Tried and True: How to Remove Guesswork

Documenting your work for repeatability is valuable for any any step-by-step process. With the Lizard tapestry I learned how to do the finishing, including the backing. By the time I was ready to put a backing on the Siblings tapestry, I had limited recall of that first experience. Now that Eye of the Beholder is ready for backing, I need help again. Fortunately, I made note of every detail while constructing the backing for the Siblings tapestry. So, this time I have the benefit of written and photo documentation. No guesswork!

How to Document Your Steps

How to document your process steps.
Photo guidance on the computer corresponds with enumerated steps on my phone. This removes guesswork for the next part of the process.
  1. Do research. Gather your notes, search resources, and get advice from experienced weavers regarding the process you want to document.
  2. Outline the steps. Write out and number all the steps as you understand them. Doing this before you start helps you think through the entire process.
  3. Refine the steps. Begin working through the steps in order. Adjust the steps as you go. You may need to add or eliminate steps, or change the order in which they are done.
  4. Make it visual. Take a photo of any step that benefits from visual clarification.
  5. Finalize. Simplify and clarify the instructions in every step as if they are meant for someone who knows less about this process that you do. Remove redundant and/or unnecessary photos.

May you remove guesswork as much as possible.

All the best,
Karen

4 thoughts on “Tried and True: How to Remove Guesswork

  1. Hi Karen!
    Would you be willing to share how you store all of your project notes? I’m running out of storage space and would love a new idea.
    Be well!
    Beth

    1. Hi Beth, I keep all my Project notes in 3-ring binders, with each set of Project notes in a page protector sleeve. I have a separate binder for each loom, and I add each new project at the front of the binder, so the projects are in chronological order, back to front. When a binder becomes full, I start a new binder. I keep these Project notes binders on my bookshelves where I have my weaving books.

      It does take up space, but I like having the physical notes to go back to. You’ve been weaving longer than I have, so I imagine you have more Project notes than I do. As long as we keep weaving (hopefully, a very long time), we’ll keep accumulating these notes. 🙂

      All the best,
      Karen

  2. Good morning Karen,

    I believe it was sister Remy back in my college says said, “The lightest pencil is better than the best memory.”

    Project notes are wonderful.

    And no. I am not organized with my weaving notes.

    I have posted my design notes on my BLOG for the deconstructed sweat shirt graduation blankets. That is because I am intrinsically lazy when it comes to sharing the results.

    I am do glad you share.

    Nannette

    1. Hi Nannette, Every little step takes us closer to our destination. I enjoy keeping track of what I’ve done.

      Thanks,
      Karen

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