If you sew you probably have bits of notes and scribbled text written in various places.
You know – that measurement on the pattern sheet there, and that fabric content or yardage on the envelope over there. Could even be a sticky note attached to a pattern piece to help you remember a change you did on it (we just hope it doesn’t fall off).
But I believe gathering these bits onto one page or one sheet (or a few pages, let’s be honest….) can be a life saver in the future. I’ll tell you why.
First, I don’t write project sheets for my modern clothes. Because, why? I’m wearing them more often than my historical costumes. And if I didn’t like how the pattern turned out I’ll not use it again. No need for notes.
But with those intricate, 90+ hour ensembles… yeah, it’s nice to have a few notes organized in one spot. (The photo below shows the hours I put in and on what tasks of a certain project.)
Sometimes the project will start on paper. Other times, I’m half way through the pattern alterations before I remember and force myself to stop and write out a few details. Ack!
(I’m a very organized person so some of this may seem overkill…. Stay with me.)
I start with a name or garment date at the top. Since about 2008 I’ve been naming my costumes. It’s very helpful when talking about various projects I’ve done or planning future ones.
So in 2015 I have one coming up that’ll be my “1890s shop dress” and until it gets a decorative name (like 1898 Blueberry Muffin – hey! That’s a good one!), then I’ll continue to call it my 1890s shop dress.
Under that I list fabrics used (or to be used). I list the content & width and sometimes staple in a swatch if it’s special fabric. Then I’ll list the patterns used – or pieces of patterns used because sometimes it’s a sleeve from one pattern or it starts with the bodice from another. I like to re-use my fitted patterns as much as I can!
Then come all the little morsels of construction notes….
When you’re doing piping on EVERYTHING it helps to write down the measures of each seam as you take them > stuff like this is incredibly helpful when you go to cut and sew.
I’ll write the order of putting a skirt together if it’s new. I’ll include items like how long my skirt placket was cut or my determined cuff width size.
You know when you’re standing in the mirror testing lace collars or trim placement? You find one that’s best then the whole mockup goes into the corner for a couple days (or weeks…). I’ll write that decision on my journal page so I don’t lose it later when I pick up the trim and can’t remember which one I’d decided on.
I’ll calculate width of bias to cut for my piped facing and onto the paper it goes… along with fitting notes and pattern pieces to cut and which fabrics to cut which pattern pieces from. I try to include as much as I can.
But I don’t always…..
You know how it goes.
But I’ll tell you THE most important information that goes onto my costume journal sheets is written in the upper right hand corner.
It’s my (corseted) waist size when I made the costume along with the selected undergarments worn under it.
Can I just tell you how this has changed my life?! OMG! Like, if I want to wear an older costume that hasn’t seen the light of day in a couple years, how would I know it still fits?
It’s all in that little corner of the page. I grab my trusty binder of journal pages and look. In addition, all my projects are not just named, but the month/season and year of construction is written at the top too. I place the most recent project pages on top and keep them chronologically to make it easier to look for that all-important waist size.
So as we start this new creative year, consider writing even a 1 page summary about your next project. Think about it. Make it a habit when you start something new. I tell you – they are ever so helpful and quite the piece to reminisce about! Hehe
I will start a journal binder for my sewing notes. Very informative.
I just might try this if even for the simple fact that I enjoy journaling. Yes, just what I need yet another binder of information, LOL.
A journal page with important measurements (like the waist size) would be very helpful, if one were to decide to sell or give away an item.
I just started one again. I started one before but with what I should do instead of what I just did. I love how yours is so detailed and not so perfect. I love the scribbles and the cross outs, etc.
; )
Erika
When I started a large project I found if I kept a file with all the information in it, it was handy when I needed to reference something. Everything blossomed from there. I now keep a file for each project. It keeps me from having too many projects going at one time, and if I get a good paying customer I can easily come back to my personal project and know where I was. This also helps when 5 years down the road someone says “make me your 1870’s Blackberry ruffle royal” I know what pattern I used and how it was altered to make the dress they want. I also have the fabric and where I got it from all in one place. This is also helpful when someone asked me to price out what one of my art pieces (ie big projects) would cost retail. By having all that information handy, they can understand the breakdown of why a 1880’s ball gown with all the underpinnings equals 2-3 times their house payment.
How do you organize all your sewing stuff? You are so organized, I admire you 🙂 I’d like to emulate your systems as well as your amazing historical wardrobe!
Thanks Holly. You can read (and see pics) of some of my stuff here. I thrive on organization so it comes a bit naturally to me. 🙂
I really should go through my heaps of various sketchbooks and notepads and consolidate all my sewing notes into one place. Some serious digging might be required to find all the extra fitting notes I’ve left on both patterns and mock-ups. Actually no, the digging is in the sketchbooks, since I know I have more of them then I do finished costumes!
Also, if you are ditzy like me put a picture of you in the dress in there too. Sometimes this helps you “see” what it really needs or you can add next time or even some strange fitting problems.
I’ve done that on a few projects. It really helps keep the design at the forefront so you know where you’re going.
Thsnk you! Thank you! Thank you! I have been sort of doing this but never in a journal. Lots of catching up on previous projects but now all in one place? Thank you!
I really need to become more disciplined and do this. I can certainly see that taking a little time now to record important construction details and ideas will be worth the time later.
I have a sewing journal of a sort I started when I was working on my Ren Dress and it was great. Later this year when I get onto the 1880’s dress I’ll be using it again. Yeah, very helpful when you move back and forth between pieces of the outfit and you “put something aside”.
I have to ask, where did you find the color photo in the last picture of your journal you show? I have a black & white of it in a Victorian household book.
For the plate, you’ll find it listed in this post on my 1871 Harvest Grape Dress.