of pre-made journals aren't exactly what I need. I like simplicity too.

jencarter

I love this idea! Everything would be all contained. I thought about gluing swatches of each fabric used to make a quilt, but once you paste the swatches to the paper, then you can't really feel them anymore and I didn't like that. I considered stapling each swatch, but didn't like that option either. The envelopes would be fantastic!

AStitchInTime

A quilt journal can be as simple or as complicated as you want,.

My mother kept a very detailed journal, but after she passed away, the one major piece of information missing for all her UFOs was, who the intended recipient was. I finished her quilts for her, and can only hope she would be happy with the choices I made to give her last quilts to.

Sync

I use a computer program called Quilt Album to document all my quilts. http://www.quiltalbum.com/ It has has an area for pictures, You can document start year and finish year, quilt recipient, quilt size, maker's name, quilt top method of construction, quilting method, batting type and an area for notes.

Pagzz

I use a blog.