Creating A Quilt Registry

Written by Mary Nelson Zadrozny
© 2004-2011 Just Imagine Design & Publications

Whether you are making your first quilt or you've made several, it's a great idea to start a quilt registry. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive; a simple notebook or journal will do. Or you can set up an on-line document.
There are several reasons to begin a quilt log:

1. To maintain a historical record of the quilts you've made. Over the years it's easy to loose track of how many quilts we've sewn, when or why we made them. Having all the information in one place like dates, sizes, etc. can be helpful and rewarding to look over.
   
2. To maintain a record of your hand work for your family. Anyone who has ever inherited a family quilt usually wishes they knew more information about the maker. As you run your hands across an old quilt, don't you wish it could talk and tell you all it's secrets?
   
3. To keep track of where your quilts are located.

You can set up a quilt log anyway you like, with as much or as little detail as you want, but here are some suggestions:

• Assign a number starting with 1 so you always have a running total of how many quilts you've made to date.
  
• Name of the quilt.
  
• Date started.
  
• Date completed.
  
• How many hours it took to make.
  
• Origin of the pattern. I write down the name and source of the pattern used. For original designs, the inspiration for the quilt is recorded.
  
• Description of the quilt including techniques used (Machine Piecing, Applique, Paper Piecing, Hand or Machine Quilted, Embellishments, etc.).
  
• Color palette of the quilt. You can even attach fabric swatches.
  
• Size of the quilt.
  
• Type of batting used.
  
• Purpose in making the quilt.
  
• Quilting lessons learned during the process.
  
• Life lessons learned while making the quilt. I record anything significant going on in my personal life and any special thoughts I had while working on the project.
  
• If one or more people collaborated with you on the quilt, record their name(s) and contribution.
  
• Current location of the quilt:
  

  Was it a gift? If so, for whom and the occasion.
  Was the quilt sold? If so, the client's name and address.
  

• If the quilt was a gift or an order for a customer, I put their comments, letters, and thank you notes in the journal as well.
  
• Awards the quilt has won.
  
• Shows where the quilt has been displayed.
  
• Photos of the quilt.

I hope this has given you some ideas for your own quilt log. It does take a little extra time but I think you will find it's well worth it.