Monday, June 6, 2011

A Travel Wallet...finally

Ever since I opened my Etsy shop, I have found myself needing to constantly come up with new things to sew.  I suppose always having some new pattern is the only way I can keep people interested in coming back to the shop.  It can be frustrating at times.  Ideas do run out. At least, for me.

The idea of making a travel wallet has been on my mind since last year.  I've sat down countless times, drawn up pages and pages of layouts, only to end up shelving the project for another day.  Thankfully, not this time around.

I literally forced myself to complete this task.  I had little baking to do last week and had to take advantage of the spare time.  Finally, it all came together on the weekend.  I am pretty pleased with what I came up with.

The closed wallet is about 4 3/4" by 8 1/2".

Opened,  showing how organized everything can be.
For me, a travel wallet should carry all the essentials while at the airport and while in-transit.  To come up with the design, I listed down what I normally did and  needed when I travelled, especially overseas.

First of all, at check-in, I am asked to present my passport, my eTicket and usually the credit card I used to pay for it.  After that, I am given my boarding pass and this card that I have to fill in before I proceed to immigration.  This is when a pen comes in handy.

The left side has two angled pockets, one for  the passport and one for the airline ticket and boarding pass.  It also has an elastic pen loop.
When everything's done, I usually walk around the airport to pass the time.  Sometimes I need a little cash to buy a magazine or a snack.

The right side has an ID window, some card slots, two long pockets for cash and a  key holder.
While in-transit, before I reach my destination, I need my pen again to fill up a customs declaration form. Upon arrival, I have to have my lock key ready just in case I am asked to open up my luggage.  Sometimes I also need to have foreign currency with  me to pay for something at the airport.

Basically, that's it.  Did I forget anything? I reckon with this kind of wallet, I would have everything organized for a smooth travel.  I must say that while it looks good, the ID window is actually unnecessary.  I just might ditch that when I make the final pattern.  Also, I didn't find a zippered pocket for cash important because I wouldn't really think of keeping lots of money in here.

I have a few more travel-themed fabrics on hand so I will definitely be making more of this.  Just have to give my fingers a bit of a rest....they're quite sore from hand sewing the bias tape through those thick layers!  I will also work on the pattern and instructions next.  If you could tell me what you think of it, I'd appreciate it a lot.  

Hurray for something new!

23 comments:

  1. Very good post and love the wallet :) haven't seen one quite so funky as the one you have here

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  2. very thoughtfully made wallet!!..luv the fabric too:)

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  3. I love it...very well thought out I really can't think of anything else to add to it other than possilbly a place to keep small amount of change.

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  4. Very nice and Love it. Great idea to add to the shop.

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  5. Very nice wallet! I hope you get a pattern/tutorial soon. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. I found this project and you on crafster - and had to come and take a look! I'm really looking forward to your patterns and instructions - I'd love to make one!!

    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  7. i'm so in love with this thing! I've wanted to make a travel wallet for a while, but I'm terrible at making my own patterns and the ones are found were not very inspiring (just passport cases and so on). So I can say I'm really looking forward to seeing this one up on your etsy! specially if I have time to get it before my holidays ;D

    keep up the wonderful work :D

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  8. I think this is a great travel wallet. I have been looking for a good one for quite some time. It's funny, but the ones you buy in the store always seem to be missing a critical item. The pen loop is a great addition.

    I would keep the id window. When travelling in the US, we don't usually carry passports, but must show our id. I would also like to be able to have a zip up pocket for currency, but I would say that isn't critical.

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  9. Those pink planes and cameras are so cool. Love it if you came and linked it up to my challenge here http://angsandy.blogspot.com/2011/06/sandys-challenge-4.html

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  10. Do you know where the fabric came from? It is too cute, well the whole project is cute.

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  11. The fabric is by Artists of Kolea under license by David Textiles, Inc.

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  12. Hi Corinne, This is wonderful! When is the pattern coming? I need to make one in the next two weeks for a friend!

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  13. So sorry I have not gotten around to making the pattern! Will try my very best to finish it real soon...

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  14. Thanks Corinne :)

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  15. Any news on when the pattern will be available ? :)

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  16. Perfect! Exactly what I'd need when travelling overseas. This would be very helpful indeed. :-D

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  17. Hi Corrine,

    I just want to know if you are going to sell travel wallets? I love to purchase one... Please =)

    Iya

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  18. Hi Iya,

    So sorry but I am not going to sell travel wallets. My plan is to make the tutorial on how to make one but unfortunately, I have had no time to do it just yet.

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  19. Do you sell this? i am interested...

    thanks,
    Loida

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  20. Congratulations on your success - you've got it spot on! Well thought out with a place for everything, and I love the fabic too. I'm thinking this will make a gorgeous Christmas pressy for a couple of my friends. I've only just found you via Pinterest where your kitchenaid cover is pinnd onto a 'Products I Love' board; so I had to come over and see what else you've been creating. I won't forget to nip to your etsy shop, too, while I'm wandering around your cosy place! Hugs and Blessings. And thank you so much for sharing your awesome patterns with us all. Take care now. Bye, Mo :)

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