I've often thought that I should keep track like you have. Once, when a bunch of us were musing about what we'd like to have on our dream machine, someone said,'A timer to keep track of how much time I spend on projects - not just 1, but several at a time!'

I discovered how valuable a diary -- or at least notes -- can be when you try to repeat something you've done, mostly by the seat of your pants, previously. I don't keep a quilt diary or even photos in any organized order, but because I almost never use a purchased pattern, I've been very glad when I've kept notes of measurements, etc. on a quilt I've made from working out my own pattern.

This is helpful. I never thought of doing this before and I will do this from now on. People ask me all the time to make something for them and I always turn them down because they can't afford me. :) This is such a wise idea. Thanks for sharing.

My husband does taxes, and he told me we cannot deduct anything for our time if we sell a quilt. We can only deduct things for which we have receipts. So I'm not surprised you got nothing. How many of us have receipts for our stash?

I've got it!!

Sewing machines need several 'trip odometers'!! ;0)

I do sell my quilts, but not many of them, because I price them below what they are "worth" but enough to make me happy. I always time my work for custom quilts - but that is after I have given a price for the completed project with materials and time estimated, and the price has been accepted. My quilts are scrappy and the scraps come out of my stash for a nominal amount. Borders, sashing, batting and backing are priced out before the price is figured. About 1.5x cost - at least I get to keep the scraps! Then, when the product is shipped, I include an invoice for the remaining amount to be paid- plus shipping costs, as I do insist on a 50% payment to start the project, and the diary of time spent in construction. No one has ever backed out of the purchase when they realize the steal they are getting on the labor.
I do truly love to quilt - it keeps me out of trouble and grounds me. I make beautiful things that I don't have room for in my house. I'm challenged to create something that someone wants and stretch my skills, and learn new things. Those are the reasons I'm comfortable not getting what they are worth on the "real" market. But as I said, it makes me happy.

Thanks for the info. I sometimes think I will try to keep a journal of all the time and expenses of making a quilt but have never done it. Will forget to record time every time I start. It's amazing to see the amount of time it takes!

I am making a Dear Jane quilt and - whilst I haven't worked out exactly hours and costs - I have kept a diary. I started my DJ journey in 2007 - and have done lots of other projects in between - Every time I complete a block I write down the name of the block, the date, what colour fabrics used and keep a running total of how many tiny pieces of fabric used in that block. I.E in block C7 I used 57 pieces - yes fifty seven - and the blocks are 5" unfinshed.
My DH then takes a photo and updates it onto my design wall - link attached here at the bottom ---- and if you'd care to have a look you can click on any block and it will enlarge it- I hope my daughters will look at this in years to come.

I wonder if this would work for insurance purposes if the quilt was ever lost or stolen??

Those quiet moments are just as important - I think - as quilting. We have to refresh ourselves and I can't think of a better way to do it than what you do. Enjoy!!