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Evernote for Knitting: How Jennifer Lathrop Keeps Her Patterns and Needles Organized

Tips and Stories | By Jennifer Lathrop
 
Name: Jennifer Lathrop
Profession: Graphic Designer, part time student
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Hobby: Knitting
Twitter: @jennilathrop

Bio

Jennifer Lathop is a graphic designer and hobbyist knitter who lives in Minneapolis. She began knitting with her mother. Today, she uses Evernote to not only manage her patterns, but to organize her family life, do her taxes, and keep track of work projects.

I use Evernote, Everywhere

I use Evernote for…

After I had initially discovered Evernote, I really wanted to figure out how it could fit into my lifestyle. I started following the Evernote blog and also Michael Hyatt’s blog and taking note of ideas. I started using Evernote by scanning in cartoons that I kept in a desk drawer, and since, my use has evolved beyond what I ever imagined.

Evernote for Knitting

I started knitting with my mom years ago. I’ve knit hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, sweaters and socks. Right now, I’m working on a baby blanket. Here are some of the ways Evernote has become an invaluable companion for me:

  • When my mom passed away, I got all of her knitting stuff and was immediately overwhelmed. My mom never knew what needles she had, and was always buying more. I’ve taken all of her needles and organized them entirely in Evernote, noting the type (double point, circular). Now, if I’m at the craft store, I know exactly what needles I have because I can pull up my list on my phone.
  • You knit where you are, so you take your projects with you. I used to take my pattern, fold it, and stuff it in my bag; after a while, it would start to crease and rip. Now, my patterns are saved in Evernote, so I have them with me no matter where I go, and they’re protected…for life!*
  • I find a lot of free patterns online, so I clip the patterns or new knitting techniques that I come across. Recently, I came across a video about a difficult join (it’s where you stop one yarn color and start another). I clipped the screenshot to my Evernote account so that I’d have it for reference  (it’s complicated!). You can also scan in hard copies of patterns and save them in your Evernote account.
  • I love having local notebooks on my phone, so even if I don’t have an Internet connection, I’m still able to pull up my pattern. [Learn more about Offline Notebooks; this is a Premium feature]
  • One of the things I’m starting to do is chronicle my knitting projects: taking pictures of finished projects, scanning in the labels of the yarn I used, and attaching the image of the yarn type to the note.

Evernote for work and life:

These days, I use Evernote for much more than knitting:

  • I have 16 main notebooks, many of which are Notebook Stacks. I love having my notes separated into appropriate categories. I have notebooks for graphic design, health, my kids, knitting, productivity, taxes, etc. Each notebook, like my ‘kids’ notebook, has a sub-notebook (ie – each kid has their own notebook). [Learn more about Notebook Stacks]
  • I’m a graphic designer and I’ve started to collect samples of things I see and like. I’ve also been doing more social media work for my job, so I’ve been saving tips, tricks and ideas for best practices.
  • I really like being able to share notebooks. I share them with my husband, especially when they have to do with the kids, the house, or gift ideas. For example, we went school shopping this weekend and I had scanned in the supply list. We both had it, so we could both scan the list. If he needs to pick some things up when I’m not around, he can. I’ve recently started sharing project-related notes with my boss. They get updated everywhere automatically, so we’re always on the same page. [Learn more about Shared Notebooks]

User Tip:

I love the new Android widget that shows my most-recently used notes: it allows me to pull up my most-recently used pattern in a snap.

*I only scan in patterns I have purchased (or are free) and I do not share or distribute any patterns I have loaded into Evernote.

  • Dave Ambrose

    This is cool. I use Evernote in similar ways to keep track of my model car ideas. I also have inspirational pictures of cool cars, be they model or real.

    I like the idea of keeping inventories in Evernote. I’ll have to add my kit inventory before my stash gets completely out of hand. :-)

  • http://www.NikkiInStitches.com Nikki

    As a career crafter I love your suggestions!
    I’m already hooked on Evernote, but now I’ll be using it even more!

  • C

    Does anyone use EN to organize scrapbooking info (supplies, ideas, etc). I’d love to know how you’ve set it up. Thanks

  • http://www.nerd20.com Matías

    I love this practice for Evernote. I love Evernote :)

  • Dave

    I love how you have a Tardis drawing in there.

    • Jenni Lathrop

      But of course! That was my birthday present art from my son. Two thumbs up for you!

  • http://www.studiostitches.co.uk Suzanne

    I run a sewing service business and I keep track of what to do and when on Evernote. I have notebooks for each section, dressmaking, soft furnishings, alterations and misc. I post a note of a new client and details of the job, when its completed it gets filed into the appropriate notebook. That way I have a list of current jobs and separate lists of completed jobs in the relevant areas. I live in a small community and get asked to do things when I’m out and about, I can add it straight away to my list and also give them an appointment on the spot too as I use google calendar on my phone.

    I have a separate accounting and invoicing programme but I scan all the receipts onto Evernote and organise them into months. Its then easy to share them with the accountant.

    I am also using Evernote to collate information for a new business idea, I use my phone to access info and store any photos I may take on my travels.

    I have a notebook with all the car details – dates for service, MOT, tax and insurance, recovery service. I scan all receipts for repairs so I KNOW exactly what needs to be done and when. I also keep weblinks for scrap yards and parts suppliers so I can check the prices of things myself before committing to a repair – some of the mark ups are shocking!

    Like all apps it takes a while to learn how to make it work for you,

    • Kasey Fleisher Hickey

      Thanks so much for sharing your story, Suzanne. You might want to check out our new lifestyle forum – there are some great craft-related conversations happening there: http://discussion.evernote.com/forum/43-craft/

  • http://maternityshare.com Christine Parrott

    I <3 Evernote and just went Premium today. I had to. I was using it too much :) I just got done with my own blog post about wonderful world of Evernote. Afterward, I went poking around and found your above post. I added some links to this article and shared some of your goodies. Thanks!

    I use it for personal, and professional stuff too. I love that I can sort things out so that everything in my life has its own handy spot.

    I was most inspired by your saying "If I’m out and about and have an idea for a blog post but no time to work on it, I just dictate a voice note to myself and pull it up later when I’m at my desk."
    This is going to change my life! Thanks for this tip. I have not tried using the voice aspect of Evernote yet. I had been using "microphone" on my iPhone but find that I almost never go back to it.

    I will get more ideas turned into blog posts this way. Thank you thank you thank you!
    And, BONUS, I love to record my 3 1/2 son talking and singing so I can share it with the family.

  • Lillian Mahoney

    You have given me so many ideas for my jewelry making. I’ll me able to know details about wire, cabs, and beads for each pattern. Well done:-)

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