How to Keep a Quilting Journal

A simple diary serves as a record of your past, present, and future quilts and organizes planning material in a central place. When the time comes to tackle a new project, you won't waste time deciding what to work on next.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric Samples
• Binders
• Folders
• Notebooks
• Pencil Cases
• Pencils Or Pens
• Cameras
• Film

Instructions

1. Select a notebook, binder, or folder with pockets in the inside cover.

2. Save photos of interesting quilts from magazines or newspapers.

3. Jot down descriptions or sketches of favorite quilts you see or ideas for original designs.

4. Save quilt patterns you like or note names of pattern books, including page numbers for reference.

5. Add your impressions about each quilt.

6. Create a prioritized list of the quilts you want to make.

7. Record details of fabrics purchased, time spent working, expenses, particular techniques used, problems overcome, dates quilts were started and finished, and other pertinent information.

Tips & Warnings

• Your record of expenses and time spent quilting will help you calculate prices if you are making quilts to sell.

• The history behind each project can become a valuable family record.

• If you sell or give away your quilts as gifts, keep a photograph of each one in your journal.

• Keep sample fabric swatches in a clear plastic pencil case snapped into your binder.