Record keeping on your quilt

[Karen M.]

What kind of information should be written down as you are making a quilt (from start to finish) that you might want to enter into a quilt show or to be judged?
Fabric name and details, thread used, hours spent, design process,...any of these apply?
This curious lady would like to know what has been done and how!
Karen :? :? :?: :?:

[Teri L.]

My friend Mary Anne has started giving all of the information about the quilt from the size & thread used to the design inspiration behind it. Her labels are often 8 1/2 x 11. She will make the label prior to quilting then attach it for quilting.
Two things...this helps her when she gives talks to refresh her memory about a quilt and down the line the entire story will be there. More information is always better.

Teri

[Teri L.]

[color=darkred]I have been keeping a binder with current quilts that I am working on. It has basic needle, thread, tension, date started, who its for, pattern and if from a magazine, a picture and templates. Also a fabric swatch page of how much and where I bought it. THis way if I have a deadline on another project, I won't forget where Im at. Then when its done, I have finished date, notes on problems along the way and what I did to fix it. Then I also have all the information for the label. Oh I also take a final picture and move all the information into my quilt diary binder. color]

[Karen M.]

Thank you ladies for the information. I have been thinking that this was a good process and habit to get into, but wasn't sure if there are specific items that were a must to keep a record of as I go along. I was pretty sure the more info the better and you both confirmed it. Thanks
Karen

[Karen M.]

Good info to include on the label (and in your notes) is what batting you used and the washing instructions for the quilt. Comes as standard on all clothing, but people generally don't think of putting it on the quilt label.

[Karen M.]

I keep a binder with a photo of the finished piece and one close up photo. In addition to what others posted, I also note the needle size, thread, stitch length, and other machine settings. I put each page in a page protector so I can also store receipts and fabric samples. I like to cut off and store the fabric manufacturer's color registration on the selvage that shows who made the fabric. I will also keep a small sample of stitching or other techniques if they are not common. I include in my binder a short paragraph of why I made the quilt and what inspired me during the design process. Sometimes it's fun to go back and look at all the work you've accomplished over the years or refresh your memory on who you actually did something.