May 11, 2004

     I cannot stress enough how important I believe documenting quilts is.  Whether they are made by you, made by one of your family members, or one you have purchased from someone, it is wise to keep a record of the quilt as historical documentation.

     I am sure that we have all either found a quilt we made years ago or perhaps purchased a quilt at an antique store, and wondered when it was made, what pattern is represented in the quilt, who made it, etc.  Just think, by documenting quilts, you may be providing your future generations information about your life!  I love going back to my first journals and flipping through them.  It is amazing how much I have forgotten and without the journal, it would simply be lost memories for me.

     This course is a very simple one.  All levels from beginner to expert are able to complete this class in a short period of time.  This class gives you step-by-step instructions in creating your own personalized quilt diary. 

INDEX 

  1. Class Supply List

  2. Preparing the Binder/Notebook

  3. Printing the Preface and Divider Pages

  4. Printing QuiltSheets®

  5. Printing the Remaining Templates

  6. Assembling Your Journal

Class Supply List

  • Binder or Notebook - This can be one of the larger 3-ring binders or can even be one of the "skinnier" ones.  And if you want, it can even be one of the ultra thin notebooks that have the brads as clasps in it (and most of these have inside pockets). I have used a large 3-ring binder that has a slit in the front that allows me to print off a title page and then I insert it.  You choose whichever one suits your needs the best!
  • Printer and Printer Paper - You will need access to a printer, along with the paper.
  • Computer Software - Any software that allows you to customize pages.  This is optional, as you could customize by hand.  If you do choose to use software, the types of software that would be good include:  Paint, Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop, Word, etc.  Any software that you can manipulate text in!
  • Computer Cardstock - Cardstock is optional.  I would not recommend using cardstock on the interior of the journal, however, if you are using a binder that allows a page to be slipped into the front and/or back, cardstock is a good choice.
  • Hole-Punch - This is a standard punch that will allow you to punch holes in your printed pages so that you can insert the papers in your binder/notebook.  If you have a three-hole-punch, it would save you a few seconds of time, which gives you more quilting time.
  • Ink Pen - A writing tool so that you can begin filling out your new quilt journal!  Writing instruments that are not good for this project include pencils (which fade over time) and/or the type of pens (called "felt-tip" pens) that, when wet, the ink smears. 
  • Photographs - You should have photographs of your quilts/quilted projects.  These can be digital or taken with a regular camera.  If you don't own either, then you can invest in one of the 35mm disposable cameras.  
  • Stapler or Glue or Tape or Photo Corners - You will need a means by which to attach your photographs to your journal.  If you use digital pictures or have a scanner in which to scan real photographs, you can print them directly out with a little bit of manipulation of the paper (which I will provide a template for).  A stapler is good, fast, economic, and easy, but:  1)  It leaves holes in photos, 2)  If you have a large photo, it is difficult to maneuver the stapler into the middle of the page (without creasing it), and 3)  A lot of staples can become bulky and as your journal grows, it becomes more uneven.  Glue is also a good choice, for the same reasons as a stapler, however:  1)  Be sure to choose a good glue that dries clear, 2) Be sure to spread the glue on the back of the photo evenly, and 3)  Be aware that gluing one side of the page also effects the appearance of the other side (and we will be using both sides).  Tape is another option.  It has the same advantages as staplers and glue, but:  1)  Tape deteriorates over time and becomes brittle, and 2)  Tape "ages" and turns brown.  Another option are the photo corners that come packaged.  Stick these down and insert your photo and no mess, no fuss.  No matter which method you choose, you can always try something different the next time if you aren't happy with the results.

     My first journal is a 2" binder.  I used a stapler to attach the photos and I customized my own QuiltSheets™.  It is nothing fancy, but it got me on the road to documenting!  And you will find that as you progress through your journaling, you will find ways to fine-tune the journal to best meet your needs.  I call this the "art of perfecting"!

     The QuiltSheets™ have been revised many times and are exclusively copyrighted by me.  This course will give you access to these sheets and explain how you can use them legally.  More about that later!