I have always jotted down ideas, kept inspirational images around, stored great color palettes but everything is usually all over the place. After Melissa @meliherboth presented her quilt journal, I was determined to consolidate and keep a better record for myself.

I suppose I kind of already do that here on this blog, but the journal offers me a tactile option, something physical. That truly appealed to me.

I use these sketchbooks, which have these great covers are designed by Sarah Watts. I love the blank pages and the thickness of the pages are perfect when adding the glue. Oh, yes I get to glue, play with layout and some drawing.

What do I put on the pages as a keepsake, you might ask? It really depends on what that particular quilt inspires me to include. I so like looking at the variation between quilts.

Some basic information I always include though:

• Name of quilt
• Finished Size of quilt
• Quilting description or if I send it off for quilting and by who
• Date it was finished (a complete finish)
• A collection of fabrics that went into the quilt
• Inspiration / Spark for the quilt

Variable information:

• If it is a block based quilt – I include measurements of the block so I can write it up or remake in future.
• Block layout or color layout options or various sizes.
• If it is improv. – what limits am I using, any key designs I have used and the inspiration for those designs.
  
• If new techniques – I add notes on what I have learned along the way (hand-stitching notes)
  
• Quilting design ideas
• Design changes along the way

Once the project is finished, I take Polaroids of quilt (using a Fujifilm Instax Camera). These I place in an envelope which is glued to the page…a finishing touch for the quilts.

I must say, I love the creative side of making the journal. A little like project work back in school.

How do you all keep track of your quilts? Do you journal? What do you add to the pages?

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