In it, I try to record all my sewing projects, noting the date when I started, any changes I made, any mistakes and any general notes about the pattern (in scrawly handwriting).
I also cut a piece of the fabric and staple it to the page.
Maybe one day I will look back at my projects and remember each item by looking at the swatch of fabric. Or maybe, in a really long time, someone else will look at the book and work out what I've made by looking at the fabric and researching the patterns. I know I'd love to find something like this, and work out what somebody has made in the past.
Do you keep a record of your sewing projects?
K x
I keep a constant sketch book going for my sewing, full of designs, inspiration from fashion mags, write-ups of projects etc... I find it really helpful, plus it's great to look back at the beginning and see how you've progressed!
ReplyDeleteI haven't sewn any garments yet, but this seems like a really great idea! Even for my knitting projects, this could be really useful...
ReplyDeleteThat is such a good idea -- I should totally start doing that.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteOoh i used to do it and have fallen out of it - must get back to it because it is a great record to keep and is a fantastic place to jot down ideas and inspiration as it strikes. Plus you always think you'll remember what you tweaked in a pattern but i find two projects on and I've forgotten it all unless I've written it somewhere... will defo get back to it... thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same, I always think I'll remember, then never do!
DeleteThat is a really good idea. Usually I just chuck the pattern pieces of a project into a clear plastic envelope and put a note in where I mark all the changes, what size I cut, a little sketch of the garment plus a piece of the fabric I made it in. This is similar to your sewing book, only the pages stay with each pattern. For a while I was also keeping a sewing ideas sketch book, but I haven't updated it in ages. Should really get back to that.
ReplyDeleteGreat reason to buy a beautiful new notebook too!
ReplyDeleteExactly! :-)
DeleteNot as such. I do keep notes to help me through the project (and, potentially, to reconsider if I make it again). I also blog in some depth about a lot of my projects. I think of that as an online diary.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I should keep better track of changes I've made to patterns.
ReplyDeleteGosh, why aren't I doing that? I usually clip a piece of fabric and throw it in the ziploc bag I keep each pattern in (labeled, so I know where to put my pattern and pieces back into) but for notes I might write something on the envelope, but I usually don't, and in fact I just made a different version of one shirt that didn't work at all then, and since I didn't take notes or change anything, lo and behold, doesn't work for me now!
ReplyDeleteOk, time to hunt up a blank book!
I sometimes take a couple of crappy notes on a post-it and put it with the pattern, which is far from ideal. I really need to start doing this, because sometimes I want to return to the same pattern and have long-since forgotten what changes I made. Thanks for the inspiration to keep better track of things!
ReplyDeleteI do the same too! I don't always include swatches, but i do try to remember. I also use it to plan (vaguely) upcoming projects. I find it really useful for remembering all the tweaks and adjustments i make as I go along.
ReplyDeleteOoh I would never have thought to do this, loving it! Seems like a good idea if you're using a slightly off fitting pattern again... :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think it's a great idea! I keep notes especially on all fitting changes I've made. I hope that the notes I make give me insights on what my "usual" fitting changes are, and my preferred amount of ease etc. It's a good way to learn!
ReplyDeleteI keep a sketchbook, but only of plans. Never am I able to keep up with my current makes, unless it is knitting (the much slower pace of knitting makes it easier, but the notes are still messy!)... I like the idea of a sewing journal, would be really fun to look back on your progress!
ReplyDeleteoh what a fab idea, i need to get to that ASAP!!
ReplyDeleteI do this exact thing!
ReplyDeleteI keep a sort of knitting diary, where I write out patterns and idiot-code for myself. I've found it to be really useful if I'm re-visiting a pattern, as I can just look up my comments and stuff.
ReplyDeleteI do a very similiar thing- I put the used patterns in a plastic sheet with a cardstock insert telling when I've used it, how, any issues and a swatch attached. I have the worst handwriting- so the little notes by the pattern qwork better for me.
ReplyDeletei do, I don't show it very often ( i think only on my valentines dress) and its one of my favourite tools to improve on my skills
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea! This is something I will have to start doing.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I can only dream that one day I will come across some lady from the past's sewing diary! Swoon! xx
Yes I do, it's called the internet. XD
ReplyDeleteHi, I was mid perusal of your (pretty damn impressive) sewing projects and this post caught my eye. I also keep a type of sewing journal (it's full of scribbles, poor attempts at sizing calculations and even poorer sketches of what I want the finished item to look like), I would end up with a million scribbled post it notes otherwise. What I find odd is that I use the exact sketch pad that you are using! Small world!
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence! Mine is absolutely bulging at the seams now, with lots of fabric scraps I keep meaning to staple in
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