LLWinston44

I have a design wall (reverse plastic tablecloth) and once Ive figured out the dupinal setting, i pin a label on each piece. For example

1-1, 1-2, 1-3
2-1, 2-2, 2-3
3-1, 3-2, 3-3 etc...

Then i take them off as I go, but I leave the first one on until I start sewing rows.

Gramily

The best way is to take a photo of it. I do this every time because I have gotten the layout mixed up so many times.emily

stillvnu

I too use a flannel backed tablecloth ... I put command hooks in my hallway wall and binder clips on the tablecloth to hang it while I'm working on the quilt. When I'm done or company coming I can take down the tablecloth. Picture of layout is always a good idea. I tend to sew a little slower ... I take a couple blocks from different area of the quilt sew, press and put back ... repeat. I know it's slower but I don't have to waste time trying to put it back like it was.

Jingle

I lay blocks out on my bed and number the rows. I tear a bit of paper, put the row number on and attach w/a small safety pin. Then I sew the rows together. The numbers and pins stay until the top is done. As I age I must do things differently so I don't have to do so much ripping.

earthwalker

I cover all bases (confusion is my middle name somedays). Lay out on bed, take photo, pin on numbers, make a "mud map" on a bit of paper. If your computer is near your machine, you can also load up the photo and bring it up on screen to use as a reference when you are working.

CherryPie

Great ideas. Right now I don't have a good place to layout my design. Going to get a table cloth. I've got one wall in my sewing room that if I removed some things, I could put up my "design wall". I can get things all mixed up while I'm sewing so there are some really neat ideas about numbering, etc. Thanks for all the suggestions.

running1

I KNEW there would come a day when all those old calendars would come in handy!!! woo hooooo!!

I've loved reading ALL these posts... you guys are the best!!!

QuiltnLady1

I pretty much do all of the above -- and I have a nice design wall, but normally I start something without finishing what I have going so I lay a sheet (preferabley flannel) or extra piece of batting on the bed, transfer the blocks and then fold it up (normally I mark the first block in a row -- lately I have been using those little "clothes pins" that have a red side and a white side and write a row number on the end). Since I have several UFOs going, I pin a label on the "package" telling me the pattern and where to find the pattern. I tie it with long selvage strips that I tear off of the strips I use for binding.

Teddybear Lady

What a great idea. Who doesn't have old calendars laying around. I do because my mom thinks I might want the pictures. haha Now I know what to do with them.

Teddybear Lady

I usually use scraps of paper and pin to the individual blocks...example...Row 1 Block 1...etc.