Good intentions vs. Reality, and a good idea

I try to keep a binder journal of my projects, but it isn’t always up to date. Ideally, the plan is to have a record of each project I do so that I can repeat it, share it, or, perhaps, develop it for sale. I use plastic sleeves to store a copy of the pattern that I can write notes on while I’m working. Sometimes the pattern is from a published work with its source recorded, in case I want to find it again, or cite and credit the designer. If it is my own design or riff on a published design, I store my notes and charts in there, too. The sleeve also contains a photo of the finished product, and a sample of the yarn used, with its label or record card, if it is hand-dyed or handspun. Here is an example. I made two hats adapted from a pattern in Baby Beanies by Amanda Keeys Her photos of those darling children make knitting her patterns irresistible. Thank you Amanda! 

Scanned images for my Knitting Journal file.


I used the pattern “euro bebe,” as my base, using solid and multicolored Plymouth Yarn’s “Encore” from my LYS, SPIN located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. I added a section of my first attempt at bobbles. The second hat was made from yarn that I dyed after spinning. It included my first faux Fair Isle yarn. This sleeve, actually, contained most of the items I listed above.  Like I said, ideally, this is the plan, but I am way behind on the actual doing phase. (Lunch Break)

While eating my peanut butter and banana sandwich, I had a different idea for keeping my journal. I tried using my flatbed copier to make pictures of my work and yarn info to place in my binder. It is an acceptable option. Then I had another idea. Maybe some of you have already thought of this and are doing it already. In that case, YOU ARE BRILLIANT! Instead of using a binder, I have decided to use my scanner (I love my scanner.) and computer to keep my info, thus freeing up precious shelf space for another dyeing, spinning, or knitting tome. And I’ll save on paper and toner, too. 


Now I know what I’ll be doing the rest of this afternoon.  My scanner is all warmed up, and my bin of projects, patterns, and yarn samples awaits. 


Happy Stitches or Scans!