When I was making square dance outfits, I started a little system with index cards. I’d sketch a design and staple swatches to the card. If using a pattern, I wrote the pattern number for the bodice, another for the sleeves, Many of the sketches were color penciled. I kept them in a typical card file box.
This habit carried over to quilting, sort of. Now, I carry a couple of small photo albums instead of a card file, into which I put cards of swatches. When shopping, my reaction is, “Ooh, that would be perfect for so and so.” That “perfect” fabric, probably the focal, is placed on the card, with so and so’s name on it. On future trips, I match other colors, gathering sale fabrics - having no idea how they’ll be used, just that they have a pleasing look. When so and so’s card fills up, or on those ‘don’t feel much like sewing’ days, I begin studying my block libraries. (Books and downloads) I find blocks/block combinations which will work well with the fabrics, print them out or scan them, scan the swatch card, and put it all into a sheet protector in a binder. I keep the original swatches in the photo album. I then assemble the selected stash of fabrics together in a ready zone.
When time to start a new project, I go the fabric and say, “now that’s for so and so, but what the heck was I going to do with it?” I look at the binder, and muse, “What was I thinking???” I toy around with the original idea on the EQ6, tweaking, design modifications or even complete changes. At least all of the fabrics (usually) are on hand to begin the project. Then it’s print, cut, sew.
The reverse is true too. An inspiration quilt, just waiting to find the right fabrics - A mini copy taped into the note book I carry around.
Part of my shopping “system” is my backpack. The big compartment is filled with my tote bags. The next larger one is for the photo albums, scissors, mirrors, color wheel, calculator, peep hole, magnifying glass, a small stapler and refill staples, a pen, and a small note book of wish lists. The smaller outside pocket is used for the discount coupons and a snack bar or crackers. (The drinks are in the cooler in the car.) The back pack goes everywhere with me. I just never know when I’m going to find a deal. When on a shop hop, I cut swatches between stores and add them to the albums, in no particular order. I gave up on trying to keep track of the yardage next to the swatches.
OC? Oh yeah.