Week 10: Project Tracking & Labels: How Much is Enough?

Last week we talked about organizing our work-in-progress projects when we’re not working on them, but today we're talking about project tracking using the Goldilocks principle: not too little, not too much, just right.

Avoiding a Tracking Trap

I think we fall into the trap of believing we need complex systems because we see these beautiful, elaborate project management systems online and ads telling us we need to use them to become our best, most productive selves. I've fallen prey to that line of thinking many times, but here's what I've learned — you don't need to over-systematize what your eyes can already tell you.

You can see if you haven't applied interfacing yet. You can see which pattern pieces are cut versus uncut. You can see basic construction progress. Do you really need to write all that down?

Tracking can easily become busywork when you're documenting things that are obvious. If you're spending more time updating your system than actually sewing, that's probably a red flag.

The question to ask yourself is: "Will I actually look at this information again?" If the answer is no, don't bother tracking it.

What You Can Usually See

Let me give you some examples of things you probably don't need to track:

• Whether pieces are cut or uncut: you can see this
• Which pieces still need interfacing: you can see and feel this
• Basic construction progress: aside from marking your place in the pattern instructions, you can see what's sewn together

Your eyes and hands can give you most of the information you need here.

What IS Worth Tracking

Here's what I actually do track, and why:

Pattern alterations and fit changes. If I'm altering a pattern, I write the date, pattern name, piece name and number, cutting info directly on the final pattern pieces. I keep the original pattern pieces if possible, but I discard every pattern piece that came between the original and the final because that's where confusion happens.

What worked and what didn't for future reference, especially if I think I'm going to make the pattern again! Anything I'd do differently next time falls in here as well.

Specific technical details I'll forget and may find useful for future projects. Things like stitch length and width for bartacks or topstitching, especially when I'm going between projects. If I nail a particular finish, I want to remember exactly how I did it!

Simple Methods That Work

Basic Labeling When You Need It

For the most part, your WIP organization system from last week handles basic labeling. Everything goes in the same place, pattern pieces stay with projects, and you can pretty much see what stage things are at.

Sometimes additional simple labeling does help. I use sticky notes in my project bag if I need to remember something specific for when I take the project out again, but will have no use for that information in the future. This way I don't keep a note that could be confusing later on and I won't forget to check a notebook before I start sewing, it's right there with my project.

Pattern Alterations

Pattern alterations are where I do get more detailed. When I'm altering patterns, I write the most important info directly on the final pattern pieces. This includes the pattern name, piece name, and cutting info. I also find noting the date and my measurements at the time to be helpful. Once I have the pattern completed I discard any pattern pieces that were created along the way so I'm not adding confusion for the next time I decide to sew the garment.

Another option for keeping track of pattern information is our downloadable pattern cards. If you're familiar with the garment industry, pattern cards often accompany a pattern around the sewing facility giving people the information they need to correctly cut and sew that garment. We designed our own version for home sewing with spaces for pattern details, sketches, fabric swatches, sizing information, alterations, and either a cut list or sewing notes. We hang a pattern cards with our patterns to keep everything organized, and we never have to wonder if we're missing a piece, if this pattern will still fit, or what we need to make it. They're available as a free download for newsletter subscribers on our website.

If you're worried about not having a visual record of the alteration process, take photos along the way. I do this especially when I'm developing patterns for work, but even for personal projects because if I need to step back, I want to see where I'm going back to in reality, not just in my memory.

Tracking Methods - Analog vs. Digital

As far as the format of your notes, there are many options!

Physical notebook: The easiest way would be to take notes in a good old fashioned physical notebook. Dot-grid, plain, whatever works for you.

Simple digital notes: For those who want digital notes without a lot of bells and whistles, your phone's notes app can be great, just create a folder for sewing and off you go. There's also note taking apps like GoodNotes, which I use for knitting patterns on my iPad, but the key here is to pick something you'll actually check.

Threadloop: If you like digital tracking and note taking but are looking for something more robust than a simple notes app, Threadloop is a great online option. The major pro here is the community aspect — you can see what other people are making and get inspired, kind of like the old BurdaStyle days but with better project tracking. You can keep your account private or make it public, has a queue feature for upcoming projects, and lets you track your stash of patterns, fabric, and notions as well.

The most important thing is choosing something you'll actually use consistently!

When to Track More

There are times when I do track more carefully. When I'm developing patterns for work, I track everything because I'm writing the sewing instructions and I know people are going to ask specific questions.

For really complex personal projects — like coats with lots of steps spread over weeks or months — I might keep more detailed notes about what I've completed and what's next, especially if there are long breaks between sewing sessions.

As for deciding what to work on next, I keep it simple. I just put whatever I'm planning to work on next on top of my project drawer unit so it's handy and available when I finish my current project.

This Week's Action Step

This week, look at any tracking or labeling systems you currently have. Ask yourself: "Am I documenting things I can already see?" "Will I actually look at this information again?"

If you don't have any tracking system and you feel like you need one, start simple. Choose one format that interests you and you think you'll be able to regularly check in with and track your next project.

Don't create a system because you think you should, create one because it will genuinely help you sew more or sew better.

Coming Up

Next week we're talking about the sewing work triangle — how to arrange your cutting, sewing, and pressing areas for better workflow.

Remember, the goal of any tracking system is to help you sew more, not to create another project to manage. If your system is taking more energy than it's giving back, it's probably too much.

What tracking methods have you tried? Let me know in the comments below.

Next week: The Sewing Work Triangle

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