Beth asked how do I journal my needlework?
I started journalling a while ago so that I would have a record of what I've stitched, when I stitched it, what threads I used, who it was for, etc.
I decided that as I finish each project, I'll write up the journal entry before finishing or sending it off to a finisher. Then I would just need to add pictures of the finished project to complete the journal entry.
I also decided that I'm going to journal the projects that I've already completed or at least those I still have as I've given away many Works of Art (WOAs) over the years. LOL!!!
I take different pictures while I'm stitching and I only load up a couple to the blog. The rest I save for the journal entries. Since these are for my own use, these pictures include closeups with a lot more detail.
For those WOA's that I've already finished that I still have, I'm working on taking pictures and writing up journal entries.
For those who might be interested in what information I include in my journal entries, I've included a sample journal entry below. Please note that this is formated much nicer in my actual journal entries. :-)
Please let me know if you are journaling and what information you include in your journal entries.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Update:
Once the journal entries are completed (these are typed in Word), they are printed off with the pictures and placed in a journal. So not only do I have the printed copy, we also have the electronic copy.
I've found that it's easier to journal if I'm creating the journal entry electronically as opposed to creating it the entry by writing it in a journal. Please note that these are journal entries, not scrapbooking entries as I feel that the pictures are all of the embellishment that is needed. Though I might get creative with the paper or with borders! :-)
I'm also helping my daughter with journaling her projects, especially as she has only stitched and finished a few so it will be easier to catch up with hers! LOL!!!
“Title of Project”
Designer
Stitched By:     Your Name
 
Designer:        Designers Name
 
Gift:            Yes or No
 
Class Project:   Yes or No
 
Purchased:       Name of Store.
  From
 
Kitted:          Yes or No
  Project
 
If Kitted:       Yes or No
  Did the kit include canvas and threads?
 
Cost:            $?.??
 
Started:         Date or approximate date.
  Stitching
 
Completed:       Date or approximate date.
  Stitching
 
Professional:    Yes or No
  Finisher       If professionally finished, 
                 add in name of finisher or store 
                 through which finishing was done. 
                 If finished by me, add in 
                 finishing details. 
 
Finishing:       Date and any finishing details.
  Date
 
Finished:        This project was finished as a … 
  Details        It’s about ??“ tall by ?? wide.
                 Add in additional finishing 
                 details. 
 
Finishing:       $?.??
  Cost
 
Threads:         Thread List
                 Thread
                 Thread 
 
Stitches:        Areas – with stitches and threads.
                 Next area.
                 Next area.
                 If using a stitch guide, note any 
                 changes from the stitch guide.
 
Description:     Add in a description of the 
                 project and any fun details such 
                 as why it was stitched, how long 
                 it took, any problems with 
                 threads or stitches, who it was 
                 for, and why I had it finished 
                 the way I did. 
 
                 Add in progress and finished 
                 photos with the description.
 
Journal Entry:   Written on Month Day, Year.
  Date
 
8 comments:
Hats off to you for doing all the journaling! Some day someone is going to cherish those records!
I agree with Pat, it's a remarkable way to share the provenance of your work. I think about keeping a needlework journal, but it seems to slip my mind; heaven knows that I have several blank journals laying around that were purchased with such good intentions. I think I have the date written in one! :)
I have heard of others that actually keep track of the number of hours stitched.
Thanks for sharing your journal outline. Madonna
I keep a journal in a word doc.
Info I keep are the
Title of the chart
Designer
Date started
Date ended
Stitched for
Fabric, Thread & Supply info (sometimes $$)
Project notes
When Im done I add a picture to the entry (so I remember what it looked like)
The picture really helps as Ive had a couple charts with the same name but were very different.
I started my journal in 2008 and did what you did and added previous charts and info where I could remember. The blog helps :o)
I started keeping a history of my stitching a couple of years ago. It is just on the computer and whenever I start a new project I put the name and the date started and then add the date finished when that eventually happens but I do not have pictures or any other details with it.
Thanks for this description of your journaling. I keep meaning to do this, but never quite do it!
Thanks for posting this. I try to keep a record of what I've stitched, but nothing as detailed as you do. I think I will add how much the piece costs for future reference. Happy stitching.
Excellent idea! I saw Janet Perry's review of this post, and I agree with every word she said! I just put links on my blog to this post and Janet's. Hope they bring you a few extra visitors.
Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com
Thank you for sharing. I have done some of what you have but I like you idea of taking pictures along the way and whether or not certain stitches worked out. Great ideas and organization. Mary Lou MI
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