Sewing Journal

Saralyn in Seattle

Hi, everyone!  I just wanted to share my 1998 resolution that turned out very well.  I've been sewing for many years (decades [!]), but when I started sewing for my daughter, all of a sudden I wanted a record of all my projects<g>.  My 1998 resolution was to start and keep up a sewing journal. I did, and it's really fun to look through now. It's not totally up to date, but at least there's a place to put the pictures when I get them. An extra bonus is that when I thought my sewing machine was dead and needed a new one, myDH didn't bat an eye. "You've got to have a sewing machine!" he said. I think he (and I) used to think I just collected fabric and stuff (which, admittedly, I do <g>), but with the journal, I was able to count and look at all my finished projects, and he could, too!  I averaged a little over 2 projects a month during 1998. It's a good motivator to me, and good evidence to him! 

Here's what I did:  I went to an office store and bought 4 x 6 cards in white and colors. I also bought 4 x 6 vinyl sleeves (like for business cards, only bigger)so I could attach a swatch and carry the card with me to the fabric store to match buttons or whatever. I haven't done it a lot, but it's very handy when I get organized enough to have it with me.  I had a 4 x 6 looseleaf photo album that a friend gave me. It has adecorated fabric cover. Each page has room for 8 4 x 6 photos, and folds in the middle.When I get photos developed, I always order 4 x 6's, and get double prints.That way, there's always an extra to put in my book.  So. . .For each project, I make a 4 x 6 card including the date, the pattern number, any changes I made--even small ones, like "add 1 inch to length"--and any other info I feel like adding. I've left a small (1" x1")space for fabric swatches on each card, but I haven't gotten that far yet<g>.  Then, I make sure I take a photo of the garment on the recipient (I still haven't gotten pics of my 11 YO nephew in those boxers I made him--LOL), and when it comes back, I pop a copy in the journal. To make it easy, I keep the 4 x 6 cards handy in my sewing room, and try to take the copies of the pics immediately into my sewing room so they're atleast closer to the journal. Eventually they make their way into the book.   This is a great project to start, and I've been really happy with the results.   It was fun to put together, and every time I look at it, I'm motivated to finish something else so I can have the picture in my book.  I also started listing new or unfinished projects on my 4 x 6 cards.  That way I can prioritize them easily (52 card pickup <BG>), and also have a list of any stuff I need to finish the project right on the card.  If you are looking for a way to commemorate your successes and motivate yourself,  I challenge you to resolve to create your own sewing journal.   There are a thousand ways to do it, just pick one and get started!