A Crochet Journal: A Journal for Crochet Projects

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Taking all the above into consideration, then ponder on the purpose of the amigurumi, whether it is ornamental, decorational for the home, playing, snuggling or even fashion. These will affect the final intended project appearance and size. Timelines I keep a simple lined notebook that is large enough to write in daily but small enough to carry in a purse. Other options include a blank journal, loose-leaf paper in a binder, and typewritten files on a computer. If you use a physical journal, you can embellish the cover with photographs or crochet. It’s your journal; do what you like to make it special. In general, there are so many different types of amigurumi, for me I prefer to break them down into different categories for me to plan out - animals, dolls, vehicles, plants, food, furniture. This helps me in moving forward with the designing process. Also remember to consider the number of pieces you need to make, whether all are different or all are the same (for instance like making a Teachers Day present). Make sure and leave a space to add your measurements and people you crochet for often. I can’t count the number of times I’ve remeasured my daughter because I lost the paper that had her numbers. I usually crochet at night when she’s sleeping. Having her measurements in my reference guide saves time and lets me keep going with my projects.

Let’s talk about the cover. This leather is soft, durable, and oh so pretty. You can get the same one here. The A5 size is perfect for travel and fits in my project bag. When I'm not crocheting you can find me in the kitchen baking with my little ones, drinking iced coffee or watching Gilmore Girls. Write down stories. Trace your craft lineage, for example, asking the people in your family if they know about family members who crocheted or if they have any crochet items in the home that have meaning for them. Explore your own connections to the past through your crochet journal. This process sort of forces you to focus your thoughts on work processes that you repeat every time you create a new project. So instead of many balls of yarn placed together, possibly amongst your pile of WIPs, take to writing or typing all that you need down, to stay organized and focused.Then if you are wondering what kinds of yarn are best for your next amigurumi, some pointers to think through would include yarn material, name and brand, weight and ply, colours, quantity of each colour needed, dye lots, yardage needed or number of skeins needed, availability, costs and washability of yarn. The project section is key to making sure you use the yarn. So many times I’ve bought yarn with a project in mind and by the time I get to use it I forget my plan. I also change my mind a lot. I use these erasable pens. They write nice and erase clearly. It’s time to get organized, get those projects finished and not feel overwhelmed with the very thing that’s supposed to be relaxing.

Takes more time to set up the reference notebook instead of simply printing like in the craft binder. This idea came about because I love the leather travelers notebooks. Let’s go through the pros and cons of a crochet project journal then I’ll let you take a peek at how I set mine up. Someone who likes to keep notes about their projects and yarn inventory and doesn’t need reference materials. A Crochet Project Binder I was always looking up the same reference material. What size hook is a J? What size hat to make for a 6-month-old? Don’t even get me started on patterns…. sooo many patterns in so many places. Organize Your Yarn and Crochet PatternsEvernote, ToDoist, Trello, Google Keep…I’ve tried them all. Evernote is the one I found most useful for a craft planner. If the project is for a gift or a charity, include the name of its recipient in your crochet journal. Write about what that person or charity means to you. Also, if you’re giving the project away, take a picture first and tape it in your journal. I’ve tried quite a few systems to get my projects organized. Today I’m sharing the system that works best for me and how you can create the best craft and crochet project planner for you.

Brainstorm and imagine. Sketch, doodle, diagram. This is a great time to use all those colored pencils you got for meditative coloring in your crochet journal. Sketch a project you are working on and test out different colorways. (Yay! Colored pencils again!) My next try was with a printable crochet planner that I put in a binder. I really liked this system and would have kept it if we didn’t travel as much.

The Crochet Project Planner That Worked For Me

The reference guide is my favorite thing about this craft planner. Being able to find all the size charts and measurements in one place is so handy. There’s plenty of room to add more charts and notes as I go. Through writing about crochet, even just the physical details of a project, you will deepen your understanding of your own creative impulses and habits, leading you to cultivate a stronger sense of self. Sounds deep, yes? It’s true. The best way to make this happen is to use the crochet journal regularly. Choose the frequency that makes sense in your life, and be vigilant about keeping this creative date with yourself. Here are some frequency options: I’ve been using the Happy Planner to get my home and work life organized, but I thought that a planner dedicated to handling crochet projects would finally help me stay organized in my crochet life! Crochet Planner and Crochet Journal!