A much improved V2 of my wallet-making obsession is finished and already in use!
Really, I think I am most excited about the back side of the wallet. I love how the D-rings look on that little strip of fabric, and they can be used to hook a wristlet as I have done here, or a longer strap could turn it into a cross-body bag. Options are important, right?
The inside may not look at much different at first glance, but the feel is very different. Adding the fusible batting to the back of the wallet and quilting it makes the wallet feel much sturdier and like a higher-quality item. No one wants to make something that feels chintzy, right?
The accordion pocket is the same, but the zipper pocket construction is different and better! I stitched one side of the zipper to the front wallet piece, attached a pocket to the “out” side of the zipper, and then topstitched the pocket piece onto the front wallet piece. Kinda hard to understand theoretically – maybe a wallet tutorial is on order – but trust me, it eliminates bulk and is very functional. I kept the D-ring in the side seam – now I just need to get an extra house key onto it! BTW, my cell phone fits in this pocket perfectly which means this wallet is perfect for quick trips when a purse-ful is not required. Awesome.
No change to the credit card pockets. They work fine as is, tho maybe could be tightened up a little. Did I show you the pocket behind that works for bills?
I still think there are some tweaks that could improve this design even more. I want to try a heavier stiffener inside, or maybe 2 layers of the weight I did use. I think experimenting with this pattern is going to be fun, and I have plenty of gals who have expressed an interest in receiving one of these. As long as they have been good this year Santa just may leave one in their stocking!
Happy sewing!
Maris