New Video and Pattern Update

 Hello,

MiniMax Crossbody Bag

It's been a long time and I hope you all are doing great. There are a lot of things happening right now at ChezVies, some are sewing related and some are not.

At my sewing corner, recently I updated the Phone & Kindle Pouch pattern after getting a lot of constructive feedback via emails as well as comments on Youtube. Oh, I also name it the MiniMax Crossbody bag. It's a mini bag with maximum utility. Truly giving a name to a pattern is not easy, it took me 3 days to find the name that I feel will match the bag. 

So what's new with this updated pattern?

First, I added one more template to accommodate larger smartphones. I made a tutorial on how to scale up the pattern in my blog so I thought, I will add it to the new updated MiniMax Crossbody Bag pattern.

For the second one, I also added instructions for adding a back zipper pocket, which I also previously shared in my blog.

 

 

In the new version, instead of a picture diagram, I used real photos in the tutorial with clear step-by-step instructions. I also added a video tutorial for using faux leather or vinyl.

WATCH VIDEO

I hope you enjoy the videos and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me with your questions.

Don't forget to check other tutorials on my Youtube Channel.

If you have not purchased the pattern, head to my website and use code CVG20 to get 20% off. The coupon is valid for ALL Patterns.

Download the pattern

Thank you for being part of my sewing journey and this creative community! If you shared on social media please use hashtag #chezviespatterns. I would love to see your lovely creations.

Elvira

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Bag Interfacing and new videos

The past few weeks passed very quickly! I have a couple of videos up on my YouTube channel and the most recent one is about bag interfacing for bag making in India. Yes, I am still getting a lot of questions regarding bag interfacing, and even though I have posted about it on the blog HERE and HERE, I thought a video will help, especially for those who just venture out into bag making in India. 

All about bag interfacing in India Video

After watching the video, if you still have any questions, simply leave a comment on my YouTube channel and I will try my best to help you out. 

ALSO READ: Wallet Interfacing Secret Guide

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I also finally upload the video for the zippered tissue pouch and made a couple of small pouches for gifts. These pouches are very handy and useful. I always carry one in my bag to store lipstick and tissues, and also a few emergency medicines (I have allergies) and even sanitary napkins.  You can make these pouches using scrap fabrics and it really doesn't take much, plus they make pretty small gifts, especially now the festive season is coming. You can find the pattern HERE.

Zippered Tissue Pouch Video Tutorial

Zippered Tissue Pouch 

 

I hope you find the videos helpful. If you have any questions, simply leave a comment or two!

Thank you for stopping by!

Have a nice day 

Elvira

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Mini Trifold Wallet Video Tutorial

 

Midori Wallet Video Tutorial

Finally, the video tutorial for the Midori Wallet is up on YouTube and  I am happy to cross one list from my to-do list!  A few days ago I was cutting a Wonderland fabric to make a small bifold wallet for order and I had a small piece left, which is just perfect for the flap part of this trifold wallet. So I went ahead and cut another set. It's still on my RTS (ready to sew) box. I hope I can finish it by next week.

 

Get the Pattern on ETSY

Midori wallet is pretty easy and quick to sew. Also, it doesn't need a lot of materials. The wallet can hold 6 cards and more. I personally carry about 4 cards and nowadays in India mobile payment via Google Pay is very common. You can even purchase candies and Gpay it. And during the lockdown, we always bought most of the things online and now I sometimes forget to carry cash when I go out. 

Zipper Pocket 

Wonderland Trifold Wallet

If you love a minimalist wallet, this project is perfect for you. The pattern comes with full-scale templates that you can print out at home. Do let me know if you make one or if you have any questions. I'd be glad to assist you. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing!

Elvira 

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Sewing Faux Leather Mini Crossbody Bag

 

The most FAQ regarding the mini crossbody phone bag is "can I make it with Vinyl or Faux Leather?" Absolutely! So yesterday, I made one for myself and also recorded a short video as I sewed.

Sewing with faux leather is pretty fun, meaning I cut fewer materials and the result is always looking great! I used high-grade sofa leatherette that I bought from a local furnishing shop. It was pretty expensive but it's worth it! It's just the right thickness, pliable and a dream to stitch.

A few things to keep in mind when making this bag with Vinyl is to skip the interfacing and batting. So basically you cut fewer materials! Unless the vinyl is thin and soft, you might want to add lightweight interfacing for that.

Another thing is to always double stitch the seam.

Faux Leather Bag

For the detachable long strap, I cut 2" wide x 58" Long faux leather. The finished strap is a little wider than 0.5" wide. 

As for the D-ring tab, I cut 2 of  0.5" W x 2" H faux leather. Put them on the wrong side together and just top stitch along the edges. I still have a lot to learn about sewing with faux leather. I have a couple projects in mind, but I still keep procrastinating a lot! 

Well, I hope these few tips will answer your doubts in case you want to sew the phone sling bag using faux leather. Do let me know if you have any questions, I will try my best to help you. 

Until next time, 

Happy Sewing! 

Elvira

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Slim Zipper Pouches

 

Slim Pencil Cases

I have not done much sewing since Ramadan started but I have a few projects that are ready to sew when the mood strikes and I have time. Yes, bacthing your work does help! I have many projects (mostly wallets and small bags) that are ready to sew now. 

Today I finished these 3 slim pouches. I've always wanted to make these pouches. They are so useful to keep a few pens or digital pens, ear pods, or even brows and lipstick, and eyeglasses. 

I used the small size template from the Trapeze Zipper Pouch pattern and added 2 inches length-wise. I placed the template 1" away from the fold and then cut the fabric piece accordingly. 

I created the templates in such a way that's easier for you to resize them. Just like these pouches. Here's the comparison with the original size. They are so cute! 

Watch Now: How to make a quilted zipper pouch

These pouched are quilted and my current fave is walking foot style quilting. Well, I am using my Jack sewing machine so I do not really use the walking foot. But the Teflon foot that I am using works out fine. 

I added a wooden zipper pull using the suede string. I have a couple of suede strings I bought (impulse buying) from Amazon, and glad I can use them. 

Striped Pencil Pouch 

Ikat Pencil Case

Block Print Indigo Pencil Case

This is a super-duper easy project that you can sew over the weekends. I have the videos for the quilted version and the faux leather version on my Youtube Channel. I am thinking of making a couple faux leather slim pouches next, maybe sometime next month. Right now, a lot of things going on, and my mind is sort of all over the place. First thing firts! 

Thank you for stopping by! 

Happy Sewing,

Elvira 

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Use code CVG20 to get 20% off on the Pattern Only 

New Video Tutorial - Passport Card Wallet

Voyage Passport Wallet

 

Hello,

As promised in my previous post, finally the video tutorial for the small passport wallet is up on my YouTube channel now. And as I edited the original pattern to add the link, I also gave a name to the pattern. Well, I am really not good at giving names but then, as I make more patterns, I suppose it's inevitable for me to give a certain name. This time, I go with the simple name Voyage Passport Wallet. I plan to update the original pattern with better photos when I get the time, so please bear with me.

In the video, I cut the pattern pieces slightly bigger than the original one, because I want to use it for Journal Cover like in my previous post

For the zipper version, all the basics remain the same as the original pattern. If you want to make it with zipper closure, here are the additional materials to cut/change: 

✓ Cut 2 -  Medium or All-purpose interfacing for main exterior and lining

✓ Cut 1 - Fleece Batting  - the same size as the main exterior 

 ✓ #5 Zipper – 24” Long (based on the continuous zipper that is cut to size) 

✓ Bias binding (follow THIS TUTORIAL)

Without further ado, here's the video :

If you're new here and wondering about the interfacing I used in my wallets, I wrote my secret guide for interfacing in THIS POST and THIS POST. My suggestion is to keep experimenting until you find the combination that you like the most. In the hydrangea passport wallet above, I used all-purpose interfacing for the main body and using medium interfacing for the sleeves' base. The wallet turned out softer and I can even fit it with more passports - up to 4 passports and it still closed nicely. 

I made another Voyage Wallet with Snoopy Print as a custom order. Some of the crafters, DM me on Instagram asking how to do bias binding nicely. As I mentioned in my previous post, before cutting the binding (cross-cut or bias), make sure the fabric grains are straight. This small step is very important to get a good finish. And of course, practice! Practice makes improvement. Sometimes even I had to rip off the already sewn binding because I didn't straighten the grain nicely and resulted in sloppy finish. 

Zip Around Passport Wallet

Another question is, can I use cross-cut binding instead? Yes, you definitely can. I made a couple of passport wallets with zippers using cross-cut binding. It will be like the usual wallet binding, like in THIS tutorial. When you want to use cross-cut binding for a zipper wallet, do not CURVE the corners. I will make the video next time when I am working on a wallet binding. 

Here is a few Ohana Passport Wallet I did for a custom order. 

Mitered Corner binding

Cartoon Print Passport Wallet

I hope the video and a few tips above help your journey in the wallet making. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Thank you so much for reading my blog. 

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

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Pattern Update - Relaunch Ohana Passport Wallet

Ohana Passport Wallet Pdf Pattern

Hello,

Finally, I finished editing the Family  Passport Wallet Pattern and decided to rename it to Ohana Passport Wallet. The original pattern was the first pattern I wrote and there is a lot of scope for improvement. As time goes by, the pattern evolved and when  I wrote the tutorial for adding zipper closure, this version became more in demand. 

In the new version,  the main tutorial is for a wallet with a zipper closure based on the previous tutorial, also single tape zipper closure can be seen on the Video. I added links to video tutorials and also blog posts for more references. 

Here is how the wallet looks with the flap closure: 

And here's the zipper around version:

Watch the video on how to sew the wallet from beginning to end. 

The Ohana Passport Wallet is also written in the new format, which I find easier to understand and I hope you agree :).  The pattern consists of 29 pages (including the templates), so it's pretty much compact but details. 

If you already bought the pattern and want to download the new version, please email me using the email you used when purchasing the pattern, and I will send you another link to download the pattern.

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

VIDEO TUTORIAL - SAFARI TRAVEL WALLET

Safari Travel Wallet Video

Hello, 

Finally, the video tutorial for the Safari Travel Wallet is up on my YouTube Channel. I hope the video can help to visualize how to make the wallet from the beginning. I am trying to get a better angle as I recorded the video and also try not to skip the process. The video is sped up  2 to 3 times from the original. If you want to watch it at a slower speed, you can do so by clicking the setting on your YouTube screen.  

The original pattern only has instructions for flap closure which is pretty easy, but as many customers like zip-around closure more, I decided to make the video for the zip-around version. If anyone wants to see the flap closure version, I will record one when I make my next wallet. Do let me know in the comment.

Cute Zipper End 

Zip Around Travel Wallet

I really enjoy recording the video and I really hope to share more sewing tutorials in the future. If you heard some funny noise in between the videos, that's because my son was watching a football match, or sometimes, someone came and asked something in the middle of the recording. Maybe I should put a sign like "recording in progress, do not disturb" LOL

I hope you find the video useful and you can understand the process of making the wallet. I'm looking forward to your feedback! 

Thank you for stopping by,

Elvira

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