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

Linking Up to these Wonderful Blogs

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- 

SHOP UPDATE - Shipping update and Intermittent Lockdown

Block Print Face Mask

Hello, how's everyone doing? We're still on strict lockdown here in my city as cases crossed 11K. The lockdown is for 14 days which hopefully will end by 12th July. This week several relaxations were announced but not including activities for e-commerce.  That means I have to wait until 13th July to be able to ship orders again. Meanwhile, I am working on a few orders and also preparing for all fabric orders. So once the e-commerce activities are allowed, I can start shipping immediately. 

I made several changes for shipping in my Etsy Shops (Fabrics Shop and Handmade Shop) because there is uncertainty with India Post when they are going to start international services again. I will only use expedited shipping for now and onwards via DHL e-com and will give FREE UPGRADE to Express Shipping (5-7 business days delivery) if you shop for $50 and above.  

I will be adding more fabrics in the coming weeks. My supplier just sent me a few collections. They've been rather badly hit by the intermittent lockdown since March with most of the market area being closed for months. And when it was allowed to open, there were no customers. Most of the shop owners here are not familiar with selling online, even if they are, their stocks are all in their shop, which means, no sales for months. 

Kalamkari Fabrics

Premium Cotton Fabrics

On the handmade side, I finished these wallets but not able to send them as yet. In between sewing face masks, sewing wallet is like a fresh breeze in spring :). Took me a couple of unpicking too. Well, for months out of practice. 

Compact Bifold Wallet

Another wallet I really enjoyed making was this zip-around bifold wallet. It was on my list for a long time and finally, I made it. I made it slightly wider than the original pattern because she wanted to put her phone too. The original one is good for the phone too, but with zip closure, it's better to make it slightly wider. I think I'm going to make one for my self when time permits. You can find the Zipper Closure tutorial HERE

Zip Around Bifold Wallet

The state government has done a tremendous job to provide quarantine centers, from hotels to university hostels. Please do take precautions, maintain social distancing, wear a mask when you're not alone in public places, wash your hands frequently. We just need to learn to be a little discipline, a little considerate, use common sense if we want the curve to flatten. No unnecessary gathering. 

Here my recent fave from Indonesian Idol finalist - Lyodra & Judika - The Prayer 

I pray you'll be our eyes

And watch us where we go

And help us to be wise

In times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer

When we lose our way

Lead us to a place

Guide us with your grace

To a place where we'll be safe

Thank you for stopping by!

Take care & Stay Safe

- Elvira - 

Mini Sling Bag Pattern Hack

Hello, how's everyone doing? I've been pretty busy making masks and few custom orders. I really appreciate your supports in the past few months since the pandemic started. It's been very tough for everyone, especially with heartbreaking news everywhere. Let's stay positive,  be kind, and help each other. Do what we can as an individual as well as a community. 

Today I will share how to scale up the mini sling bag the easy way without any computer involved. I know it's frustrating to scale up the pattern on the computer and print it a few times before you get the size that you want. 

This mobile sling bag pattern is very versatile. You can easily adjust the pattern based on 2 things:

1. Phone model
2. Whether or not it has a softcover. Softcover makes the phone slightly thicker. 

The basic is if you scale up the height of one part of the pattern do the same with the rest of the pattern pieces too. If you increase the height of the main body panel, increase the height/length of the pocket and flap too. Unless you want a shorter flap. Since the pattern pieces are mostly rectangle it's easy to increase the length or the height.

This basic rule applied if you want to increase the width too. I'd suggest increasing the width especially if you want to add a thicker batting or wadding.  Now, here's how to increase the width of the curvy flap:

1. Take one piece of paper and fold it in half lengthwise. From the fold, mark how much you want to increase by drawing a straight line e.g 0.5 inches away from the fold. 
2. Fold the original pattern lengthwise and place the fold on the line you just made and trace the pattern.






3. Now it will look like picture # 3. Cut along the line you just traced.
4. Your new wider pattern is done. This will increase the overall width by 1 inch. If you want to increase the overall width by 0.5 inches, draw the line 0.25 inches from the fold.

This matryoshka phone sling bag is to fit the new iPhone 11 and the newest android phone. I increase the length and width using the method above. 

If you want to learn how to make this mini sling bag, you can get the pattern on ETSY or my Webshop. 

Here is a supporting video I made a few months ago. I'll make better video when time permits :)

More Pattern Hack/Update

How to Add Zipper Pocket

Thank you for stopping by.

Take care & stay safe!

- Elvira- 

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.