Retaining Ideas

One of the hardest things I do is not so much difficult as it is not a habit ... yet. What is this, you ask? Keeping a journal.

The Swatch Journal
A journal?! If you've visited here on a regular basis, you'll probably remember I'm also a writer by profession (check out the blog, here) Subsequently, writing should be something I do naturally, but it isn't. The primary reason is simply the process involved with writing the journal.

Today, I'm going to focus on three different journals a weaver keeps: a swatch journal, idea journal and finished projects. For each of these, you'll need a journal, pen, pencils, glue and whatever else you want to make the journal yours.

The journals may be a book, like the ones I'll show in here, or they can be a notebook, or even a file on your computer, tablet or phone.

Swatch Journal or the Weaver's Journal

This journal, like the one shown above, is a record of what I've woven. In this journal, I keep a record of the weft and warp patterns, yarns used, measurements both off the loom and after washing, as well as two swatches from the warp. One swatch is unwashed, and the other is washed.

The Swatch or Weaver's Journal is a source of woven material unused for projects. In here, I keep a collection of styles as well as notes about what I like or disliked about the material. It also provides as a idea starter for other projects.

For this journal, it's best to have a physical object as opposed to a computer file. Part of the purpose of the Weaver's Journal is to have a tangible record of the woven swatches. In addition to the items above, to start a Weaver's Journal, you'll need:

  • Blank space for the swatches
  • Threading area, more important with more shafts
  • Color sequence
  • Patterns used for pick-up
  • Area to record the various measurements:
    • the warp length, EPI (ends per inch) and DPI (dents per inch) if the numbers are different
    • the weft 
    • amount of yarn need

As you develop your style, you'll probably come up with your own categories.

Finished Projects


The second journal I use is for my finished projects. Once I take the finished material, I create it into something to wear or an accessory. For these projects, so I can repeat them, I keep a journal of my ideas.

Inside the Project Journal

For my finished projects, I tend to keep similar information from the swatch journal, such as warp length, pattern, and EPI. These help me recreate the same project later, or adjust the project if I didn't like it the first time. 

As you can see in the photo above, I put photographs in the journal to provide a visual of the project I'm focusing on. I include a photo of the entire project as well as close-ups of pattern or weave. I might also include a photograph of a model wearing the item.


Idea Journals

The last journal is more of an artist's sketch journal, and I have several of these journals depending on my mood. I have one for fashion which also includes color combinations, swatches of material I like and photos of items inspiring the design. The fashion idea journal is a combination mood board and fashion sketch.

I also keep a journal for tapestries and transparencies. In this journal, I keep sketches of what I want to create. Often the sketches are rough, like the one below, and act as an idea of the finished project. 

Interior of Tapestry Idea Journal
Inside the Idea Journals, I can explore shape, texture or images until I find what I want to weave; for the Fashion Journal, I can develop the project out to help me better estimate how much fabric I will need for the finished project.

No matter what you use, it's always useful to keep your ideas contained somewhere. While you might not use the idea immediately, it could be exactly what you need later to launch something important.

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