Keeping Track

Photographing textiles is sometimes as good as making them. As I said "goodbye" to these, I photographed them for my samples and notes collection. But my notes are so messy. And I don’t really know how I can make them better. There as so many processes connected to handweaving.
Firstly I have my large journal design book. This is ring bound, so I don’t loose my thoughts. I draw, colour, shape and design here. Then I add some calculations; how wide, the starting sett, how long, add in the shrinkage and loom waste. Importantly, I now name the textile, (more so I can find the multiple references later!)

Secondly, I go to my software on the computer - PCW Fiberworks, where I design the actual construction of the textile. There is a place for notes, which I also complete. It is filed under the chosen name.

Thirdly, I have a proforma made up on lightweight system board where a copy of the notes, perhaps photos and a sample can be glued on.

Also, the fabric must be actually woven in amongst all of this.

All of these are then put into a plastic folder. What do you think? Too many processes, too many bits – but they all have an important role, albeit chaotic. The artistic, the technical and the form. How do other weavers go about this?