The Sewing Place

The Emporia => In the wardrobe => Topic started by: Sewbee on November 24, 2017, 09:55:38 AM

Title: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Sewbee on November 24, 2017, 09:55:38 AM
Maybe it's because I browse patterns and fabrics on an iPad while sitting on the sofa but i am having trouble keeping track of the patterns I find that I would like to make, how much fabric they take, and the fabrics themselves. I've found patterns over a number of websites - mostly indie - and fabrics from a number of different sites. My mind is a jumble when it comes to keeping track of it all! I have link icons on my desktop - lots of them, intermingled with ones for duvets and bed linens!

Of course, this is the first year in the UK where I've actually been at a point that I can sew - not having sewn for 10+ years! I'm getting familiar with new stores/sites that I hadn't heard of before so that confusion is probably adding to the mix.

I downloaded Evernote which is quite good but you reach the free monthly memory max FAST and I refuse to take out monthly subscription.

How do you all keep track of what you want to sew, whether it's garments or quilts? Maybe I just need a notebook to keep track of the pattern number, amount of fabric and type of fabric that I can take with me when I go shopping. Or, keep it in Notes on my phone, but that means moving it over from my iPad to iPhone and I don't sync between the two.

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: b15erk on November 24, 2017, 10:06:28 AM
I've tried Evernote and Pinterest, but rapidly lost interest.  I have a couple of notebooks in my sewing room where I jot down measurements, pattern number etc. 

Mainly though, I keep my ideas in my head, which is full of useless stuff!

Jessie
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Ohsewsimple on November 24, 2017, 10:16:36 AM
Keep track of sewing plans??   I don't really have any.   0_0.
I do use Pinterest and have different sections for garment ideas and inspiration and pattern cutting.
Fabrics I like I tend to bookmark on my iPad which carries over to my iMac as well. 
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Ploshkin on November 24, 2017, 10:33:32 AM
I hate Pinterest with a vengeance  :S but do have stuff saved on there that I can browse through for inspiration.  I also have bookmarked pages in various folders.  Mostly though it's good old pencil and paper.  I have an A4 book which gets all sorts (all sewing) stuff scribbled in it e.g.  pattern numbers that I might buy, notes on alterations when I make something, doodles for quilt layouts, all my measurements listed inside the front cover and amounts of fabric needed for various types of garments.  It's chaotic but I can find what I'm looking for eventually and, while looking, come across other things I had forgotten about.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Lowena on November 24, 2017, 10:35:46 AM
I love putting things on Pinterest... and then forget ever to look at them again  :D
Notebook and pencil for me  :)
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Sewbee on November 24, 2017, 10:42:25 AM
I think it'll be a notebook for me, too! At least that way I can track it all and it's portable.

I think I get confused because it's all new to me - again! It's like starting from scratch - and the overlap between inches/centimetres confuses the matter.

I agree with the comment about adding to Pinterest and then forgetting to look at it again.

My iPad must have 1,000 links in Favorites. I need to get rid of them all and just keep the sewing folder.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: b15erk on November 24, 2017, 10:47:06 AM
I think the very act of adding something to Pinterest or Evernote seems to re-inforce my memory, because I rarely go back to see what is in my Pinterest or Evernote files.

At least with pen and paper you only have one place to look!

Jessie
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Francesca on November 24, 2017, 10:48:02 AM
I keep a stack of about 4 or 5 fabrics on a chair next to the cutting table so I can "work through" them one by one.

Then I ignore the pile and do whatever I fancy.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Sewbee on November 24, 2017, 11:02:34 AM
I keep a stack of about 4 or 5 fabrics on a chair next to the cutting table so I can "work through" them one by one.

Then I ignore the pile and do whatever I fancy.

Love it, Fran!  :D that's a good way to acquire a stash which I badly need!!!! ;)

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Lowena on November 24, 2017, 11:08:25 AM
No one needs a stash  :devil:.... decide on a project and just do it  :angel:
Mind you......... I think my sage advice falls on deaf ears in TSP  :D :D
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Sewbee on November 24, 2017, 11:12:43 AM
No one needs a stash  :devil:.... decide on a project and just do it  :angel:
Mind you......... I think my sage advice falls on deaf ears in TSP  :D :D

I actually agree, Lowena, but I think I'd like to have two or three projects waiting for me but that's enough. I'd just hate to finish a project and have no fabric on hand to begin another.

I've seen photos of ROOMS full of fabric and I think that's silly IMHO.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Sewingsue on November 24, 2017, 12:00:40 PM
I actually agree, Lowena, but I think I'd like to have two or three projects waiting for me but that's enough. I'd just hate to finish a project and have no fabric on hand to begin another.

I've seen photos of ROOMS full of fabric and I think that's silly IMHO.
I remember seeing a pic of a sewing room in the USA which looked more like a quilt shop with shelves of fabric.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Francesca on November 24, 2017, 12:05:34 PM
I remember seeing a pic of a sewing room in the USA which looked more like a quilt shop with shelves of fabric.

That picture made me shudder. It's a sign of my sewing future!

I have slowed down my fabric buying a lot and sold some bits so that's good.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Tamnymore on November 24, 2017, 12:13:19 PM
It's mostly in my head - along with all the other rubbish! Every so often I'll update an Excel spreadsheet with a new fabric or will delete one I've used. If you've lived in the same house for a while and you are knocking on a bit (like moi) then it's difficult not to acquire a bit of a stash (ahem - I hope that's not a photo of my sewing room or, rather, sewing eyrie, you are talking about). This is not helped by eBay and online temptations. It's definitely a good idea to have some stash but not overdo it. Working on the time honoured principle here of 'do as I say' not 'do as I do'.  :devil:
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: fajita on November 24, 2017, 12:26:52 PM
I don't really have 'plans' to keep track of.  I like to make definite ideas immediately. Other stuff as and when.

 I have three recent patterns, one I made up with my daisy viscose fabric. The other two will sit and wait til I'm in the mood.

I have a collection of patchwork/quilting fabrics, but dressmaking fabrics I buy on a need/buy/use basis.
Therefore no need for notes.

Yesterday I made an apron for a friend at work. She asked in the week. I made on my day off.
Then I did the November BOM - which I have been trying to start since the beginning of the month, but kept getting put back.

In my head I have various 'ideas' I want to do. More dolls,, dragons, Mr. Finch type animals,  a fancy glittery frock for the dressmakers dummy to keep her looking glam between makes. A baby quilt for a baby due in December. But nothing that needs plans.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Holly Berry on November 24, 2017, 13:29:02 PM
I do have a stash of fabrics and patterns, but only for dressmaking. I love fabrics. Dressmaking is my passion and whilst I enjoy P&Q it is a pastime and a nice to do. I like to make blocks, never make quilts, so instead convert the blocks to bags, machine cover etc.

There is a dirth of quality dressmaking fabric locally and therefore I have to travel to London and so I buy for several projects at a time. Unfortunately life gets in the way, so a stash starts to take shape. Locally though there are a couple of places to buy quality patchwork fabric, so I can buy on a need basis.

When I buy dressmaking fabric I cut a small swatch and stick in a lever arch file, with fabric composition and amount, never price, I don’t need a reminder of how much I’ve spent  ;)
When I’ve made it up I record which pattern I’ve used. My sewing group from time to time has a fabric swap so I get rid of some then.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: toileandtrouble on November 24, 2017, 14:21:19 PM
The advantage of a notebook is that you can take it in your bag and if you find your ideal fabric, you know what you need.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Samantha on November 24, 2017, 14:22:45 PM
I have a bit of a fabric stash and a collection of patterns (mostly free ones from magazines and charity shop purchases). Usually if I am making something for a specific occasion then I won't have what I need (how fortunate!!) so I'll buy for that project. The rest of the time I'll have a look through my stash and find a pattern to go with it.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: UttaRetch on November 24, 2017, 15:50:25 PM
I have a small collection of patterns and a mini fabric stash, so it's for me to just open the cupboard and have a look. :D  I have a folder on my desktop called 'out of print patterns'.  How about setting up a folder for patterns that interest you and post a picture of the pattern sleeve there.  You can always refer to the fabric requirements from a quick search.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Lollipop on November 24, 2017, 21:59:46 PM
I keep photos for inspiration on my laptop, my patterns are stored in boxes depending on what they are for eg Ballet tutus, skating dresses, tunics and probably a few of assorted crap! I do have a stash stored in an Ikea wardrobe with shelves and drawers for tutu net, lycra and loads of trim. I tell myself that it is to help my customers but truth be told I am a magpie!!
As for notes and measurements I use notebooks and pencil
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Bowerbird on November 26, 2017, 04:13:14 AM
You're supposed to have a plan?
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: maliw on November 26, 2017, 08:37:39 AM
Mine's a pile of fabric on the floor under the cutting table and another pile of patterns. then I have Iminei's brain  for P&Q for BOM, the rest I just make up as I go along. Yes I have a stash - enough said on that matter :|
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Sewbee on November 26, 2017, 08:48:08 AM
I have a small collection of patterns and a mini fabric stash, so it's for me to just open the cupboard and have a look. :D  I have a folder on my desktop called 'out of print patterns'.  How about setting up a folder for patterns that interest you and post a picture of the pattern sleeve there.  You can always refer to the fabric requirements from a quick search.

I think the problem is I use an iPad which makes it a bit more difficult. I have two computers but one is a desktop and the other is an old 17 inch MacBook Pro which is quite heavy for my lap. I keep it because it's portable and has a big screen which I need to edit videos - also the reason for the 27 inch iMac.

It's a lot easier to use a computer for organisation. You've given me food for thought, though. I could save images in the photos folder on my iPad instead of saving links on my desktop. I've been doing links up until now and have put them in a folder but when you have quite a few you can't tell which is which. Images might be the answer :)
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Lyn-J on November 26, 2017, 12:04:50 PM
I store all my plans neatly and tidily in my brain - never to be seen again.
I don't make plans as I will change my mind, Sometimes I make very rough sketches on a piece of paper (think: fashion drawings done by a 3 year old) but that's as far as it gets. I have been known to take photos of my stash, that can be quite helpful, but I don't like evidence being around.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Roger on November 26, 2017, 23:48:45 PM
I tend to excel my projects and fabrics... currently I know my projects list exceeds my free time considerably so no more fabric or projects at the moment until I finish some :)
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: elephun on November 27, 2017, 05:46:14 AM
I keep track of the fabrics and patterns that I have on Pinterest boards. It makes it easy for me to look up/at what I've already got and match them up for projects. Sometimes I'll create a Pinterest board for a project, or a capsule wardrobe, including inspiration garments, pattern possibilities, fabric choices, etc. I plan lots of projects, but don't actually sew so many. It's fun and easy to see everything together on a Pinterest board, and just as easy to clean it up (delete!)
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Efemera on November 27, 2017, 09:21:30 AM
Plan?... what’s that.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: jen on November 27, 2017, 13:01:28 PM
Pretty much what Fran said. I've wasted hours cataloguing, filing, storing, pinning, favouriting. It never actually leads to finished work. Things get made either because I look at a piece of fabric and think 'What can this be' or because something needs to be made and I've rummaged through stash and found a suitable length.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on November 27, 2017, 13:27:11 PM
I'm another one that's a tad puzzled by the word "plan".  I either need to make something to wear now, see a pattern and need to buy and make it now, or see fabric and need to buy and make it now  0_0 0_0
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Silver Rose on November 27, 2017, 14:59:55 PM
I have a special little sewing notebook which I always have in my bag or near to hand at home and jot down anything that I need to buy or for just looking for in the shops or internet. I always note down my purchases of fabric (with a brief description), patterns and habby stuff and at which shop although I mostly go to Anglian Fashion Fabrics in Norwich and am beginning to notice that even the price of thread and zips can differ from shop to shop.
By the way I'm on my second notebook in 5 years.  I keep photos of my best makes on my laptop and have been known to photgraph any fabric purchases on my phone while on the train home! Pattern storage is getting to be a problem now.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Roger on November 28, 2017, 00:12:43 AM
I mostly go to Anglian Fashion Fabrics in Norwich

I go there a lot for a good look around and I love the Magdalen Street area for the vintage shops too!
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: lakaribane on November 30, 2017, 15:18:38 PM
I don't really make plans, as such. Or very rarely.

Whenever a new Burdastyle comes out or the Big4 seasonal collections, I download the images to print out OR Pin them. (I also maintain Pinterest boards exclusively of Petite patterns as my Bonne Action of the year, for my  brethren).

Fabric stash has been out of control this year but it was a very stressfull and sad 2017 for me. I have 3-ring binder with small swatches of all my fabric with the pertinent info.

I need to decide on a system for my Big4 and PDF patterns. I'd started lists of both but I think I need to make another binder with images. Electricity is a problem in my country so offline options are necessary.

Sometimes these various lists meet in the middle but not often. I then either make a note in my Sewing Notebook (full of disparate info), print out the pattern image and anotate (taped to the wall above my machine), or pull out the actual pattern and fabric.

Yes, chaotic is a good descriptor.  :P
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Vegegrow on November 30, 2017, 16:24:05 PM
No Plans and I'm very good at changing my mind when I 'm about to cut... I usually see a fabric and think top.. buy my length plus the length of my sleeves and it goes into stash the only time I buy with a pattern is if its for someone else... this is not a good system and I do forget what's in stash... :S
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Acorn on November 30, 2017, 16:36:01 PM
I hope 2018 is a better year for you lakaribane.   :)

I'm feeling a new year's resolution coming on...

My stash is mostly hanging on a freestanding clothes rail, using skirt hangers with clips, so I can see most of it.  My patterns are mostly pdfs, so are in a folder on my computers.

I'm thinking about a notebook (I have a few nice unused ones) with each page having a snippet of fabric, details of its composition (although I rarely buy anything that isn't at least mostly cotton) and suggested patterns.

I have a large stash, because fabric shops are few, small, and far between around here and I buy stuff when I see it.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Gernella on December 01, 2017, 11:58:43 AM
For the first time this year I have done a List to keep track of what I've bought and what I intend to make, only this time I've used MS Onenote, then I can tick off when done.  I can also mark down what I need to replace.

Patterns, four stuffed trays, maybe a bit or organisation:  Tray 1, used and will never use again Tray 2, used but may use again, Tray 3 bought but not sure and Tray 3, using over and over again.

Older fabric, not that much  so I can more or less keep that in my head.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: lakaribane on December 01, 2017, 13:05:37 PM
I hope 2018 is a better year for you lakaribane.   :)

Thank you, Acorn! I hope so too!

I recommend keeping track of notions as early on as possible. Like you, I have a stash mostly because I don't have a lot of good ressources nearby. Sewing is no longer in fashion (unless you have particular fit issues that can only be addressed by custom-made clothing). Instead, alterations are big, whether you buy new or used RTW.

Anecdote: one of the doctors who treated my father commented on my outfit and wanted to know if I did alterations. I said no.

My various stashes are out of sight because of all the dust. This is a very dirty city and I live right off a main road with a lot of traffic. So I can't even see my stuff.

I find the fabric binder very helpful. I file them first by woven or knit, then fiber content and/or purpose.

The real OCD part is that I keep the little swatches of the fabric used in pages at the back of the binder labelled "Sewn Fabric". I used to do this in pocket notebooks where I glued a piece of the fabric. This helped me to see that brown, navy and fuchsia were my most purchased colors back then, LOL!

if I have a queue of projects, I put them in large resealable bags, again for the dust managment but I include all the necessary parts: pattern, fabric, thread, zipper, buttons etc.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: SewRuthieSews on January 03, 2018, 23:15:57 PM
There's a nice downloadable free sewing calendar which looked fun.
Its here
http://www.sewdiy.com/blog/free-printable-2018-sewing-calendar
I've downloaded it with no problems but not printed it out yet
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: mudcat on January 04, 2018, 03:00:58 AM
I do Kanban using a spreadsheet.   I have a backlog column  where I add things I want to make.  I have three sub-columns under WIP (next, current, hold) and a completed column.  In Kanban one is supposed to limit the number of WIPs so I limit my next, current and hold to 3 each at a maximum.  You can arrange the columns anyway you want.  Some are simply ToDo, Doing, Done but I'm more detailed.  I also keep a separate tab on the spreadsheet with a column for each month and a list of items completed.

If you are not familiar with Kanban you can learn more about it here
http://kanbantool.com/personal-kanban-board (http://kanbantool.com/personal-kanban-board)
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Sewbee on January 04, 2018, 07:56:00 AM
I do Kanban using a spreadsheet.   I have a backlog column  where I add things I want to make.  I have three sub-columns under WIP (next, current, hold) and a completed column.  In Kanban one is supposed to limit the number of WIPs so I limit my next, current and hold to 3 each at a maximum.  You can arrange the columns anyway you want.  Some are simply ToDo, Doing, Done but I'm more detailed.  I also keep a separate tab on the spreadsheet with a column for each month and a list of items completed.

If you are not familiar with Kanban you can learn more about it here
http://kanbantool.com/personal-kanban-board (http://kanbantool.com/personal-kanban-board)

I have very vaguely heard of Kanban - I think! Need to learn more about this. Sounds very good indeed!!

PS: Just read more! That's the PERFECT tool!!
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: Francesca on January 04, 2018, 13:42:13 PM
I do kanban at work, it probably would be a great sewing idea but it would make me feel too much like I was working  :x

Though our Kanban motto stop starting start finishing would apply very well to my sewing :D
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: mudcat on January 05, 2018, 01:21:13 AM
I do kanban at work, it probably would be a great sewing idea but it would make me feel too much like I was working  :x

 8) My team attempts to do Kanban at work which is where I originally got the idea.  I thought it was perfect for a procrastinator like myself.
Title: Re: How do you keep track of your sewing plans?
Post by: DementedFairy on January 07, 2018, 13:27:02 PM
stop starting start finishing

Like the Stotts?

https://thetempohouse.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/the-surrealism-of-the-stotts/ (https://thetempohouse.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/the-surrealism-of-the-stotts/)