Hi Friends,
Do you keep a binder or notebook of your embroidery?
I think it is a good idea to keep track of your stitching as it will be something you refer to from time-to-time and if you take good notes you will notice your work improve.
I keep a composition notebook next to my embroidery machine and here are a few things I always take note of. It is nothing fancy, just the standard black and white cover. I really should embroider a cover for that thing.
Each page lists a new project and I start with the title.
If it is a gift for someone I take note of that. If it is something wearable I also take note of the size such as the size of shirt and sometimes even where I purchased the clothing. The notebook makes a great reminder each Christmas and birthday so I don’t repeat items!
If it is a generic project I will take note of the fabric used and also write down the embroidery design as well as where the embroidery design came from. This comes in so handy when someone sees our work and says where did you get that flower or what font did you use? Um…I have hundreds of flowers and fonts so I need to keep them straight.
Next I write down what type of stabilizer and brand of stabilizer I use.
Sometimes I write down thread colors. I’m currently working on a set of Christmas stockings. I will do one and then it might be a month or two before I get to the next. I want the stockings to all coordinate so thread numbers to have the right shade of green are key here.
Finally, if there were any issues or happy moments in stitching it out I make a note. This might include a note that I want to try a different stabilizer the next time. Or the placement looks great by measuring down 5″ from the center of the shoulder on this size shirt. It can include anything I want to remember about this design.
Other things to add to the notebook could be a printout of the thread chart or a photograph of the finished project.
Another option is to use a binder. In the binder you can use dividers and have sections for projects you would like to do. You could tear out inspiration from magazines and stick it in the binder. Another section could be on the care of your machine. When it was last serviced, when was the needle last changed etc. One section could contain receipts from your sewing purchases if you need to keep them gathered together.
It’s surprising how you think you will remember certain specifics about a project but after you’ve stitched several designs, you tend to forget. Having an embroidery notebook comes in super handy. I’m just sayin’.
Do any of you use an embroidery notebook? What information do you keep in your notebook. I’d love to hear!
Blessings,
Nancy