Do you keep a quilting journal? I keep a few pages on my quilting projects in an all-purpose journal where I track my reading, favorite recipes, and inspirational ideas. It helps me focus on what I have going on and my aspirational goals.
This past year was a sad one for finishing projects. So many were set aside when my husband was ill. Honestly, I look at my calendar, and October, November, and half of December are practically empty because I couldn't plan anything, much less get anything done.
In terms of quilting, I do have another spiral notebook where I keep notes on various projects. It comes in very handy when I need to look up what background fabric I used for a quilt! You would not believe how many shades of solid white, off-white, ivory, cream, and ecru there are. It is also handy to keep notes if I change something up in a pattern or if there is an error in the instructions.
Keeping a journal helps me organize my thoughts, set and track goals, and improve my self-awareness. Journaling also enhances memory, boosts creativity, and strengthens writing abilities. Reflecting on past entries fosters pride in accomplishments and goals for self-improvement. Journaling also serves as a record of personal experiences, helping me learn from past challenges. Overall, I think it promotes a healthier, more reflective, and intentional way of living.
Besides, it is lovely to sit with a cup of tea and a cookie and write in a journal. You don't have to be a quilter to do that.
11 Responses
I am loving your frequent posts lately. I consider it hearing from a friend bright and early. Thanks!
Your posts are informative and I trust your suggestions for what gadgets (makeup,recipes…) are good. I’ve read quite a few of your book review books too.
I always love seeing your projects, house decorating, and of course Archie.
Thanks for being you!
Don’t berate yourself for what didn’t get done while your husband was ill!! If you made a list of all the things you had to DO over that journey, you would see a multitude of accomplishments!! All the appts, travels, managing the household repairs etc. Just not the tangible fabric ones!!
As always you’re thoughtful and inspiring. I do keep a scrapbook/google books/photographic record of finished needlework, be it quilts (and who the recipients were), cross stitch, hardanger, beading or needlepoint. I do not keep a record of fabrics or fibers used. Recording types of stitches would be more helpful in needlepoint. I had kept google docs of stitch patterns for a project, but I think I’ve deleted those on completion! I should maybe rethink that!
I have not journaled in general. I wish. My kids are the last generation and there will be no one to carry on a family story.
I used to keep a quilt journal where I would record my UFO’S, what stages they were in and heat needed to be done. It was fun to update it periodically and of course add new projects. I so enjoy hearing about your quilting, cooking and of course Archie 😁
You had a very trying time with Dennis’s illness – be gentle with yourself – you were caring for him, the house, adjusting to so many different things at that time.
I often journal – have found it’s a good way to work thru whatever is happening in life
I found I have too many started projects and purchased too many kits in the past year. I did purchase a journal to keep track of my projects and to provide some focus. I have yet to start writing in though I took it out last night and hope to get started today. Thanks for the post. Helped to give me some motivation to get going!
Ah– she JOURNALS! Another thing to love about Nicole. I am scrapbooking again this year– started when the kids were little, but now I am doing a monthly page with photos of my projects. I find keeping track of what is FINISHED, not what I want to accomplish– is a more joyful experience for me– lol.
40 HSTs down, 104 to go. Still undecided about trying to get two more blocks done for the project I have in mind. We shall see. xox
Your journal ideas are inspiring! I keep a very poorly tended list of UFOs and plans for quilts I’d like to make for gifts during the upcoming year, but yours is so much better by including the colors and fabrics you are using. I’ve never kept a diary, but I like your idea of including recipes you’ve tried and liked. Planning for each day would be much easier with your system, too!
Great post! I journaled for years, but haven’t kept one in awhile. When I was teaching the first morning activity for my students was journaling. They were First Graders & wrote whatever came to mind with no obligation to share unless they wanted to. It’s definitely a habit that’s never too soon or late to start!
I have a lot of UFOs. A few years ago I put each project on a file card and keep them in a recipe box. I put size colors and anything else I may want to know later. I have divider cards that are labeled current, gathering materials, on hold and finished. Each month I re-evaluate what I want to work on. If I have lost interest I put in in the hold section, or if I’ve finished I move to the finished section. I reshuffle my current cards and put them in order as to when I want to work on them. I also take the cards to the store when purchasing backing, batting etc.
Is kind of an answer? I try to. And I also started a blog to keep a photo of quilts made. But unfortunately, I don’t take enough time to note it all down. But I do like being able to look back on when was that quilt made again….
I need to use the term “kinda ” for journaling….I keep a notebook of pattern..Title, date started and finished and date quilted, cost, etc. I don’t note fabrics used or anything additional. Hopefully your blog entry will spur me on to add more info. I just had a 35 year old UFO quilted!!! A beautiful Lone Star.
Do you have a special type of journal you use for quilting or just an improvised scrapbook journal? I started listing my todos in a spiral notebook and found I am way more productive when I use it regularly. However, for my ufos I get overwhelmed just listing them 😳 maybe you can do a post on your journaling tips to stay organized?