Does the phrase “Dear Diary…” bring back any teen memories for you? Those youthful moments of recording your wishes, worries, dreams, and memorable experiences? 🥰
Keeping a journal isn’t just for teenagers anymore and there isn’t only one right way to write out your plans, gratitude and hopes.
Just search around online and be prepared to be overwhelmed. 😳 You’ll find all sorts of ideas from bullet journals, gratitude journals, dream diaries, travel diaries and more.
But what does this have to do with sewing? 🤔
Do you ever find yourself knee-deep in a whirlwind of exciting projects and ideas, always buzzing with inspiration and itching to create something awesome?
Well, my creative friend, I have a little secret that can help you make the most out of your creative journey: keeping a sewing journal.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
What is a sewing journal anyway?
Now, before you roll your eyes and dismiss the idea as something too mundane or time-consuming, let me assure you that this is not your average “Dear Diary”!
This is a magical space where your sewing adventures come to life on the pages, your trusted companion that holds the key to unlocking your sewing success.
Think about it: Imagine having a trusty sidekick that keeps your sewing world organized, captures your brilliant ideas, and tracks your progress with each stitch you take. It’s like having a friend who cheers you on, shares your excitement, and lends a handy reminder whenever you need it.
You can record all sorts of information in your sewing journal. From fave patterns, suitable sizes, new skills learned (as well as sewing fails 🙈) and even how you felt about your sewing projects. Your sewing logbook is entirely up to you!
5 reasons why you should record your sewing projects
01. Organisation of your sewing projects
With a sewing tracker journal in your hands, you’ll save time with a new level of being organised. No more scouring through countless notebooks or rummaging through stacks of patterns to find that one project you’re dying to recreate.
You can easily note the patterns you’ve used (no more screaming “Which magazine did I find that blasted pattern in?!?”), fabric choices, sizes sewn, alterations made, and other important details. This makes it easier to reference and sew those favourite projects again in the future.
02. Monitor your sewing know-how and watch your skills improving
Recording your sewing projects allows you to track your progress and identify areas you’d like to improve. You can also jot down project start and completion dates, to track whether your sewing times are becoming more efficient. By noting what worked well and what didn’t, you can learn from your experiences and refine your skills.
Write down what you enjoyed sewing, what you didn’t enjoy so much and which new techniques you’ve added to your sewing skills. It helps you see how far you’ve come and motivates you to keep going on those late nights when you want to just toss that half-finished project in the bin!
03. Track your sewing pattern and style preferences
Since learning to sew just a few years back, I have tried make it a habit to keep track of sewing projects that I know work well and I want to sew again (and again). I mean, T-shirts never go out of fashion, right?!?
Two of my favourite sources of sewing patterns to create clothes for all members of the family (yes, even for myself, busy mum that I am 😮) are Pattydoo and Ottobre and I use those patterns again and again!
Keeping track of your sewing projects allows you to identify sewing patterns and styles that you enjoy making (or wearing!) the most. By noting which projects brought you the most satisfaction or received compliments (#thanksimadeitmyself), you can tailor future projects to align with your preferences, needs and personal style.
04. Share your sewing passion and joy
Have you noticed groups of sewing enthusiasts on social media? Just search on Facebook for “sewing” and you’ll find a gazillion groups and pages! Your sewing journal can be used as a conversation starter with like-minded sewing fans, so you can exchange ideas, tips, and feedback as well as share your sewing triumphs and fails accidents and seek advice you need.
You can share your projects online or with classmates in a sewing course. And of course, a sewing journal can also serve as a source of inspiration for others who are interested in taking up sewing. Don’t be shy, use it as a chance to brag a little! 😉
05. Enjoy your memories and reflect on your sewing achievements
Recording your sewing projects in a journal can really give you a sense of accomplishment. You can celebrate the completion of each project and track the number of sewing projects you’ve created over time.
Looking over your past sewing projects can also provide a great source of inspiration. It can spark new ideas, help you brainstorm different design possibilities, or even remind you of techniques you’ve not used in a while and fabric combinations you loved.
A sewing projects tracker serves as a great visual reminder to enjoy time and time again, of what you have accomplished as well as your progress, dedication and skills as a sewist.
Celebrate your achievements, big and small, and watch your confidence continually grow!
Are you ready to start tracking your sewing projects and progress to unleash your own sewing success?
Whether you want to use your sewing journal for every sewing project you attempt or only for your own clothing projects, whether you want to share it with others and show off your hard work or you’d rather keep it hidden away in your sewing stash, a sewing journal is a great way to stay organised, inspired and relive your sewing joy.
Are you ready to start tracking your sewing projects and progress to unleash your own sewing success?
When you sign up for my weekly insiders email, you’ll get access to my printable FREE Sewing Success Journal too! Get all the details 👉 HERE 👈!
Have you got a favourite sewing pattern you’ve used more than once? Tell us about it in the comments below!
