My wallet is on its last legs. It's being held together by duct tape. I hate spending money to buy a wallet because then you have no money left to put in it. ;-) I think my wallet preferences are fairly common — I like it to be short (vs. the longer clutch styles), have an outside pocket for change so I don't have to open it up fully just to get or put a quarter, and I want plenty of interior pockets and slots for cards and receipts. So, with all of that in mind, I set out this weekend to make up my own. Of course, in USMC MARPAT (the cammie fabric) style.
I'm happy to report that I think I've hit on a final pattern. Unfortunately, the pics below are not it. I need to make it again with some changes. This one, I suppose, is my "muslin." Sheesh, can't get away from muslins even in crafty projects.I need to get Zen about muslins and just embrace them.
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| That's a passport sticking out on the left side, to give you an idea of scale |
The main problem with this "muslin" is that the left side card pockets are too shallow and the cards can (and will) easily flop out. Not a good feature in a wallet. I also want to make some interfacing changes/additions.
I'm really ticked this is a muslin because I'm just about out of the prints I used on the interior and I like them. I have a lot of patriotic fat quarters from my UFO Stars & Stripes sampler quilt. I may use some of those for the next — and hopefully final — edition.
The "Semper Fi" name tape is just temporarily stuck to the outside. It's really a key ring, in case you were wondering what that metal ring is. Once I had decided this muslin wasn't going to work, I didn't bother making a custom name tape. But I will for the final.
Where the bills are sticking out above is where I'd actually put loose change. But loose change is harder to photograph "in action." I wonder how that magnetized snap will affect my credit/debit cards, but it looks so much nicer than Velcro.
I think actual sewing time is about an hour, but experimenting took 2 days. The first one was even worse than this one.
I'm also thinking of making this a pattern for sale. What do you think? And if I do, are there any volunteers for pattern/instruction testing?
I would be happy to be a tester!
ReplyDeleteMe too! It would be great to test your pattern, it's a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI'd test it, and have wallet-making experience too! It looks like a great design.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great project. You are going to put it on your Etsy site, right?
ReplyDeleteAbout the magents, some of them will demagnetize. Especially noted on Hotel room keys. Credit cards seem to be a little better projected and don't secumb as often. But if suddenly find your debit card has to be manually entered -- get a new one.
I'd be happy to test too and have made wallets in the past. I'd be a little leery of using a magnet so close to my cards, just 'cause it would demagnetize stuff at a really inconvenient time (murphy's law being what it is).
ReplyDeleteIt looks really cool, though.
I'd like to test it - if you need a tester with no wallet sewing experience. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think this would sell. Most wallet patterns out there seem to have the "quilt guild" look. Yours is quite tailored and I really like that. You are on to something, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you are making your own wallet!!
ReplyDeleteI really like the styling of this wallet and can't wait to see your tweaked version! How are you reinforcing the snap?
ReplyDeleteI've made a number of wallets... still have to make the "rigt" one for me... haven't figured out exactly what it is...
ReplyDeleteI would also happily test the pattern. I've made a couple of wallets in the past, and have found that the little finishes really make for a quality product. I do think though that velcro may be more true to the uniform look, if you're looking to sell them (or perhaps give the option in the pattern for different kinds of closures).
ReplyDeleteIt looks great and what a great idea to sell your pattern :)
ReplyDeleteThat is looking good! I'd love to test it, and if you don't need me as a tester, I'll be watching for when you put it up for sale. I think that would make great Christmas gifts (for people whose tastes I'm fairly sure of).
ReplyDeleteI love seeing bits of home in your posts... I have the same HC library card. :-) I could test for you and easily show you the results, or I'd also be a happy customer. It looks like a great pattern!
ReplyDeleteI'd be willing to test it, but I have never made a wallet -- I'm still gathering courage to make a purse! However, if you want to test your directions for the "idiot-proof" or beginner factor, I'm your girl. I'm notorious for being much better with photos than with written descriptions which tend to muddle my brain.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal level, I prefer the longer "clutch" wallets because I carry my checkbook with me at all times. I think a pattern would sell better if it included both types of wallet.
Looks like you've got a lot of volunteers, but if you need more, I'd love to test it. The wallet looks great!
ReplyDeleteI will! I love sewing wallets! And while I may not have a Marine in my family, my husband is Army (18 years!)...
ReplyDeleteso I might have to substitute the beautiful Army print...with pink lettering instead...
I'd love to test! I made a wallet from a pattern I bought on Etsy but it's not quite right, the coin section is inside and the cards do slide around a bit, plus it's long and I've realised I'm happier with smaller sized purses!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking wallet.
ReplyDeleteI'd be a customer. That looks like a great wallet. Your criteria are the same as mine. :-)
ReplyDeleteReally neat wallet - I definitely think the pattern would sell. Looks like you've already got plenty of volunteers for testing... I'll just say good luck!
ReplyDeleteWallet looks great; if you can't sew clothes, accessories fill in! Hats next? I volunteer as a tester as well.
ReplyDeleteThis wallet looks great. I've been thinking about making one, but didn't want to spend the energy to develope it. I would be happy to test. I've never made a wallet before.
ReplyDeleteYour wallet looks great. I can't sew that good to be a tester, but I would love a pattern when it's available.
ReplyDeleteLove the wallet. I'd be pleased and honored to be a pattern tester. No wallet making experience, so perhaps that qualifies me as a beginner?
ReplyDeleteI am a customer too exactly what I need. Will test too, or test instructions. Looks great to me.
ReplyDeleteI volunteer if you are looking for a beginner. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI have made a fair share of bags and have a good idea of how items should go together. I'd be happy to test for you. I have a stash of different weight interfacing materials and fusible fleece, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! You should make this a pattern to sell. You have a lot of testers already, so I'll just be happy to buy it when you release it!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! You should make this a pattern to sell. You have a lot of testers already, so I'll just be happy to buy it when you release it!
ReplyDeleteI think you should do a pattern and I'd offer to help as a tester if needed!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't need me to test it, I'd love to buy one when the pattern is ready.
ReplyDelete