Pattern Update - Voyage Passport Wallet

 Hello, 

Recently I updated the Voyage Passport Wallet pattern to include the zipper closure tutorial, especially for those who prefer the written tutorial to the Video Tutorial. The pattern is the same as the original one and I only added the instructions for zipper closure. 

If you purchased the Voyage Passport Wallet Pattern before Dec 7, 2023, you can download the tutorial for FREE. The Add-On file DOES NOT INCLUDE a complete tutorial to make the passport wallet.

The Voyage Passport Wallet is a quick and easy-to-make accessory with a minimalist design that can hold a lot of items. It can hold up to four passports (two on each sleeve), as well as two cardholders. Its compact size makes it perfect for carrying it in your travel handbag or backpack.

Voyage Passport Wallet Pattern

A few video resources are also included in the pattern now, such as how to machine sew the binding and how to make DIY Bias Binding.

The trick for sewing a zip-around wallet is to always use a zipper foot! I don't always use it as the regular foot I am using is pretty narrow (don't be like me 😀 ) and if you can set the speed, use the slower speed. Take your time to learn. It's not rocket science, so with enough practice, I am sure you can master it too. 

In the tutorial, I showed how to sew the zipper end tab the easy way, but you can always use the metal zipper end or the button style like in this video. 

Don't forget to use the coupon code CVG20 when purchasing the pattern either from my WEBSITE or ETSY SHOP.

Thank you so much once again for your continued support! If you have any questions regarding sewing or quilting and want me to make video tutorials, simply reply to this email. I'd love to hear your ideas! 

Until next time,

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

What's in a name

And no, it's not about Romeo and Juliet 😄. I've been thinking of giving a name to my earlier pattern. If you noticed, I've given names to the last three patterns, Doitrei, Dotty, and Midori. Like anything else, the difficult part is to take that first step, but once you made that step and you keep on going, you'll accomplish it. So now, let me re-introduce SAFARI TRAVEL WALLET (clap clap clap )

Get the Pattern in Etsy

Safari or safar means journey hence it's a perfect name for a travel wallet. I also edited a few stuff in the pattern. I included measurements so that those you don't have a printer at home can start right away. The templates are also included if you want to be more practical. And all in 1 FILE now. Thank you so much for those who personally message me and asking questions. Because of you, I can make improvements! Once again, thank you !! 

This wallet is so easy to make and it's my fave to carry when I travel alone. Check out what others have made using this pattern in HERE. 

Get the Pattern

If you wish to purchase the pattern, don't forget to use coupon CVG20 as you checking out. Coupon Code valid in all the shops :) 

I already updated the pattern in all the Shops, so if you purchase the pattern from 25th May 2020, you should get the latest version. As always, you can email me (with your order number) if you wish to get the latest copy, I'd be glad to email it to you. 

Thank you for checking in today. 

Take care and stay well!

- Elvira- 

Small Travel Wallet and Social Media

I made another mini travel wallet from THIS Pattern and this time with the improvisation based on this tutorial. 

This is one of my fave combo. I am using handloom and block print fabric here. If you have not tried the handloom a.k.a shot cotton, maybe you should. They have unique colors! Like the blue fabric in this wallet, has a shade of purple.

Anyway, recently I read this blog post at Sew Can Do where she was saying she's leaving social media. I had my share of problem with Facebook and Instagram too, like I wrote in this Post. I absolutely agree with her that we're at their (i.e social media) mercy. We never know when our page will suddenly disappear without rhyme or reason. As always, it's better not to put your eggs in one basket, right? 

saw this on Facebook :P

What do you say? What's your experiences with social media? Let me know in the comment below! 

Until next time,

Happy Sewing 

- Elvira -

******

Quirky Passport Wallets

Hello,

October is my fave month, because the weather is just perfect. A perfect sewing weather! 

I recently finished these two travel wallets from my own Pattern (you can get it HERE). This yellow one below with quirky travel theme print is  really cute. I saw this print on Nomura Tailor Instagram page and luckily when we went to Kyoto in January they still have it! I picked up 3 colors of the same print. I am wondering what to make next, since I only purchased half yard each. 

Quirky Travel Wallet

I used blue checked shot cotton (handloom) fabric for combination and a stripe shot cotton fabric for binding! 

The second one this this pink and brown combo. I call it Catman in NYC print. Salmon pink & brown always go really well together, right? The polkadot fabric for the flap is from my stash. (I seriously need to sew from my stash only!) 

Couple Passport Holder

This passport wallet is very popular with travelers. Either couple traveler or small family. The passport slot can easily store up to 3 passports, plus there are 2 slip pockets and 1 zipper pocket along with 6 card slots. I always this travel wallet when I travel alone. That way, I don't need to carry extra purse with me. 

These wallets and the pattern are available on both my Etsy Shop and Webstore. As I mentioned in my previous post about new Etsy advertising policy, I did increase the price in Etsy after I sat down with hubby and did a serious calculation which turned out I was in the red for a couple of months! But if you want to save some extra bucks, do check out my Webstore and let me know what you think about it!

If you're running a handmade business, especially if you're selling in Etsy, do your calculation properly! Well, having your own website is much cheaper, but Etsy has the crowd. Change is never easy, hopefully we all will be back to track again soon! Thank you so much for always supporting handmade artists _/\_

That's all for today! Happy Crafting!!

Elvira

Resources :

Travel Wallet Pattern

Quirky Yellow Travel Wallet

Catman in NYC Passport Wallet

Zip Around Wallet with Binding Tutorial

As promised here is the tutorial for the zip around wallet. This method is finished with binding. We are going to use bias binding here and you can check how to make bias binding in this Post. 

What you need:

- Family Passport Wallet Pattern or Travel Wallet Pattern

- Bias binding 1.75" wide 

- #5 zipper - 24" long
- ZIpper Foot (Optional)

Let's start :

1. Assembled the passport wallet as per the pattern instructions, minus the FLAP making part. Mark the centre top and bottom of the wallet with erasable pen. Then mark approx 3/8" to 1/2" on each side of the centre mark, like shown the in the picture below. 

2. Prepare the zipper : 

On the open end, fold the zipper tape diagonally like the above picture

Then fold it down and hold it with a clip or pin

sew along the edge like the above picture.

Sew across the close end of the zipper to prevent the zip puller from slipping off

3.  Attaching the zipper.

We will attach the zipper from the interior part of the wallet. Open the zipper and start at the top, align one folded end of the zipper , right side up,  on the right side mark. 

 Using wonder clips, clip the zipper tape all around and start sewing from the top with 1/8" seam allowance and stop when you reach the right side mark at the bottom. 

Go slow around the corners. Sew one stitch at a time as you maneuver the wallet. 

Now close the zipper and draw a line on the zipper tape from where the stitch end, like in the picture below. 

Now open the zipper again and place the marked zipper tape  in line with the left side mark at the bottom. Clip all around and start sewing from the marked line all the way to the top of the wallet with 1/8" seam allowance and stop on the left side mark. 

When finished, it will look like the pictures below: 

4. Attaching the binding. 

Fold end of the bias binding  diagonally and place it on one side of the wallet, covering the zipper tape. Sew with scant 1/4" seam allowance. 

  

Be careful while maneuvering around the corners. Remember to always push the zipper teeth away. Setting the machine speed lower will help. 

when you reach the bottom, just pull the zipper tail inward and continue sewing. 

Before turning the bias binding, slightly cut /round the corners and make small clips on the zipper and binding fabric in the corners.  

Now, put on your fave movie and start hand sew the binding :D

Last step, trim the zipper end by about 2" and encase the end of the zipper tape with a matching fabric. 

et Voila!! Pat yourself on the back for completing your beautiful wallet with all around zipper! 

I hope the tutorial is clear enough. I will try to make a video tutorial when I make my next passport wallet! It was kind of difficult to take photos and video at the same time ^_^ 

here is the wallet in action on my YouTube Channel

Do tag me in Instagram if you make one based on this tutorial. 

Thank you for your patience reading this long post :)

Happy Sewing!

- Elvira -

NEW PATTERN!! Single Passport Wallet

Hello there,

Finally, after few months I completed the pattern and is now on Special Price in Etsy and Craftsy.

Single Passport Wallet

and if you're in India, you can check the pattern category on the top of this post or scroll down to shop directly.

Special thanks to Maria and Susan for helping me testing and proofreading the pattern. As English is not my first language, there's a lot to learn. At home, we speak English, Assamese, and Hindi. Also, I talk/chat with my family and friends in Bahasa Indonesia. So, at times, it's a bit confusing lol. 

But don't worry, I included a lot of photos and few diagrams to help you understand the pattern better, even if English is not your first language like me. 

Without further ado, let's admire what Maria and Susan have made:

I simply love this hexagon wallet that Maria made. She and her florals can be very contagious lol ..if you see me making more florals in the future, the credit goes to her! 

When she asked me if she could improvise a bit, I said "definitely!!" and look what a smart addition she made. She said the slot is perfect for her smartphone! Very clever Maria.  

here a closer look!. I am going to add this next! Thank you, Maria! 

And here is Susan's wallets. She made 2  wallets and look how neat they are! 

she suggested that attaching the flap a few inch away from the wallet's edge is better for hand sewing the binding. 

 This is her second wallet and I LOVE the fabric. It looks like leather. It's perfect for travel wallet, isn't it? 

and even prettier inside <3 

The second wallet, she attached the flap away from the edge. It's the same method I used in the Family Passport Wallet Pattern. 

So, based on Susan's suggestion, I added a bonus tutorial for the flap. And of course, you can always make improvisations, like maybe a wider flap with a hexagon applique like the one I did previously. 

So, grab the pattern now and start making and selling. Don't forget to tag me on Facebook or Instagram  or use hashtag #chezvies or #chezviespatterns if you want me to find you ^^.

Until then, 

Happy Sewing