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

A few wallets

 Hello,

Last week, I was pretty productive. I made a couple of wallets for orders and also finished 2 wallets from my WIP bucket! It feels good to be able to finish a few from the WIP list. 

This pink strawberry wallet is one of my best sellers! There's a Blue and Red one too in the shop. I love making this Nuno Small Wallet and is still my fave wallet to use for everyday, and I made one for my son too! 

 

Cute Strawberry Wallet

I love this wonderland fabric from Rifle Paper Co. Well, I love all their fabrics and purchased a few fabrics before the pandemic,  but now it's too expensive to buy because the shipping charge is pretty high. Anyway, I recorded the video when I was making this Wonderland wallet. I am still editing it now and hopefully will be able to share it soon! Pattern available HERE. 

Wonderland Bifold Wallet

When making a wallet, choosing the fabric combo always takes a long time for me. Sometimes, I even end up using a different combo than what I initially picked. 

(I had fun making the BTS video below!) 

The second WIP I finished was this Red Floral Wallet. The fabric is from Sevenberry and I love the tiny floral print. This time, I used metal zipper and I love how this turned out. Also for the zipper end, I used the metal zipper end cap. I kinda love it although putting the tiny screw on the cap was a bit hard for me! I need to get the small screw driver! 

Floral Small Wallet

Small Bifold Wallet  

Earlier this week, I went to the Post Office with Meenakshi, from Rustic Origin. We thought we'll check the latest update regarding sending parcel via India Post. It was totally waste of time because the person in charge in the main Guwahati PO were not interested or not willing to help.  So we deciced to go hang out for a bit at the Starbucks at the Brahmaputra Heritage Center. It's good we decided to go there because the view is so good. I think during sunset would be lovely! 

Brahmaputra Heritage Centre

Brahmaputra River

After chilling out in Starbucks we went back to the PO and I still could not send my parcels. I decided to go the the University PO near my house, instead. The lady at the PO is very nice and seems to be well informed, and very helpful. Finally all my packages were on their way. 

In front of the University PO

This week, I will catching up on my Quilting Bee block. I have 2 blocks to finish! Wish me luck! 

Until next time,

Happy Sewing

Elvira

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New Video and Pattern Update

 Hello,

MiniMax Crossbody Bag

It's been a long time and I hope you all are doing great. There are a lot of things happening right now at ChezVies, some are sewing related and some are not.

At my sewing corner, recently I updated the Phone & Kindle Pouch pattern after getting a lot of constructive feedback via emails as well as comments on Youtube. Oh, I also name it the MiniMax Crossbody bag. It's a mini bag with maximum utility. Truly giving a name to a pattern is not easy, it took me 3 days to find the name that I feel will match the bag. 

So what's new with this updated pattern?

First, I added one more template to accommodate larger smartphones. I made a tutorial on how to scale up the pattern in my blog so I thought, I will add it to the new updated MiniMax Crossbody Bag pattern.

For the second one, I also added instructions for adding a back zipper pocket, which I also previously shared in my blog.

 

 

In the new version, instead of a picture diagram, I used real photos in the tutorial with clear step-by-step instructions. I also added a video tutorial for using faux leather or vinyl.

WATCH VIDEO

I hope you enjoy the videos and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me with your questions.

Don't forget to check other tutorials on my Youtube Channel.

If you have not purchased the pattern, head to my website and use code CVG20 to get 20% off. The coupon is valid for ALL Patterns.

Download the pattern

Thank you for being part of my sewing journey and this creative community! If you shared on social media please use hashtag #chezviespatterns. I would love to see your lovely creations.

Elvira

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New Video Tutorial - Passport Card Wallet

Voyage Passport Wallet

 

Hello,

As promised in my previous post, finally the video tutorial for the small passport wallet is up on my YouTube channel now. And as I edited the original pattern to add the link, I also gave a name to the pattern. Well, I am really not good at giving names but then, as I make more patterns, I suppose it's inevitable for me to give a certain name. This time, I go with the simple name Voyage Passport Wallet. I plan to update the original pattern with better photos when I get the time, so please bear with me.

In the video, I cut the pattern pieces slightly bigger than the original one, because I want to use it for Journal Cover like in my previous post

For the zipper version, all the basics remain the same as the original pattern. If you want to make it with zipper closure, here are the additional materials to cut/change: 

✓ Cut 2 -  Medium or All-purpose interfacing for main exterior and lining

✓ Cut 1 - Fleece Batting  - the same size as the main exterior 

 ✓ #5 Zipper – 24” Long (based on the continuous zipper that is cut to size) 

✓ Bias binding (follow THIS TUTORIAL)

Without further ado, here's the video :

If you're new here and wondering about the interfacing I used in my wallets, I wrote my secret guide for interfacing in THIS POST and THIS POST. My suggestion is to keep experimenting until you find the combination that you like the most. In the hydrangea passport wallet above, I used all-purpose interfacing for the main body and using medium interfacing for the sleeves' base. The wallet turned out softer and I can even fit it with more passports - up to 4 passports and it still closed nicely. 

I made another Voyage Wallet with Snoopy Print as a custom order. Some of the crafters, DM me on Instagram asking how to do bias binding nicely. As I mentioned in my previous post, before cutting the binding (cross-cut or bias), make sure the fabric grains are straight. This small step is very important to get a good finish. And of course, practice! Practice makes improvement. Sometimes even I had to rip off the already sewn binding because I didn't straighten the grain nicely and resulted in sloppy finish. 

Zip Around Passport Wallet

Another question is, can I use cross-cut binding instead? Yes, you definitely can. I made a couple of passport wallets with zippers using cross-cut binding. It will be like the usual wallet binding, like in THIS tutorial. When you want to use cross-cut binding for a zipper wallet, do not CURVE the corners. I will make the video next time when I am working on a wallet binding. 

Here is a few Ohana Passport Wallet I did for a custom order. 

Mitered Corner binding

Cartoon Print Passport Wallet

I hope the video and a few tips above help your journey in the wallet making. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Thank you so much for reading my blog. 

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

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Pattern Update - Relaunch Ohana Passport Wallet

Ohana Passport Wallet Pdf Pattern

Hello,

Finally, I finished editing the Family  Passport Wallet Pattern and decided to rename it to Ohana Passport Wallet. The original pattern was the first pattern I wrote and there is a lot of scope for improvement. As time goes by, the pattern evolved and when  I wrote the tutorial for adding zipper closure, this version became more in demand. 

In the new version,  the main tutorial is for a wallet with a zipper closure based on the previous tutorial, also single tape zipper closure can be seen on the Video. I added links to video tutorials and also blog posts for more references. 

Here is how the wallet looks with the flap closure: 

And here's the zipper around version:

Watch the video on how to sew the wallet from beginning to end. 

The Ohana Passport Wallet is also written in the new format, which I find easier to understand and I hope you agree :).  The pattern consists of 29 pages (including the templates), so it's pretty much compact but details. 

If you already bought the pattern and want to download the new version, please email me using the email you used when purchasing the pattern, and I will send you another link to download the pattern.

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

Video Tutorial : How to sew family passport holder

 Hello again, 

Video Part 1

Finally, I finished editing the videos for the Family Passport Wallet pattern. The supporting video tutorial comes in 2 parts. The first part is the making process of the passport slots. 

I made a few changes : 

1. The LINING for the zipper pocket, I use ONE piece of lining 5" W x 6.5" H. (in the original pattern it was 2 pieces of lining fabric). 

2. Passport Slot construction is different from what's written on the original pattern. This new way I found it better and faster to make. 

Let's jump to the video below: 

For Part 2, I am showing how to attach the zipper closure using a single tape zipper. It's the same way as the Nuno Small Wallet. For the zipper length, I use the #5 nylon zipper approximately 44-45 inches long. This is my new fave in attaching a nylon zipper. 

I hope the video will give you a clear understanding of the pattern. I will update the pattern when time permits. Do let me know what you think in the comment below.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

Patchwork Drawstring Bags

What do you do when you're not in the mood to sew? Well, I took out my 2.5" container and admiring my neatly stacked 2.5" squares, and started piecing idly. I did not have any specific plan, but as I went on chain piecing a few ideas pop up in my head. I even have an ambitious dream of a scrappy quilt. Ha! 

But then I decided to do a humble small project as a mood booster and this cute small drawstring bag is born. It's made up of 64 pieces of 2.5" squares. Padded and quilted by machine. 

Each bag measured approximately 7.5" x 7.5" and it's fully lined. I used contrast stripes for the string/cord casing. I used a macrame cotton cord from Amazon India here and I kinda like the look of it. But next time I'll get a thinner one. For the stopper, I used Chandan wood (sandalwood) beads. 

(Update: If you want to make one the Pattern Kit available in the shop)

Patchwork Drawstring Bag

I was really inspired by Sensei Shizuko Kuroha's post on Instagram the other day. Well, I don't know how to read Japanese but from the translation, she more or less said "make everyday stuff that is small and useful". What she said really stuck in my head. I keep thinking, that often we make something that ends up piling up in the cupboard without being used (Like this quilt or this pillow). For me sometimes just for a sentimental reason :).  Although I also used my makes every day from bags, wallets, pillows, table runners, etc there are a few stuff that I still don't have the heart to use or give away. I guess I must learn to be more generous :D.

And when you're having fun, you cannot just make one bag, right? 

Another great news is the Kawandi QAL is officially started on Facebook Group. I'm so excited but still could not make up my mind what size I'm going to make. Most probably I will do a lap size quilt, cos  I plan to use my dupatta (Indian stoles) for the backing layers. Brinda ma'am explained in Facebook live session last Sunday how to go about it. Now all sorts of ideas running around in my head, so I'll just think about it slowly. I hope I can share with you soon about my progress. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing!

 Elvira

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Some Bundle of Joy

Blue & White Bundle 

How's everyone doing? I hope you enjoy your summer this year even though you maybe just stay at home like me :D. The good thing is this year finally we put an AC in the living room which opens up to my drawing sewing room. So, I can do my work pretty comfortably during the summer, which can be very humid. 

Another good thing is I have time to update my shops in Etsy as well as my Website with a few face masks and fabrics. When you're a solopreuner, running your small business from the drawing-room, it can be quite overwhelming sometimes, especially now with everyone is doing work/class from home. I will add more fabric bundles in the next few weeks, maybe a few bundles at a time. Creating a fabric bundle is fun because I just love Indian prints and colors. A few days ago, someone asked for black and white fabric which I posted on Instagram Reel and asking if I have another black and white. While pulling out fabrics, I realize that even in white there are so many shades :D

Sometimes, I get inspired and started making stuff, like these few 3D face masks using my own pattern. I use a couple of them and I must say it's the most comfortable masks! So lightweight and breathable. I either use cambric or poplin cotton for the lining because they are more tightly woven which is good for filtering. Even the triple-layer mask is still very comfortable. 

Block Print Face Mask

Download Pattern for $2

In between, I managed to sew a couple of scrappy blocks from my 2.5" box. I haven't got time to continue my granny square quilt yet, but here I am started another scrappy project. This one doesn't need so much planning though. After looking at #scrappysquaresewalong on Instagram, I am so inspired to start one. Well, I'm not good at following a challenge or a quilt along. So, I'll do it at my own pace and will not stress over the deadline. It's supposed to be fun activities for me. 

The block is scrappy 36 patch blocks (I love the first one I made) and I finished around 8 blocks now. I make 4 mini  9 patch blocks and then put them together. Sometimes I only able to do 1 mini blocks and sometimes I can finish 3 or 4 mini blocks. 

I'm getting more addicted to making scrappy patchwork. For now, 2.5" squares is my fave cut. I don't cut them all at once, but I try to cut more frequently and I am so happy now I have more varieties from the remnants of the mask :D

                    

If you'd like to see the fun scrappy bundle, check out my Etsy Shop or on my WEBSITE.  I ship internationally from website too via DHL or sometimes FedEx if the customer prefers it. I'm so glad I got the DHL account done and I've been shipping out regularly now. I'll talk about my experience in my next post! 

Thank you for stopping by today, stay creative & stay safe!

- Elvira-