Hello and happy Friday! It’s almost the weekend, and I hope yours is off to a terrific beginning! For today’s Sew Your Stash post I’m discussing 5 essential tips for project tracking. Project tracking is a great way to keep on top of things in the sewing room.
I haven’t always tracked my quilting projects. As a new quilter, I tried journaling about my quilts and even attempted to scrapbook about them. Finally, in 2008 I started this blog as a way of keeping track of my works in progress and finishes. It wasn’t until a few years after that that I began to keep paper lists–and it has helped a lot! I hope some of my ideas will help you with your project tracking.
5 Essential Tips for Project Tracking
1. Keep a Master List of Projects in Progress.
Whether you call your current projects WIP’s or UFO’s (or something else!) it’s very helpful to keep a list of everything you have in progress. Over the years I’ve found several projects I’d forgotten about, and while it’s often like finding a lost treasure, I’m sure I would have finished those projects sooner if I was more aware of them. Use your favorite method for tracking projects in progress: Make a simple list, utilize a spreadsheet or table, or use one of these printables–this free Works in Progress list from All People Quilt, or this PDF bundle for purchase from Maker Valley. And keep reading for two free printable pages for keeping track of weekly or monthly quilting goals.
2. Keep a Master List of Projects you Want to Make.
I feel like having a list for “want to make” projects is just as important as having a list of projects in progress. If I don’t write things down, I’m sure to forget about them…at least for the time being. I keep general ideas on this list as well as specific ones. And I don’t worry about crossing things off or changing my mind about the things I put on this list!
3. Label Your Project Storage Containers.
Labeling has been a lifesaver in helping me get my project tracking and storage under control. I know that if I’m not willing to label something that I’m probably not going to finish it in the near future–making it a good candidate for re-evaluation. Even projects in clear bins are more easily recognized with a label. And for projects in baskets or storage drawers, labels are also extremely helpful.
4. Set Aside Time for Planning and Re-Evaluating Projects.
Choose a time or schedule for planning that works best for you. Some people do this weekly, while others prefer to look over things monthly or quarterly. And a year end/year beginning evaluation is also a great way to start off the year. I do basic calendaring and keep a list of sewing tasks on a weekly basis, but I do more in-depth planning at the end of each month for the following month. Once you start doing this on a regular basis, the amount of time it takes becomes minimal.
5. Keep a List of Finishes.
This can be one of the most helpful ways to stay organized. By keeping a “Finished Projects” list you’ll be encouraged by your progress and will also have a nice record of those things you’ve made for others and for yourself. I really wish I had done this as a new quilter because I know I’ve forgotten about lots of projects made and gifted before I began my blog.
And…Here are Two Printable Sheets to Help…
I have a weekly quilting printable list that I’ve shared before that you can download here. And if you prefer to organize/plan on a monthly basis, download the monthly version of my quilting progress page here.
If you have any other tips or ideas for project tracking, please be sure to share them in the comments! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Happy quilting!
sherly says
Sherri,
thanks for the free PDF sheets ; )
I got & use The Quilter’s Planner which is my first time using it & it seems to be working for me. There’s a calendar for each month but on each month there are spaces for Monthly Goals, Personal Projects, Quilting Projects and Notes. There are also full pages with other helpful information. Anyway as a new quilter it been very helpful. Only thing is not enough space & time for all the ” I want to make quilt ” lol.
Where will you be teaching ? I would like to take a class. I saw on Instagram that you will be at Auiltque unfortunately those dates I will already be away.
Thanks again for all you have thought me through videos , blog and social media .
Hildy says
Thanks for the tips! I need to stay better organized but something thaat helps me already is instagram becuse if I post a picture it’s a) easier to remeber nd b) I feel comitted to actually work (and hopefully finish) the project.
Carole Milner says
I found a great app for iPhone called Quiltful. You enter your projects with a picture, list fabrics, size and check off your progress. It probably also is available for android phones. A really nice app.
Deb R. says
Thank you for this! I just downloaded on my Samsung Note!
JANINE M M MEDLEY says
You’re the best Sherri. You have gotten me geared up and going. I have finished 4 projects this year and I am well on my way for many more. I love your tips, blog, fabrics and patterns! Thank you for all you do and share!
Vicki says
I’m nowhere near as organized as you are, Sherri, but I use a journal to keep track of my project ideas and information about the quilts I have made or am working on, such as thread color and fabric line. I also keep tips and short cuts I’ve found or learned. I like having the journal because I can get my ideas in it when I think of them. Also, seeing the list of project ideas helps me to get the ones finished I have started.