How do you make records your tie-dye ideas?

[Jaja]

As I've mentioned here already http://www.pburch.net/drupal/?q=node/1110
I've developed my symbols to make plans for dyeing.

Maybe it needs some more development, so it would be nice to discuss it here.

Does anyone else was thinking about shortcut how to record folds and dye application?

[2D4]

Interesting subject....I don't think anyone could figure out
my system or lack of one. This may motivate me to simplify things. Thank you!

I really like your idea of denoting front and back dye placement. (I'm sure I'll
be using it.) I draw little pie charts for front and backs. One problem with
color coding is when I take orders at the booth I can't be using different pens
so I end up writing out abbreviated words. I do have a pre-drawn t-shirt template
on my order form on which I then draw out the pattern and placement.

Jo

[tiedyejudy]

I'm not nearly that organized, Jaja.  I rely on my camera to record what I have done, and assign an inventory number to each item, along with a written description, i.e., Rainbow Swirl, Orchid/Lilac/Avocado scrunch, etc.  That way, if someone sees an item in my on-line store or at a show, but wants it in a different size, clothing style, etc., they just need to tell me the inventory number and I can look up the rest.
One thing I have tried to do is use the color names from my dye powder in the description of each item, so I can replicate the colors for future items or orders.  I can't always recall by looking at an item just which pink I used, or green, so naming them helps!
Judy

[BB]

I do something similar to Judy. Each shirt is numbered and signed on the inside bottom hem then I photograph the front and back. I keep all the photos in a folder on my computer and number the photos according to the number of the shirt, for example 282f and 282b. Then I record it on a spreadsheet with the number and brief description. When it's sold, I add the customer's name to the spreadsheet. It helps me keep track of what I've done and I can easily see if customers are repeats or new. It's a little extra work but once I got a system down, it flows pretty well.

[Jaja]

Jo,

I'd be lucky if it could work for more people and I'm opened to new suggestions how to improve this system. Basically I did it for the needs of my book to teach people here how to tie-dye.
At least it could serve for us here to exchange tie-dye ideas. Colours could be coded by numbers or whatever.

[hometowntiedye]

Wow what a concept actually write down or record what you have done.  I am so spontaneous and do not plan my Tie Dye at all, My husband actually hates it because I will make a really neat one and have no idea what colors or technique I used at all.  I am not a patient person and I love just doing whatever I feel like, but it would be nice to be able to duplicate if needed.  I like the camera idea.

[tiedyejudy]

I got my digital camera about 5 years ago when I started selling on-line, and since I take a photo of each item, I decided to do the spreadsheet and numbering to track my inventory.  I also tag each item with their number and price so when I go to shows I don't have to second guess how much to charge... my prices vary depending on the complexity of the design.  But I also note the date sold on my inventory sheet, and to be really anal, I take a physical inventory at the beginning of each year, both dyed and undyed, so I can give my accountant an idea of my assets when tax time comes.  He doesn't care about the colors or designs, just the dollar total, but the whole thing is easier to track if I do a complete spreadsheet of all the data.  I have a friend who is even more anal than I am... she has a database with lots more info, but her biz is sewing products, so she tracks her fabrics, finished products, etc.  Not for the faint of heart! 

[Jaja]

Hometowntiedye: well, that's nothing against spontaneity, i keep on thinking what to dye even when using public transport, bus or train or whatever moment, when there's not that much to do. Sometimes I can switch on the light in the middle of the night, do some quick sketch of some idea and fall asleep again.

[fiberartist219]

When I first learned about mixing dye colors, we measured out all the dye, and kept track of the percentages of each. We had everything down to the tenth of a gram and I had a spreadsheet so I wouldn't have to spend so much time typing on the calculator.

After my dye sessions, I'd jot down in a book the percentage of each color and the depth of dye. Then, I'd staple or glue down a bit of fabric to the page.

I didn't keep track of things for very long though. Eventually I gave up and just started mixing all willy nilly and letting randomness decide the outcomes of my fabric.

I do keep a few sketch books laying around for my ideas for future projects. However, despite my training in art, I never have the patience to make them look good, and I end up scribbling. Next thing you know, when I go back to look at my sketches, I can barely interpret what I've jotted down.

Creativity is such a funny thing. You have to embrace it whenever you can, because sometimes it escapes you.