11 February 2006
Whew, it's been a morning of unsuccessful projects. I've already given up and thrown away two unlucky items, but I think it's just the universe trying to keep things on an even keel after this excellent success:
My new wallet. My last (also homemade) wallet was literally falling apart after a year's use, and I tried to replace it a couple weeks ago, but I just wasn't happy with the result. I wanted something compact and slick, and thought up the above model. It's got two pockets for credit cards and a back pocket for cash money. I'm not sure why I used this print, but it seemed like the thing to do, and I really like how it looks with the solid blue. So, huzzah.
I used some ultra-stiff interfacing meant for shirt collars; I bought several meters the other week before I realized it was just too stiff for making bags. It was perfect for the wallet, though, and it worked well for this fabric box:
Cute, no? And now my bird clips have somewhere to perch.
The jury is still out on this:
It looks really nice, but it's a bit breadier than it ought to be. The fresh plums are very tart, though, and the crumble on top is nice and sweet, so I guess it all balances out. Not a disaster, not amaaazing, but pretty good. I can live with that.
Lastly, I wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading the comments from yesterday's post. When it comes down to it, we're all very passionate about our crafting, which is a very nice way to be, indeed.
Beautiful work on all three. I love the box.
posted by A.J. at February 11, 2006 03:09 PM
Your wallet is wonderful. I would love to make one for myself, my wallet is so clumsy and I realize I carry less and less cash these days, so I don't need one so big. The fabric box is a great idea, I might try something like that for Emma's room, we're in need of an organizational redo in her toy department.
posted by blair at February 11, 2006 03:52 PM
i think you chose that fabric for the wallet because it's perfect. happy and cheey and pretty colors! so nice! and what cute bird clips!!!
posted by risa at February 12, 2006 03:33 AM
so much better than a shop bought wallet, it's the kind of thing I'd keep lingering on hte table in a coffee shop for all to see, not in my pocket with the fluff n stuff.
i adore teh bird clip, who makes them, I collect all things blue, especially birds?
posted by cally at February 12, 2006 06:57 AM
Beautiful wallet! Such wonderful colours.
posted by nichola at February 12, 2006 08:53 AM
Cally -- I'm afraid I can't remember who made the bird clips. I bought them at Paperchase a while back, and I remember seeing them on clearance a couple months ago. Wish I could be of more help!
posted by Anna at February 12, 2006 09:25 AM
I absolutely love your wallet. Did you come up with the pattern yourself? Very clever. I love the fabric, too.
posted by Sijbrich at February 15, 2006 12:42 AM
Sijbrich -- Yup, just a little pattern I made up as I went. I'm actually VERY bad at understanding/following store-bought patterns, so thank goodness they're not required!
posted by Anna at February 15, 2006 09:41 AM
Thats soooo cool! I always love the fabric you choose - you have great taste ^_^
That cake looks yummy! I'm not a big fan of sugary-sweet or sickly-sweet-chocolate deserts, so the idea of a nice tart cake really appeals to me! Where's the recipe from? :)
posted by Catherine at February 17, 2006 11:13 AM
Catherine -- The recipe is the German Plum Tart from Nigella's Domestic Goddess book. It's actually a yeast recipe, so more bready than cake-y -- and it's supposed to be flatter than mine looks.
posted by Anna at February 17, 2006 04:58 PM