Delhi Trip 2025 - Aerocity Hotel and Airport Photos

In the Pride Plaza Hotel Lobby

Two weeks ago we went to Delhi to see off the sons. They are going back to their Uni and since the elder one has spent a year in Singapore, he has a LOT of stuff to take back to UK. Luckily the younger one is a minimalist guy, he didn't have many things to pack! After 1 weeks of packing and repacking, finally 4 suitcases are filled! 

We decided to stay in Pride Plaza Hotel in Aerocity, New Delhi. The hotels at Aerocity are only 5 mins away by car to the Airport. Although the hotel price is at the higher end - starts from around INR 10K (USD 112 before tax) if you get a good discount. But it's convenient for us to go to the airport. There are also lot's of restaurants and some Indie shops selling all sort of stuff nearby.

We took afternoon flight so that we will have time in the evening to visit hubby's aunt in Gurgaon. It's a little bit far but via the Dwarka underpass toll road from Aerocity to Gurgaon, it was quite fast. Of course the uber driver drove like he was in Paris Dakkar rally! 

The dinner went off well, we were all well fed with delicious home food and pudding! It was nice to see DH's aunt and cousins after a long time. So much to talk about but we had to head back to the hotel. 

Next day was just relaxing, having good breakfast at the hotel. My MIL (she's 82), always enjoyed hotel buffet! It feels so good to see her eating heartily and excitedly shopping at the Woolmark Mall in Aerocity. She was hesitant to come with us but wanted to come to see off the grandsons too. We assured her that she will be able to go. It was a nice short break for her. Meanwhile, the elder son spent the  night at his friend's place and busy meeting his Uni friends who already graduated this year. The younger one is also meeting his high school friends who are now studying in Delhi.  

After early dinner, we went to see off the boys from IGI Delhi Terminal 3 and went back to the hotel for late night sandwich club, because I cannot go to bed hungry! 

Guwahati from above
Always love the sky in this part of India

Delhi from above 

Always love Indigo sense of humor

Newly renovated IGI Airport Terminal 1

    Love the patchwork pattern on the wall - IGI Terminal 1

as seen on Indian rupees coin

The hotel has many beautiful artworks hang on its wall

Looking for biscuit for our afternoon tea! 

"he" looks real - Cutout Cardboard

Tell me you're in India without telling me
you're in India :)

the mall behind the hotel

Love the decor in this shop!

The younger son with his school friends at Aerocity Food court

Fancy Paan Shop :)

Bon Voyage boys! 

Sandwich Club - Midnight Snack

Another artwork! This one is my fave!

Must try the Indian Chai - it's really good! 

the 90 Vibes phone booth :)

Love these painting - we thought they were embroidery

Delhi IGI Airport Terminal 1 - Departure 

I am so excited to find prayer room! Well done! 
It's located just before Forest Essential shop

Clean place for wudhu - and it has automatic door that you can lock!! 

Nice clean room with lots of  prayer mats. 

My MIL enjoyed her shopping :)

It's time to head back home :)

Like other good parent, we tracked the flight! 

For the hotel, the room size is okay, enough space for 2 luggage and the amenities are also sufficiently provided. It's has a vibe of oldish hotel with fully carpeted room.  I did not take photo of the room, somehow. There is an arm chair at the corner near the window with small table and then there is a medium round table with office chair on the other corner, which make the room quite crowded. But the office chair is quite useful as my MIL can use it when she reads her prayers. There is one big TV screen (not smart TV, I think it's cable TV), but we don't use it as everyone prefer to watch YouTube on their phone. 

Last year when we went to see off the younger son, we stayed at Roseate House Hotel (we got it on a really good bargain on Make My Trip). It was a really great experience. Maybe when I have time, I'll write a blog about it! 

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you enjoyed it! 

Have a nice day,

Elvira

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Handmade Gifts for Men and Cute Gifts for Girls

Handmade Wallets for Men

 

My FB friend sent me a message that she wanted 2 handmade wallets for her husband and son. After discussing fabric option, we agreed on the herringbone tweed and black jute fabrics. The wallet should be minimalist with only 4 card slots and one is without flap. 

Working with tweed and jute is pretty tricky. I used  all purpose interfacing for both wallets which turned out better than I expected. The fabrics are also fray a lot, so I usually cut it bigger than the actual intended size just to be on the safe side. 

Herringbone Tweed Wallet

Black Jute Wallet

For the measurement and construction, I basically  follow the Nuno Wallet Pattern, I reduced the size a little bit since it's only 2 card slots on each side. 

After receiving her wallet, she messaged me  on Whatsapp again and wanted 2 more of the same wallets but with divider for the bill compartment. Sometimes, the best ideas are from your customers!! 

Behind The Scenes Video

With the second order she also wanted the mini backpacks! She wanted in pink floral and after she chose her fabrics, I got to work immediately as I have to finish the order before Monday as Tuesday I was leaving for Delhi to see off my boys! 

The viola mini backpack is very easy and quick to make. And I love making these cute little backpacks!! I carried one myself to keep my air buds and chap stick, very practical and cute accessories for everyday. 

Mini Backpack

Cute and practical bag accessories 

You can fit in so many things in this tiny backpack

Thank God all orders finished on time! Thank you so much Priya for your trust and support!! 

The wallets and mini backpacks are now available for custom orders in my WEBSITE and ETSY. 

Speaking about Etsy, there are so many changes recently from fee structures, algorithm to SEO. I am wondering if I should reopen international shipping from my Website as it will be more affordable. Sometimes, we have to pay fees which goes up to almost  $10 for less than $30 orders. Please let me know what do you think? Would you likely to buy from a website or from Etsy? 

Thank you so much for reading my blog. 

Have a nice day!

Elvira

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Passport Organizers

Family Passport Wallet

I recently received a message from a longtime customer who purchased a family passport wallet from me eight years ago. She’s still using it today — and now she’s ordering two more for her children. Moments like this mean the world to me. They’re a quiet but profound affirmation of my dedication to slow-made craftsmanship in a world driven by fast fashion.

This time, she wanted Ohana Passport Wallet with 4 passport slots. After choosing the fabrics, I made 2 same wallets with different combo, red and black. I really love how these wallet turned out, I hope she will love them too. 

If you already have the Ohana Wallet pattern and want to make 4 slots version, simply omit the middle card slot instruction from the original pattern and reduce the height by 1 inch. 

I also made this Safari Travel Wallet still in the same theme. I got a few Disney fabrics when I travel to Japan few years ago. Now it's time to start using them. If you're a fabric hoarder like me, sometimes there are fabrics that you don't have the heart to use!! But this year, I am changing (or rather trying to change) my POV.  

The Safari wallet has 2 passport slots, 6 card slots, zipper pocket and 2 slip pockets. This wallet is  my personal favorite when I travel solo.  It has pockets to fit in all my travel documents, cards and cash. My boys also use this Safari  wallet to keep their travel documents as students organized. 

Mickey Travel Wallet

I believe travel should feel special from the moment you pack. That’s why I pour my heart into every wallet I make, ensuring it’s not only practical but also a joy to carry.

Ready to travel with something that feels like you? Let your passport organizer tell a story before your trip even begins. 

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoy reading my blog. 

Have a nice day,

Elvira

 

Big Bag Bundle Sale 2025 is HERE

BIG BAG BUNDLE SALE 2025

 

Good news for bag makers! The Sew Modern Bags Big Bundle Sale 2025 is back! Whether you're seasoned bag makers or newbie who are eager to learn all about bag and purse making from different pattern makers, here's your chance to save BIG! 

This time there are 21 patterns worth USD 194.12  BUT you ONLY have to pay USD 21.99 - that's a whooping 89% OFF! 

The SALE is will begin on September 4th @ 7 AM PDT (which is 3 PM UTC/ 7.30 PM IST) through September 10th  @ "midnight" PDT (7 AM UTC / 12 PM IST).

Don't forget to mark your calendar! 

SHOP THE BUNDLE

** This post includes links that may earn me a commission."

Thank you so much for your continued support! It means a lot to me!

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

I made a dress!

After ages I made a dress for myself again! I keep buying clothes patterns on Etsy but always hesitate to start. I used to sew my own dresses back when I was in college and then again after I got married, I tried a couple of times making dress for myself and for my sons. Afterwards, I just stopped and recently I've been itching to start making again. 

Lovely pink & purple block print fabric

The fabric is block print cotton from my ETSY Shop. 

The pattern is from Aura Patterns on Etsy . I make size XL which turned out very airy. Maybe I will make L size next time. 

 

With my rustic dress making skill, I'm happy with how it turned out! Here's my review about this dress pattern: 

1. The photo on the pattern and the actual pattern is different. The actual pattern is for a drop sleeve dress. Which I love! 

The pattern: 

2. Another adjustment I made is the neck line. I found the neck line is too wide to my liking. The bodice  pattern is completely different then what's shown in the pattern photo! 

Neck line as per the pattern

My adjustment 

3. The pattern is easy to understand but there's no actual photos. There are only very simple diagram. Some instruction, like attaching the pocket, I find it's lacking. If you follow the instruction, you will end up with puckered pockets. Luckily there are many tutorials on Youtube like THIS ONE that I can refer to.  

4. The sleeve turned out good and the length is just perfect. I love the airy sleeves especially in this hot and  humid weather. 

I wish the pattern had more detail photos or diagrams in the instructions. This pattern is good for someone who already know how to at least read a pattern and make adjustment if necessary. If you're a newbie, I'd suggest to look at others who provide video tutorials. This particular pattern shop, don't have any social media presence or video tutorials. 

I'm happy with my first trial of the pattern and want to make another one but with a few adjustment, like the bodice length and also the pocket depth. I've been watching and learning from a lot of YouTube Videos. Let's see.

Thank you for reading my blog!

Have a nice day,

Elvira

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