How To Create A Cross Stitch Journal

By: Joanne Jones
Submitted: 2008-09-10 17:07:03
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Have you ever forgotten what supplies and patterns that you already own?  Or how many projects are still waiting to be completed?  Do you want an easy way to keep track of all the projects you have already finished?  The solution is simple - create your own cross stitch journal.

Starting Your Own Journal

The best thing about creating your own journal is that it is totally customizable to fit your unique needs.  The most important criteria to remember when making your journal, is that it should be expandable, so that you can add and remove pages as time goes by.  You can make it as simple or complex as you want.  It can be a simple binder with a few sections separated by tabs or a portfolio bag that allows you to file away paper and to store supplies in pouches.

Another thing you will want to create is a smaller journal that can fit in your purse.  Always keep it up to date and close to your purse, so that when you go shopping, all you need to do is grab it and go.  The purpose of this portable journal is to keep a list of supplies that you already have and a list of supplies that you need to buy.  Then when you see a sale, you'll know exactly what to get.

Sections To Include In Your Journal

1) Completed Projects.  One of the sections in your journal should be to record your completed projects.  Start a new sheet of paper for each finished project.  On each sheet, you will want to paste a photo of the finished project, along with the date you completed it, who it was for, the pattern name and any modifications that you made to the pattern.

2) Started Projects.  You can record projects that you have started in another section.  Keep a running list, where you can add new projects to the bottom of the list.  You will want to record the name of the pattern, the status of the project and any notes you want to include, such as what supplies you still need to buy or changes you wish to make.  Examples of the status of the project could include things like, "waiting to be started", "working on it" or "last few things to do".  Once you complete a project, mark down the date of completion and then put a sticker or checkmark in the margin beside the completed project.  Before you put away your journal, remember to fill out a sheet for your newly completed project.

3) Inventory Lists.  As well, you should have a section that keeps track of your inventory.  You should start a new page for each type of supply.  For example, you would have one page for floss, one for patterns, one for cloth and so on.  For the floss, list the brand name, colour name and colour number.  For patterns, list the company who made the pattern, as well as the name of the pattern and a brief description of what the pattern looks like.  For each piece of cloth, list the type of cloth, the colour, the count number and the size.  Remember to take this list along with you when you go shopping for craft supplies, so that you won't end up having duplicates in your inventory.

4) Supplies Needed List.  Another must have section is a list of supplies you need for patterns that you have already bought.  List the pattern name and the supplies you still need to buy for it.  Bring it with you when you go shopping, so that you can take advantage whenever there is a sale.  Once you buy any new supplies, remember to update both your inventory list and your supplies needed list.

Feel free to create any other sections for your journal that you need or would like to have.  After all, it's your journal!

Article source: Expert Articles