Originally written in Spanish.
When I started knitting, I would print the whole pattern. I needed the margins to be able to take notes. Not mastering the technique, I wrote down each row I knitted. It was a mixture of a novice knitter's insecurity and the ignorance that row counters existed. In short, the pattern ended up totally written over, full of scribbles and lists of numbers. It's like that when you learn to knit by yourself.
Later, I started writing down all these details on a piece of paper that I attached to the printed pattern. This method allowed me to have a neater pattern and transfer my notes to another one when needed. It seemed like a great idea, much more organized. It was not so! When after a while, I picked up a pattern to knit it again, half of the notes were missing. The papers had been lost or mixed up. I had to find a third method for my organizing my notes.
A knitting friend told me that she never printed the patterns. She downloaded them onto an electronic device and purchased a knitting journal. In the notebook, she wrote all the notes about her projects. That was when my knitting life showed substantial improvement. Now, everything is ordered; each project has its section, tension gauge, needles, and other information I might need later. Also, I no longer need to print each pattern, which is environmentally friendlier.
Now I have everything centralized. I can look for the needle size that I’ve previously knitted with a yarn I want to use again. In addition, I have added a section about the best techniques: the elastic bind-off I like the most, the color change method that works best for me, and the number of stitches I need to cast on for a hat made with fingering wool or DK wool — data that I gather after finishing each project.
My life has changed for the better with my knitting journal. In each project, I can attach small diagrams with my measurements and even color the sketch, which is a way to visualize how the final project will look. I usually include on the last page a strand of yarn of the color combinations I like. It’s handy for future projects.
My evolution as a knitter can be seen in my knitting journal, and it makes it easier to transfer the data to Ravelry. I recommend you start a journal if you haven't already! I bet you won't regret it!
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