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Conversational Threads

Couple of wallets

Josefly | Posted in Photo Gallery on

I had fun putting these together. They suit my purposes just fine – one holds my health care cards, another the other cards I can’t seem to do without – library card, etc. I like having more than one container, so I can find exactly what I need quickly. Driver’s license and single charge card are zipped into an internal pocket of my handbag. I’m paranoid about having them all in a single wallet since I was pick-pocketed a couple of years ago.

One of them has a velcro closure, the other an elastic band inside bias tubing. They really are just for cards, there’s no place for cash, but that wouldn’t be too hard to add.

I love playing with the small scraps of fabric I have and the few decorative stitches available on my wonderful ol’ machine. Just wish I could reverse the patterns.

Joan

Edited 3/1/2009 1:30 pm ET by Josefly


Edited 3/1/2009 3:13 pm ET by Josefly

Replies

  1. Palady | | #1

    Nicely done!  The colorway is catching.

    How a design is combined can make such a difference.  Your choices came together very well. 

    Are these gift?  Personal use?  Craft show table?  The latter would garner significant funds for the organization.

    nepa

    1. Josefly | | #2

      These were for my own use. But they are so simple they could be produced in quantity, I think, fairly easily.Thank you for the kind words.

  2. NansiSews | | #3

    Those are lovely!  They look like a fun class project.  do you have simple instructions or just the finished measurements?  I teach a sewing class that would love these, too!  Thanks!

    1. Josefly | | #7

      The two wallets are not quite the same. The first one I made, with the tab and velcro closure, has only two pockets on the inside, since I only carry 3 cards in that one. The second has 4 pockets, and more cards, which makes it thicker, so I built in a thicker fold for the wallet. I will gladly describe to you how I made them, with measurements, if you'd like. I made a few notes from which I can construct the instructions. I'll post them for you when I get them together.Thanks so much for your interest and nice comments.

      1. NansiSews | | #31

        I haven't checked in in a while, so thank you for your kind efforts.  i know my ladies will love this project.  I also like the photos of the Lazy Girl pattern that sewelegant posted, too.  I may check that pattern out, but would still love to have whatever dimensions or instructions you have.  As someone else posted:  great wasy to use up scraps and decorative threads and stitches.  It's never too early to start holiday gift items!  Love handmade with flair!

    2. Josefly | | #30

      I've (hopefully) attached ####PDF file with basic description of materials and general instructions for the card-wallets. It ended up being 2 pages, and this is the brief version! LOL I'm new to writing instructions, so forgive my wordiness. I started writing, then realized it was waaaaay too detailed for folks on this forum, especially you, a teacher. I saved the longer version, so if you need more details about any part, please let me know. Also, if I need to make it clearer.The quantities of some of the materials are minute. If you end up offering this as a project, your students may want to pool resources to buy and share things like elastic, bias tubing, Velcro, and even fabrics, particularly if they piece fabric for the outside covering. The nice thing for me about making these was that I used whatever I had on hand. Obviously, there are several different kinds of closures that could be substituted for mine.Can you tell how flattered I am that you asked about this?Joan

      1. User avater
        ThreadKoe | | #32

        Josefly, thank you for putting all that effort into sharing you wallet pattern with us! I am deeply grateful, as I REALLY NEEDED a wallet to put my stuff into when I am on my bike! I am HUGGING YOU (((()))) right now. Cathy

        1. Josefly | | #38

          Oh, you've made my day. I love hugs. Thank you. I hope if you use the instructions you'll post your results, plus whatever additions you make, here so we can see them.You've picked up on the biggest benefit of this wallet, the reason I made it to begin with - it's light, not bulky at all, a minimalist accessory. Just right for a biking trip. :>)

          1. User avater
            ThreadKoe | | #39

            Gee, you are easy to please! Any time you need a hug! :) Cathy

      2. Palady | | #35

        Sincere thanks for 1) your talent in putting together the wallet

                                       2) posting your efforts for members to enjoy

                                     3) your PC knowledge in getting the data posted

                                       4.) your willingness to make the how avaialble t omembers.

        My thought now is your doing should be in a future Threads magazine issue.

        nepa

        ETA - I sent off a message to Deanna through the profile e-mail addressing publishing.

         

         

        Edited 3/5/2009 4:09 pm ET by Palady

        1. Josefly | | #37

          Oh, my, now I'm blushing. :>) Not sure I deserve all the nice compliments, but I've learned so much from this forum, I'm glad I can contribute a little something.

      3. Teaf5 | | #36

        Wow, thanks for the instructions!  The dimensions and details are very important; it must've taken a lot of time to write them all up to share with us.  Much appreciated!

  3. JeanM | | #4

    Very nicely done.  Isn't it wonderful to be able to create items to our specifications, not that of some manufacturer somewhere in the world!

    I also like to keep things separate in my purse: my money is separate from my cards.  Yes, they could take my entire purse but I don't think they could get very far, under the weight of my purse.

    1. Josefly | | #8

      Ha. Yes, my purse is pretty heavy, too, and I now wear it diagonally across my body, so it's close, and the weight is distributed better. I was amazed that someone could get into my zipper-closed-under-a-flap bag while it was on my body, and steal my wallet out of it, but I was in a crowded TJ Maxx, and had my arms full of clothes I was going to try on, and my bag was pushed toward my back. Darn! Thieves are very clever and talented. I'm pretty sure several young women were in cahoots - there was one who had a baby stroller, squeezing through and blocking the aisles, and there was no baby in the stroller! So I think she was the distraction, so I wouldn't notice the person brushing against me in the back. I didn't discover the theft until I went to pay for the clothes. By the time I got home to call to report my stolen charge card, they had gone a block or two to Macy's and charged $2000 worth of merchandise. No ID required at Macy's, I guess, even for such a large charge. So I've gotten a little smarter and more conscious.

      1. Palady | | #11

        >> ... charged $2000 worth of merchandise. ... << 

        Please accept my concern for your experience.   I say concern because it could've happened to anyone.  What is the more aggravating in these situations is the indiffernce of retail staff. 

        In my experience with Macy's, I have had to present ID in every purchase I've made since that company took over.  What is bothering, is the retailers have to absorb these costs & raise prices for those of us who are honest.   Having to always on-guard to protect oneself can be tiring.

        Did you just deal with the credit card people or did you discuss the happening with Macy bigwigs as well?

        nepa

         

        1. Josefly | | #16

          Thank you for your concern. Well, I shouldn't have ranted on so... especially because I wasn't held responsible for the fraudulent charges. No, I didn't complain with Macy's, just dealt with the credit card company. And as you say, Macy's was stuck with the loss, which is then passed on to the rest of us. But I always pull out my ID with my credit card, now, and hand it with my card to the clerk, and thank them for looking at it. They don't ask for it, though - don't know if that's just true of the stores in our city - you swipe your own card through, sign the electronic screen, and that's that. It did surprise me that such large purchases were allowed, though.

      2. MaryinColorado | | #22

        I'm sorry to hear you were robbed, but thank you so much for the warning and description of how they did it.  Those were some bold theifs!  We just cannot be too careful.  I also recently bought a bag that goes across diagonally from an Army Navy Surplus store.  It is much easier on the back too.  I look forward to your instructions on those cute little card pockets!  Mary

        I often use a fanny pack and these would fit in there so nicely too.  Thanks again!  Love your choice of fabrics too.

        Edited 3/3/2009 1:17 pm by MaryinColorado

  4. Gloriasews | | #5

    Oh, those are pretty!  Love the colour combos.  You did an excellent job!  Do you plan to make a few for next Christmas?  What did you use for stiffening?

    Gloria

    1. Josefly | | #9

      Thank you - such nice compliments. I may make some as gifts, yes, but you know, wallets are such a personal thing - everyone has her own particular preferences, and I'm not sure people would want these small things as I do. What do you think? I used Pellon Peltex 70, "ultra firm" stabilizer. It's very stiff. A less stiff one could be used, or multiple layers of lighter interfacing. One mistake: on the second wallet, I used a layer of polyester flannel batting between the outer fabric and the interfacing, but I pressed using too much heat, and the flannel compressed into a thin layer similar to interfacing, thus losing the little bit of loft I was going for. Silly me. Next time I'll stitch (quilt) the outer fabric to the batting, and use cotton batting, and be more careful of the iron.Edited 3/2/2009 11:17 am ET by Josefly

      Edited 3/2/2009 11:22 am ET by Josefly

      1. KharminJ | | #13

        Ouch! for your stolen wallet - I hope that you didn't end up having to cover the Macy's bill!

        ~~~

        As for the personal nature of wallets, it's true, but so is color preference ~ someone "out there" will also like whatever you pick. Simply do a pretty good job of describing what pockets and slots you've included in each one, and make sure that a checkbook and bills will *actually* fit, if that's what they're intended for (I've seen wallets at retail where this wasn't true - what were they thinking? Maybe designed for Yen.). It may be a *small* market for your choices, but all you need to find is one person who likes it!Bright Blessings and Happy March!

        1. User avater
          ThreadKoe | | #14

          I have to agree with you Kharmin! Often I am looking at a wallet or cardholder with a size and purpose in mind. Seldom do any even come close. I would snap up several of those babies! Cathy

        2. Josefly | | #18

          Thanks for the sympathetic "ouch" - but no, thank goodness I wasn't held responsible for the fraudulent charges. I had called the card company as quickly as I could, and they were able to put a stop on the card within an hour or so. I had to do the whole "identity theft" routine to prevent credit accounts from being opened in my name, etc. and keep a hold on that for a year. Had to get a new driver's license, and replace all the other ID/membership-type cards, but that was all a minor convenience, relative to what might've been.It just taught me a good lesson. And now I've had fun with the wallets, and my cards are organized just the way I want them.

      2. Gloriasews | | #20

        Thanks so much for the stiffening info.  I would think that many people would love to have a gift like those, especially when they look that nice.  It was a learning experience for you throughout.  The next ones you make will go much faster.

        Gloria

        1. Josefly | | #26

          You're very welcome.You're right, future efforts will go faster. I'm getting so much nice feedback it's making me feel the gifts would be useful and welcome, so maybe that'll be my everybody-gets-one gift this year. I'll have to find some more color combos among my stash, though, because I used these same scraps to decorate aprons last Christmas.

          1. Gloriasews | | #27

            There you go - start your Christmas gifts already!  You can have fun by trying your dec stitches with the threads & methods Mary told you about, as well,  Have fun.  These should take care of a fair amount of your scraps, too.

            Gloria

  5. User avater
    ThreadKoe | | #6

    Those are really great Josefly! Perfect for putting the basic cards in for throwing in the pocket of my motorcycle jacket! Simple and very very attractive. Thanks for sharing. Cathy

    1. Josefly | | #10

      I'm glad to hear others think these might be useful, especially if I decide to make some as gifts. Thank you for your kind remarks.

  6. sewelegant | | #12

    <!----><!---->I really enjoyed your pictures and talent in making the little wallets.  I recently purchased this pattern from Lazy Girl Handbags and now I am more than ever determined to make one!<!----><!---->

    <!---->View ImageI do not know what fascinates me more... the wallet or the fabrics used!!!<!----><!---->

    1. Josefly | | #17

      Ooh, I like that pattern. I like my card-only wallets, but the addition of a change/cash compartment would be nice for any that I make as gifts. I think the choices of fabrics are what make this kind of thing fun - and I like the fabrics used for the ones in the pattern photo.

    2. goodwife | | #34

      that is my feeling exactly.

  7. User avater
    rodezzy2 | | #15

    Oh dear, that is so good.  I love them.

    1. Josefly | | #19

      Thank you, rodezzy. :>)

  8. MaryinColorado | | #21

    What a great way to use up all those scraps!  They turned out looking very professionally done, and so unique.  I love them! 

    Have you tried playing with adjusting the stitch width and length on your decorative stitches?  You could also vary them by using something like 12 or 30 wt. Sulky Cotton Blendables or other decorative threads in the bobbin and putting your right side of fabric towards the presser foot.  Just a thought, love to play with those deco stitches too! 

    Thanks for sharing this cool project, it would make nice gifts too.  Mary

    1. Josefly | | #24

      Those are good suggestions for experimenting with the threads. I haven't tried that bobbin work yet, but I will. Thank you, especially for mentioning specific threads I might use.I'll try to post the instructions tomorrow. I spent some time writing them up today, but I need to read through again to be sure it's clear. Wish I knew how to do the illustrations for some of it, but I'm not that computer savvy.

      Edited 3/3/2009 11:26 pm ET by Josefly

      1. MaryinColorado | | #28

        I'm not that computer savvy either!  But I share your enjoyment of utilizing those decorative stitches on the sewing machine.  Thanks for the info on the stabilizer too.  I'm working on a crazy quilt for my grandson so your little cardholders are the perfect solution for using up some of the leftover fabrics.  Thank You!

        1. Josefly | | #29

          I'm looking forward to seeing the quilt for your grandson. Yes, the left-over pieces will be great for these wallets. You can make use of amazingly small scraps. In fact, one of my wallets contains a left-over scrap of pieced strips, that I had used for my Christmas-gift aprons. My daughter said, "Gee, you're getting a lot of mileage from those fabrics." :>) And I am, largely because I seem to repeatedly buy more of the fabrics in that red-grey-black scheme to replenish. Gotta stop that! Move on to something else.

  9. Teaf5 | | #23

    Exquisite!  The interiors are so beautiful that I might not mind paying for purchases so very much.  I like the AARP card, too, as it relates to a lot of the "mature fit" topics lately...

    1. Josefly | | #25

      Thank you. It's so nice to find that others like them. I chuckled to myself as I realized which cards would be showing.

  10. goodwife | | #33

    What a great idea for small fabric scraps, and so much nicer to have and to hold that bought ones. 

  11. sewornate | | #40

    Josefly, your purses reminded me of some in the latest Threads Magazine (April-May 2009).  They have some they made using aluminum cans as part of the trim.  I was really interested in that, until I saw you needed to heat the aluminum over a hot grill, which we don't have.  Be sure and look at this issue when it comes your way. 

    I bought a similar purse to yours at a craft show last fall.  Your scrap pieces patched together are more interesting than the one I bought!  Nice job.

    Edited 3/7/2009 6:14 pm ET by sewornate

    1. Josefly | | #41

      Thank you. The fabric-piecing is the most fun part. You did such a nice job with the jeans bags you showed us. I'll bet you've seen lots of styles and fabric combos in accessories at the craft shows.I'm eager to get the new issue. Aluminum cans? Huh? I'll be sure to check it out. Did you see the jacket, in the reader's closet online, made from juice packs?

      Edited 3/7/2009 10:25 pm ET by Josefly

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