About 8 years ago, I bought a 12x12" book from a scrapbooking seller, along with both blank and lined pages to go inside. My intention was to have a page or two per project: picture of finished quilt, dates, recipient, pattern origin, fabric swatches, etc. etc. etc. Just a nice record to look back fondly upon my past works.

8 Years Ago.

I feel like I would rather scrub a tile floor with a toothbrush than sit down to do this. I haven't even done one page! I detest the whole scrapbooking idea - don't get me wrong - I admire what others do in that creative area, but for me the whole idea of scrapbooking/journaling is such a chore. I just can't get motivated to do it. (It took me 14 years just to get our wedding pictures into a simple photo album! Pathetic, isn't it??)

I'd love to know what you do to keep record of your quilts. I need other ideas or some suggestions to motivate me into getting this started. Help!

i keep everything on computer.

i keep detailed records of the pattern i designed, how i designed it, what inspired the design, and how i put the quilt together. this is typically a corel or EQ file.

i also keep a record of how i dyed and painted the fabric. if the quilt started from one of my photos i have the original photo along with all the progressive CG manipulations.

i typically have a scan of the fabric (when hand dyed and painted) and a photo of the quilt.

then i have who purchased the quilt and how much they paid.

I have a journal.... but I simply write a few words about the quilt, things I learned while making it, mistakes I made, who it was for, and any story behind it. Then I print a picture, stick it on, and call it done! LOL

I like the idea of adding a small swatch of fabric, and writing down the details of fabrics used, etc.

I take a picture and post in on Facebook with a few sentences about the quilt :D

I have a "my projects" folder on the computer with sub-folders for each quilt. These contain pictures of the quilt, sometimes just at the end but sometimes as it is built. Then I have a spreadsheet of all my quilts with approximate date finished, dimensions, disposition, remarks on whether it has a label or hanging sleeve. I started out with a Word file with a few words about the quilt and a picture or two, but for me the spreadsheet works better because it reminds me to measure, label, etc. I suppose someday I might print things out, but for now the computer log works. (And yes, the computer gets backed up regularly.)

Like you, I had great intentions too. I bought a spiral bound book in the scrapbooking section of Michael's with blank pages. I was really good to start with and I wrote about my quilts, added pics and pieces of fabric. I wrote about what inspired me to make a particular quilt, why I picked the fabrics I did, who the quilt was made for, etc. That worked for about a year or so.

Since then I have not made the time to get back to my journal. Instead I have a list of quilts I finished, the size, and the date finished. I take pictures of my quilts and they are on my computer. It is my hope to someday take the time to go back and continue my quilt journal.

It is so fun to get out my journal and share it with friends and family. I need to bring it up to date.

Find a way to record your quilts that works for you. Keeping a record of your quilting is your legacy for future generations.

I do mine in the computer. I have pictures in one folder, and info in another. I put when I made it, what I named it, how large, whom I gave it to, lots of stuff. I got this from my mother, who also kept track of what she made. I do not have a lot of room so I have gotten rid of photo albums, of any kind. I have it all in the computer.

I made a Quilt Record document template. I then go in and fill the info about each quilt or project, add a pic, then print it off. I have a three ring binder with plastic sleeves to keep all the info from each project in.

I also made a binder with my to-do's.

I'm finding that most of the time people either quilt OR scrap. Usually not both. I myself am not a scrapper! I'd rather just use the computer.

I have a couple of quilt journals, but seem to have the same problem that you do.

well some people are so organized and detailed, I wish I was!! well currently I am taking pictures of finished projects( which are few) I plan to put thenm in a scrapbook, because I also scrapbook, but I am also VERY behind on that!! so since I don't have many things finished I still have time to decide how to do these things!! and how detailed I want to get. I personally want a journal or scrapbook but maybe the computer would be easier and faster for you. Good luck choosing!