Well i've done this for years using recipe cards. I'd cut a swatch of fabric and glue it to a card, and right the width and yardage. When I should other quilters they thought it looked like to much work. It really isn't if you do it every time you buy a piece of fabric. Just get in the habit of doing it. I could hear whispers behind my back when our instructor asked me to show my system to the class. Oh well it's not for everyone but it works for me!