Shop Update and Corona

Half the year already and we're still busy sewing masks as positive cases are going up in thousands here in India. The other day I watched the third interview of South Korea Coronavirus Expert on Asian Boss Youtube Channel where he explained the origin of this coronavirus. He said it's from bats, but the intermediate animal which transmits the virus from Bat to human, the scientist suspected 2 wild animals, snake, and pangolin. He said humans may be infected during the process of capturing wild animals, not because of eating them. This is what happened with other previous outbreaks, like MERS and SARS. 

what I learned from the video:

1. This virus is very small 1/10000th of 1 mm
2. It can't replicate itself in an external environment, it can only do so in a living cell. So if someone is exposed to the virus and the virus enters their respiratory cells, it will use the resources from the cells to replicate itself in thousands.
3. He also expected the second wave to happen around Fall because we don't have any vaccine yet.

Well, it looks like this Covid19 will be here for a while, and we have to learn to live with it by adapting to the new normal. 

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- 

Pattern Update: New Video for Family Passport Wallet Pattern

Get the Pattern on Etsy

The Family Passport Wallet is my first Pattern that I release a few years ago. Although I write blogs and tutorials, but pattern is totally a different experience. I will try to keep sharing the updates through this blog. I'm thinking of re-writing the pattern but it will be difficult to resend the pattern to those who already purchase it. So, I thought sharing an update in this blog and my Youtube Channel is the best solution for all. 

The question I got the most is about assembling the passport slot and the zipper pocket. So, here's the updated version on how to make the passport slot and the mini zipper pocket. The method is  slightly different from the pattern: 

Mini Zipper Pocket (Easy Method)

Passport Slot (Easy Method)

I hope you find the videos helpful!

 Please subscribe to my blog and Youtube Channel so that you won't miss an update. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing

- Elvira- 

 ****
Resources: 

Family Passport Holder Pattern
How to do Zip Around Closure Wallet

Travel Wallet for Family

Get the Pattern on Etsy

I finished this family passport wallet few days ago! I just got a new sublimation heat press machine which works amazingly for attaching interfacing. Thanks Namrata for the recommendation! Naturally I have to try it immediately.

The machine is quite big and for now I set it up in my kitchen! I can finish attaching interfacing for 5 projects in less than 5 minutes! How cool is that!! Hmm, I think I can iron my scraps there too, that will be faster, right!

Zip Around Passport Holder

The heat transfer machine is definitely a game changer. The interfacing is attached evenly and firmly! I got it from Amazon India for INR 16K. Not a bad deal since it's free delivery too.

The second good thing I got is the pegboard! I always wanted to have Ikea Pegboard and after my visit to Ikea in Jakarta last summer, it's been on my mind. A good friend Wulan, who lives in Hyderabad offered me to get it for me and of course I said YES ! Thanks dear <3 . Though the shipping cost quite a bit but it was worth it!  I hope they will open a branch in Northeast India soon :D. 

What do you think? 

Thank you for stopping by,

Have a nice day!

~ Elvira~

***

Passport Wallet Pattern Improvisation

Hello again,

I made this Mini Passport Wallet few weeks ago. This is an improvisation from the original pattern. This time I used faux leather and I really love how this turned out.

Ok, let's start!

First you have to download the Passport Cover Pattern from ETSY or HERE

You also need BIAS BINDING strip(around 10 inch long or so). 

Take the card slot base and cut the fabrics and interfacing by 1/2" and draw a curve on the TOP RIGHT corner only. Now, place the card slot as per pattern instructions on the card slot base. From the reverse side, attach the bias binding. Go easy on the curve and do not pull the binding. 

Snip along the curve, be careful not to cut the stitches :D

Fold the binding over the raw edge of the card base and pin in place

Carefully stitch the binding edge. Now your card slot is ready to be assembled. 

Finish the wallet as per the pattern:) It's super duper easy, right?

Get the Pattern on Etsy

 I use all purpose interfacing for the faux leather to stabilize the stretchy leather.

I've been experimenting with faux leather in the past few weeks. I bought high grade FL from local shop and oh I love the colors they have!! I will show you soon. 

Do tag me using #chezviespatterns when you're posting on social media, or tag my INSTAGRAM account. I'd really love to see your creations! 

Happy Sewing!!

- Elvira - 

NEW PATTERN - Passport Cover Pattern & Tester Photos Part 1

Hello,

Get the Pattern on ETSY

I just released a new pattern! When I first posted the passport cover I made in Instagram, many of my fellow crafters asked if the pattern will be available. Well, I said, why not? It's a super quick pattern to sew and I'm sure it will be popular in your handmade markets or pop up stores. The pattern itself is highly adaptable. One of my tester, Maria, said it is perfect for an everyday wallet. 

The pattern is now on 20% off both in my ETSY SHOP and WEBSHOP.

I'd like to thank my amazing testers for their effort to help me perfect this pattern. There was a lot of discussion in the group and I learned that certain countries' passports are bigger. The pattern comes with full-size templates and measurements are given in Metric as well as US System. 

Share & get 20% off

Without further ado, let's check out a few photos from the testers! Make sure you click the link to check more of their works.

Ulrike's The Busy Sewing Room - FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, ETSY

Shweta's ArnelsMommy : INSTAGRAM

Mia Creates on INSTAGRAM

Allison's Florida Girl At Home  - INSTAGRAM

Shanti's Hastakrita on FACEBOOK

AnDrea's Charlene Bag - WEBSITE, FACEBOOK

Raji's Home Maker's Hustle - FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM

Aren't they beautiful? Some of the testers said it was the first time for them to try sewing the binding by hand and they loved it!! I included step by step photos how to create a neat mitered binding in the pattern and planning to add a video soon. As soon as I learn how to take a decent video, without embarrassing myself or my sons LOL. 

I will show you more photos tomorrow! Follow my blog by email so you won't miss the post or join the Facebook Group and mingle with the like-minded crafters. 

Until then,

Happy Sewing

- Elvira-

Alternative Card slot on Matryoshka Travel Wallet

Hello,

It's June already and I'm always looking forward for my summer break to Indonesia!

Did I mention that I am working on the pattern of this passport cover? It's now on the testing stage and I'm so grateful for my amazing testers who not only they're giving me their honest feedbacks and suggestions, but also they're also working hard making beautiful wallets,which I am sure will make you inspired!! I will be sharing their posts once the pattern is released next week! so stay tuned or subscribe to my blog so you won't miss the date!

In the meantime, I finished this matryoshka travel wallet. 

I tried a different flap this time and happy with the result. I also tried using a different combination for the card slot. If you already purchase the pattern, here what you can do: 

From the main card slot pattern, reduce the height (or the length) by 3". Then cut an exterior or contrast fabric 8"W x 4" H and sew it to the main Card slot panel with 1/4" seam allowance.

Once they are sewn together, mark the lines from the bottom to the top referring to the diagram given on the pattern. The first mark line should be on the stitching line (see diagram  above). 

Once done, continues as per the pattern's instructions and here how it will look like! 

Let me know what do you think in the comment below or your can join the discussion on my Facebook Pattern Group. 

I hope you like the tutorial. And if there's any tutorial you'd like to see in my blog, feel free to comment or email me :). 

Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow. Anthony J. D'Angelo

Thank you for stopping by ~ Have a nice day!

This post is linked to these amazing blogs

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