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.
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.
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.
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 :)
When I got the Camo Blenders bundle from The Square Inch, I was so excited to start making something, but could not decide what to make. The colors are so pretty that I have several ideas in my head. After a few days of contemplating I decided to make a few mini quilts. You know I love making mini quilts.
I decided on this block I saw in one of my Japan Quilt magazines (according to google translate the magazine is Patchwork Class - 2018 Edition) and I scaled down the size a little bit. Since the weather is getting warmer, I thought I'll mix cool and warm colors. Don't they blend beautifully?
The block is pretty simple and quick to do. I used 1.5" wide strips in here. The fabric is quilting weight cotton and it's super easy to work with. I used poplin solid for the combination.
Deciding how to quilt is always tough for me and the best way when you're confused is to use simple quilting lines.
And since I am in the mood, I went ahead and made these 2 mug rugs. This is one of my go-to quilt projects to make when I have a lot of things going on in life. I made the mug rugs based on this tutorial.
I have a few more sets to make with the Camo Blenders! It's just a perfect blender fabric when you need something that can add zest to your projects! Camo Blenders have 10 colors and come in Yardage, Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls, and Fat Quarters at The Square Inch.
Now, I better go and finished a few more mug rugs! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Finally, the pattern for this small wallet is now available both on Etsy as well as on my Webshop. It's on 20% Off till Monday - India time!
The pattern has full-scale templates with step-by-step photo instructions. It has 2 options for flap closure as well as zip-around closure with only using a single zipper tape! A super quick and easy project you can do over the weekends.
I've been making and selling this wallet in the shops and everyone loved it! It's a perfect project to use your fave scraps fabrics. I'm currently using one too cos I love going minimalist. I can just put the wallet in my small sling bag and I am ready to go.
The pattern has been sitting in my draft folder for a long time. Truly, I enjoy the sewing part more than the writing part.
I'll be working on the video tutorial, Insha Allah I can share soon. I recorded the making videos but I need to find time to sit and edit it properly. So, if you purchase the pattern and have questions, don't hesitate to email me. I'd be glad to help you.
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!