Travel Wallet Journal Covers

Snoopy Passport Cover

I like to improvise with my own patterns and recently I made these 3 kinds of travel wallets from This Pattern. 

The Snoopy wallet was a custom order and she wanted an additional zipper pocket and this is my current fave zipper wallet to make. (I'm working on the tutorial! so make sure to subscribe to my blog so you won't miss it! )

Besides that, I added 1/4 inch on the length and width from the original pattern, so that it fits nicely for the B6 Size Notebook. I realized that when I travel, I always carry a small notebook to doodle or just to write down ideas or my thoughts. As much as I like the notebook app on my phone, I still prefer a real book to write on. And this is just perfect. Oh, I can't wait to travel again!! 

For the Paris journal cover below, I used elastic for closure. As it is more convenient, I suppose. The wallet can pack quite a lot too. I can fit 2 passports in one sleeve and the other sleeve for the notebook. 

Paris Travel Journal Cover

And another one with flap closure. If you'd like to make one with outer flap closure, cut the flap fabric 2" W x 8" Long and all purpose interfacing 2" W x 7.5" Long. Once you iron the interfacing on the fabric, fold the long edges towards the center, and then fold the flap crosswise so that the short ends meet. Topstitch along the three edges, leaving the raw edge unsewn.  

Linen Travel Journal Passport Cover

 

the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page 

 

Map Print Travel Wallet

See, you can do so many varieties with just one pattern. I had my shared of failed experiments but that's how I learn. 

Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risk, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun - Charles Mingus

Thank you for reading my blog, stay safe & stay creative!

 -Elvira-

A few more Kantha quilts

I made a few more small Kantha quilts last month but have not written about them here. I made a larger version of the moonshine and valentine, the size of placemats. I am still using shot cotton fabrics and using Anchor Pearl cotton no. 8. I got a few pearl cotton threads from my SIL and luckily I keep them. 

I still have a few placemats to quilt with more fun colors. I hope I can finish them soon. I got sew easily distracted doing other projects :D

And here are another rectangular Kantha coasters that I finished and added to the Shop. And still using handloom cotton. I really love the handloom border and since some of the handloom fabrics only have one side borders, these coasters are very limited in stock.

what is your fave tea?

Great for your mug or indoor plant mat

And here are a few in floral print and tie-dye combo. 

Teal Floral rectangular coaster set

Fuchsia Coasters Set

I had so much fun making all these mini quilts. Handloom ones are rather hard to quilt, but the floral ones are easier and I can finish it quickly while catching up on my Cdramas :)

Thank you for stopping by!

Have a lovely day!

Elvira

Linking up to these wonderful blogs

 

Patchwork Wallet

Patchwork Travel Wallet

There are so many things you can make with 2.5" squares and it's my fave size to play with.  After making a few drawstring bags, I thought let me make a travel wallet! Since the pandemic started last year, I have not made travel wallets much. And patchwork one should be fun to make, right?

I'm using my own Safari Travel Wallet for this one. If you plan to make one, I pieced the patchwork panel 5 x 4. You have to adjust the length and width according to the pattern. And instead of using all-purpose interfacing, I used lightweight fusible interfacing and batting. This will make the wallet sturdier. 

In the interior, I used different prints of fabrics too and it really gives a fun one-of-a-kind look. Now, I wish I could travel! Let's hope and pray, we can start traveling without much worry! 

For the closure, normally I use a Kam snap button, but this time I used the sew-on magnetic snap! I am glad I bought a few before the Pandemic! I always stock up on bag hardware since we don't get it here. Bag making /quilting supplies and tools are hard to find in retail in India. So, I tend to buy in bulk whenever I get a chance.   

***

The photo below is of a lake on the way to my sons' school. Since the school started last week, I still feel very worried and uneasy but on one side, I feel that it is necessary for them to start going out and learning to be disciplined in following the Covid-19 protocols. We have not let them go on the school bus as yet, luckily the school is only 15 mins drive. So I enjoy my morning ride to drop them :).

Wild Cotton Tree

The wild cotton trees along the highway are blooming. Spring is here!  I hope you stay warm and well wherever you are!

Until next time, thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing

- Elvira -

Linking up to these wonderful blogs

Sunbonnet Sue and DIY KIT

I was going through my UFO bins last week and found one Sunbonnet Sue Applique which I did a couple of years ago. I think it must be around 2012 or so when I made my Sunbonnet Journal Cover. I love doing cute applique once in a while. I guess now I'm being too busy that sometimes I forgot to have fun.

Now what to do with this orphan block? Well, why not just frame it!! I bought a set of frames from amazon a few months ago and still have a few small ones that fit perfectly for my Sunbonnet. I simply cut the piece to fit in the frame and voila, I got a new wall decor. 

*****

Yesterday made another drawstring bag using Indian mulmul fabrics. I cut them into 2.5" squares and sew them together. Working with lightweight fabric is challenging, so always use a smaller stitch length and proper needle size.

I did hand quilting in this bag and I love how soft it is when finished. Hand quilting definitely gives a soft cuddly feeling. Love it! I must do more :)

This time, I made box bottom type and added a D ring on the side so that I can attach a long strap and carry it as a sling bag. I am inspired by the wuxia dramas that I’ve been watching for the past few months. The bag turned out so cute!!

See behind the scenes in this video below. 

If you want to learn how to make the bag and not sure about the materials, now you can purchase the DIY KIT in my webshop. In 

I will add more DIY KIT for beginners bag makers or quilters and some will come with Pdf Patterns.

I realized that many people hesitate to start because of the lack of information regarding bag making and quilting in India. Especially for bag making, it took me years to finally found the right materials that go into creating a decent bag. 

This week, I have a couple of hand quilting projects to complete. That's my main goal for this week. I hope I won't be distracting to making other things as I just got my new Quilts Japan last week! 

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay safe & Happy Sewing

Elvira

Linking up tho these wonderful blogs

Few Small Wallets and new Etsy Search Algorithm

Black Cat Wallet!

I've been having a lot of fun making a few bi-fold wallets! I tried out different fabrics, from quilting cotton to linen and denim.

It feels good to finally sewing wallets and stuff after so many months making face masks. I'm still making a few for family and friends and also offer face masks in my Etsy Shop. The Trio Spacious Face Masks is quite popular and it feels good to get nice feedback from buyers! Thank you !!

Besides that, last month I was busy with getting my tax ID done. Lucky me, my dear hubby is a CA so he's been a great help. I am totally blank when it comes to tax! Finally, all those are done and there's a couple of things I need to do regarding my small business. After getting my GSTIN done, I feel like I'm doing a real business. It's scary at the same time! I need to learn more and get all my papers organized! Wish me luck!

Back to the wallet, I'm working on the pattern right now. It's progressing quite slow, I am about 70% done with the editing, I just need to edit a couple of photos and add them in the pattern! There will be a zipper version and a flap version. I'm so excited to share the pattern. It's super easy! Once I'm done with a few custom orders, I'll be able to sit and finish the pattern.  Hopefully, I can release it within this month. 

 Small Bifold Wallet

The above photo is a few of the flap versions that I made and they are available in the SHOP now. And here's the zipper version:

ETSY NEW SEARCH POLICY

By the way, last week in the Etsy Q3 report, they said they are going to implement Personalized search. WHich means Etsy is doing what Google and others are doing. What does this mean? This mean:

1. Etsy is showing potential buyers search results based on their search history. 

2. Every buyer will see a different result even if they search using the same keywords.

3. Etsy is showing more local shops. But if you sold one item to a buyer from a particular city, state, or country, your products might be shown in the search result of that particular city, state, or country. This happened to me several times last month, where I sold a few items to people in the same state in the USA within a week. 

If you want more in-depth analysis you can tune in to Kara Buntin Youtube Channel. She's the best! I learned a lot from her video series and her class! 

Now, what can we do as an Etsy Seller in India?

1. Do not change your keywords right now. Instead, observe your Etsy stats more and start working on your social media marketing. I shared about Basic Pinterest Marketing with Etsy India Sellers at our Monthly community meet last month. 

2. Optimize your listing, especially those which don't get enough views or visit. Etsy search trend changes every week or so. Optimizing old listing or almost expired listing, do help in boosting in search placement. 

3. If you're using Etsy ads, make sure to optimize the listing before put them in Ads!

I hope these little tips help! Competition is tough everywhere, but if you learn how to do it properly and hold on to your dreams, you will make it!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Have a nice day!

Elvira

~ Linking up to these wonderful BLOGS~

Etsy India : Sharing and Autumn Sewing

Sharing

I've been pretty busy last week as I was asked by the Etsy India team to share my experience as an Etsy seller. Radhika from Etsy India has been a great help during the full week preparation. I had to send photos and video clips for the social media promo, etc. It was a great learning experience for me and also great fun. I truly hope more Indian crafters would take a leap and start their own business. If you want to catch up on the event it's on Etsy Facebook Page. 

Virtual Selfie with Etsy India Team

Open your Etsy Shop & get 40 Free Listing

Thank you to those who personally message me and told me that they learned a lot from the session. I hope I can share more in the future. Maybe on this blog if you like or a video on my Youtube Channel, Insha Allah.

Sewing

On the sewing front, I was busy making these Mini Travel Wallets for a custom order.  I do love how they turned out esp the Panda! I had the fabric for quite sometimes. It's Linen I bought from my trip to Indonesia and wondering what should I make. I actually cut one for a zipper pouch and it's still waiting to be finished. Insha Allah by next week.

This time I tried to batch sewing the wallet and finish hand sewing the binding in one sitting and a few episodes of Kdrama :D. I really do enjoy the hand sewing part of my wallet. I took a couple of photos and will put them up on my Etsy Shop for a custom order. I am preparing for ready to ship items more now, so if you're looking for one of a kind gift, be sure to favorite the shop! Well, maybe not so many, as I am working solo, but I'll try to add a few products at a time. Wish me luck!!

Also, I do upgrade to express shipping via FedEx for certain products! 

Mini Wallet Pattern | Handmade Travel Wallets

Autumn

Although we don't have the color-changing tree moments during Autumn, it still is my favorite season. The sun shines brightly but milder. The humidity is going down which makes the afternoon more pleasant. Here are a few shots from our compound. 

Olive tree

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you enjoy your visit :)

Until next time,

Stay safe!

- Elvira_

Mask Making

The mask making is still continue here. As the curve of cases are climbing up, everyday we have this little fear inside us. We do our best to follow the government's order to stay home, maintain social distancing and of course praying that we'll be spared of this highly contagious pandemic. 

Initially, I spent my days monitoring the number and reading every news out there and that made me depressed. That's when I decided to make masks and shared the pattern and free tutorials. 

I started wearing mask when I go out way back in February, when most people here are still oblivious about the gravity of Covid-19 and were making jokes. 

Mask making is my anti depressant. I'm grateful in this trying time I can lend my hand to help out a little bit. Even when the scientist are still debating whether fabric mask is efficient, but I am sure, it helps a little. Especially, when even hospitals are lack of surgical mask and PPE. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

Here are few masks I finished and delivered few days ago. 

Many wanted to order the masks, but unfortunately the courier is not open during the lockdown, which most probably will be extended. 

This 3D Face mask is most comfortable to wear. You can comfortably talk when you wear the mask and it wont slip off your face.

I'm making few more dozens of mask for my SIL's staff in the hospital. I am using cotton mix and some combed cotton for the exterior and cotton fabric for the lining. 

If you wish to make this 3D Face Mask, the pattern is available at ETSY as well as my WEBSITE.

Don't forget, the rest of the Chezvies Patterns is ON SALE 40% now on ETSY during the lock down period. So, if you're bored and looking for something to learn, go ahead and check out the Patterns.

Keep well and stay creative! 

Elvira

Two of a Kind Trifold Wallet

 Finally I finished these 2  trifold wallets. I started cutting the fabrics around December then I was distracted to do something else. It happened all the time! 

This is the first time I used the twist lock. I had it for a long time (Thanks Namrata!! <3 ) and finally tried it and I loved how these 2 turned out. 

The fabrics I used for the exterior is European Linen from the Linen Club shop here in my town. They are quite expensive and never offer discount LOL. But it's worth it, right? 

Card Slots, Slip Pockets, Zipper Pockets

The fun part is deciding what color use for the interior. Something to tone down the brightness. On one wallet, use this fun triangle print, which I think I got from Happy Quilt in Seoul and soft green stripes. On the other one, I used cheerful yellow flower print cotton and green polkadots. 

This trifold wallet has 12 card slots (the pattern has 16 card slots variety too), 2 slip pockets and 2 zipper pockets. The exterior zipper is invisible style but it's very easy to sew it! In fact, that's my fave part. 

On Etsy 

Both of them now available in my Etsy Shop and Webshop (for Indian buyers). If you want to make the wallet, you can always get the pattern in my Pattern Shop or just click the one below. 

Download The Pattern

Thank you for stopping bye.

Keep Sewing!

- Elvira -