So, as promised -- my new wallet. I usually mull these things over for weeks and weeks until I can sprong into action, having worked out all the details in my mind. That was pretty much what happened with this; I knew I wanted to have a bigger wallet, one that would hold cash and cards, but also had a zipper pocket for coins, and which could hold my checkbook as well (there are a few of my usual haunts that don't accept cards).
I actually had one false start: on Saturday, I put together a wallet using the fabric I'd been thinking about, and a design I'd decided on (pockets for cash and cards on one interior side, zipper pocket and space for my checkbook on the other). I got everything finished except for hand-sewing on the clasp strap, and I decided I didn't really like it. It's actually pretty nice, but it just wasn't what I wanted.
So when I was out and about with my friend Alex yesterday, we stopped at Patina after brunch, and I saw a nice wallet whose design I liked -- instead of having pockets on both interior sides, everything was on one end, while the other served as more of a flap. So that's the design I went with.
I found the scrap remnant of this vintage fabric by accident as I sorted through my stash, and I immediately wanted to use it. I'd had the iron-on 'A' applique for a long time now, and this seemed like the perfect project. So, like the wallet I saw in the shop, the top is really only a flap, keeping everything inside secure. The interior has space for cards and my checkbook, and there's a zippered pocket on the outside for cash and coins (I could also fit my phone or iPod in there, if I wanted).
It really turned out just as I'd hoped. The older I get, the more patience I have for taking my time with the details (surprise!) -- stuff like top-stitching and, in this case, making sure things lined up just right; I wanted a bit of the grey lining to show on the front when the flap was velcro-ed down. I think the time spent getting those things right is what makes the finished product feel like a success.
So now I just need to take a few more months to mull over the perfect camera-toting messenger bag. Something that's only exactly as big as it needs to be. And won't cause any shoulder or back pain. Right.
It turned out lovely. My much loved, 10 year old wallet bit the dust this week. I bought a temporary replacement, but it is so blech, and making myself a new one has been on my mind.
This is fabulous! I am also looking for a wallet, you have inspired me to work out a design of my own. Love your fabric choice!
This turned out so awesome! I love it!!
...you do such nice work Anna...love, grama
Your new wallet looks great and that A seems to be such a precious embroidery. You make great things.
Please don't think I'm a crazy, but I saw this post the day you posted and thought, "How lovely, I need to go comment!" and then that night ALL NIGHT I dreamt about making my own wallet. I just made myself a new bag, I might have to tackle a wallet next. Yours is lovely.
well your patience paid off because this is so beautiful. What does the inside look like?
Thanks, everybody!
Connie -- there's a link in the post.
Awesome! I'm super impressed that you think it...and then can make it happen!