Aug 14, 2016

All alone!

EDIT - That's why my blogging break is always interrupted.  I've been working on my long list of things to finish, but there are no stitchers to share it with but you!
 
Remember the stitching journal I wanted?  Searched and searched, found none, and I know that most people use their "devices" to store info, but I'm a limited device person.  Besides, you can't save a linen swatch in them.
 
I wanted flexibility (since the body lost it I need it somewhere in my life) so that I can move, add, store.  Bound journals are just paper. 
 
Ta-da.!
My ARC from Staples to the rescue.  Martha Stewart also has this system and it's her inserts that I am using.  All from Staples when they have the 20% off bag sale.  I am such a coupon addict.
 
You can get dividers, plastic pockets perfect for swatches, even zippered inserts.  The plastic discs can be purchased in a larger size if the journal becomes thicker.  This is the medium size but it also comes in full size.  The littlest one would be sufficient for project notes and color changes, but there are no inserts offered, just paper.
 
I have a mid sized 3-ring binder but I prefer this for its flat shape and convenience. 
 
I glued a label to the front so I know which one is for needlework (I have several), and this will work out great.  The acrylic/vinyl cover warped/curled after the glue dried which also happens on the paper mache journals.  Always glue another piece (heavy card stock or light cardboard) on the inside of the cover to stabilize it.
 
I also have the special paper punch (the small cheap one) so I can use card stock to make my own dividers or pockets if needed.  A small swatch of linen counts and colors will be stapled to a few heavy pages and kept in the back for reference. The plan was to print my own pages with headings but it's not necessary.  I'm lucky I got this far. 
And I couldn't wait to share!  Maybe this will excite the mojo and lift me a step higher out of the slump.
 
My SIL purchased a needlework journal from a shop many years ago, and it was really nice.  She took a photo of each finish and included that on the page which offered areas for changes, designer, fabric, threads, dates, and recipient.  I need to remember to ask her daughter (who now has it) to bring it with her next visit.  I would love to see it again.
 
I'm leaving now.
Have a good one!

EDIT - Christine mentioned that she has one from Yarn Tree which never showed up in my searches.  Here is the link if anyone is interested.  Read the shipping page, there is a charge for orders under $25 and also under $100 for wholesale orders.  Not sure if an individual can order but your local shop can get it for you too.
http://yarntree.com/cross-stitch/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=344_346
 
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19 comments:

Joanie said...

I have one of those Arc binders from Staples too! I love it. I had all my stuff on my computer and it crashed. Lost it all. Even though the computer is convenient, I sorta like the good old paper and pen method.

Janet said...

This is a great journal...I also am a pen and paper person...and a clip and tape person....I love this :)

Janet said...

This is a great journal...I also am a pen and paper person...and a clip and tape person....I love this :)

Jacqueline said...

I think you have a plan and a solution. Good for you.

Cathy B said...

Good idea!

Sheila said...

Need to check this out. Thanks for the tip.

Christine said...

I have a stitcher's journal from yarntree.com that alternates a lined page with a graphed page so not only can I keep notes about projects but I also draw out quick patterns, etc. However, I really miss having 'pocket' pages so I like your idea! Plus there's something about August where I still want to shop for a new binder as if I were in school.

Barb said...

What a really good idea!

Pondside said...

I use a small binder like that for yarn skeins.
August - why does it feel like the end of the year instead of late summer???

kelley said...

great journal...wish I'd started doing this years ago...looks like a trip to Staples is in order...

Cricket-bug Corner said...

Ohhh good idea!!

C M Designs said...

Nice idea. I use a three ringed binder with clear, envelope type, pages. Have several that are filling fast.
Your idea is wonderful.
Enjoy your week ahead.
Charlotte in Va.

Vickie said...

Very organized. This should keep you busy for a while. Looks great!

deb said...

Your journal looks amazing! Will have to go to Staples to look at this system (mostly so I can understand how it works...) but after checking online I'm quite tempted. Shame on me - I had just decided to use a pretty blank book a friend had given me *ages* ago.

Carol said...

Oh, I love the look of that, Marly--it sure must help with organization! (And you know librarians love things organized :) Thanks for sharing!

Winnie said...

Marly, your organization booklets look quite helpful as well as easy to use. For someone like yourself with so much information and history of stitching, these books will be a great personal resource library. It should save you time form searching for a specific piece of past projects when the need arises. Martha Stewart is the queen of organization ideas!

TheCrankyCrow said...

Why does it not surprise me that you would be Lil' Miss Organized?? ;o) Great idea, although I'm lucky enough to find where my current project is these days let alone things of the past....And since I hardly ever waver from the pattern's called for colors or fabric, I believe my journal would indeed be the unwritten book. Hope things are well in world...but you have me worried...beeping?? Marlys shouldn't beep.... Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

My Colonial Home said...

Hi Marly
Isn't it fun when you get an idea and find the things you need to make that idea come to life.
Blessings
Karen

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I kept a stitching one for a couple of years and had every project in it, to include a small piece of whatever linen I used. Why did I ever quit? Your pretty journal might just inspire me to get back at it.

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