Thursday, June 14, 2012

Accordion Addiction

    It's been a while since I posted anything but that doesn't mean I haven't been doing anything. In fact, quite a few things have happened around here lately. Between that last post and now I've gotten my own sewing machine(!), I've been trying to get serious about my Etsy shop, and I'm also starting to plan a trip to Canada for early July to visit my family and friends back home. So many things to be happy about :)


    Back in April I gave Napkitten's accordion wallet pattern my first try(check it out here), and wrote up a review of it(here). For that initial attempt I followed the pattern as closely as I could and it turned out great, Nikki and I both loved it! Since then I have made three more using the pattern but I've changed a few minor things.


    Behind the card slots there is a thin pocket that is the perfect depth for paper currency. This alteration came about accidentally when I folded the material for the card slots in the reverse order from the pattern(I think) and ended up with extra fabric at the top. I really like it for bills because it's slightly more secure than the accordion pockets. 


    Another thing I changed was the idea of the loop on the side to allow a wristlet strap to be attached. First off, I could not find little D-rings the right size no matter how hard I looked, so I just left them out. Fabric loops work just as well and they tuck into the accordion folds so nicely when they aren't in use that they are barely noticeable. I also put a loop on both sides of the wallet. This means the wristlet strap can be worn two ways or a continuous strap can be attached on both loops to turn the wallet into a little purse.


    I do a few more things my own way but they are just in the construction and are mainly to make things a little easier or a little quicker for me while sewing. I'm also getting closer to mastering the art of making my own bias tape! If you want to make your own bias tape for this wallet, I recommend using the tutorial on Coletterie.com but the square needs to be 11"x11" (I've tried 10", 15", and 12" so trust me) and the lines need to be 2" apart instead of 1".


    Thanks for looking, and all three of these wallets are available in my Etsy shop. I'd love to hear what you think and any suggestions for additional changes I could add in the future. So far I've been told to try adding a zipper pocket on the back exterior and to add something extra on the front such as a bow or fabric flower.

Comments/Criticisms welcome :)

18 comments:

  1. These look great! Lots of work though! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. any way i can get hold of the pattern without paying for it? i know this isn't a great Q to ask, but i live in south africa and i won't be able to use any of napkitten's paying methods :/

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    1. Hm, I'm not sure about that. You should try getting in touch with Napkitten directly. You can do that on Etsy if you have an account or on her blog http://napkitten-myworld.blogspot.com/ I hope you can work something out :)

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    2. Hi Frankie, did you ever get the pattern, I've been looking for one, also live in SA!??
      Regards
      Wendy

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    3. Definitely not a great question to ask...rather disrespectful actually.

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    4. You don't know, anonymous, what these two ladies' situation is. Totally unnecessary remark. You are the one who is disrespectful!!!!!!!!!!!

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    5. Plenty of sewing options to create an accordion wallet here:https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+sew+an+accordion+wallet

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  3. Is there any way i could buy it already made??

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    1. One of these has already sold, but the other two are already made and available in my Etsy shop.

      https://www.etsy.com/listing/101986379/spacious-purple-birdy-accordion-wallet?ref=v1_other_1

      https://www.etsy.com/listing/100578248/spacious-geometric-accordion-wallet

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    2. The first one made is always a learning experience...right? I made one in linen and wow...was it labor intensive because of the fraying...but worth it. It was definately a full day project. Next time...I will use the home dec fabric to give it a little more weight. Love these. Love your fabric choices.

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    3. It says 30 free wallet patterns or tutorials. Very misleading.

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  4. Looks like your page has been attacked by a spammer or two :(

    Anyway, I love your wallets. Very cute and even better, functional ;)

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    1. Thanks! Hopefully the spam issue has been dealt with now :)

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  6. Those wallets are really nice. I'm about to make a 5th one of a different pattern. It is going to be a challenge as the previous 4 I made for Mom and other family members in 1997 - long time between making them. I'm going to do a bit of research into yours though as they might be even nicer than mine. It is amazing what some folks can come up with for patterns. Mine was a local lady and she taught the class. Keep up the good work as you are very good at it.

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  7. Quiero comprar una. Soy de ���� chile
    Mi correo es: nathy_87_@hotmail.com

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