My daughter is off to secondary school in just a few days, and so we started hunting around the shops for a new wallet. There wasn't anything quite right, and I then saw Vicky Myer's 5 Wallet Tutorials. Why not have a go at making one?
My daughter was very specific about what she needed: a pocket for her phone, a space for her bus pass, and somewhere for a tiny bit of cash for emergencies and her door key. They have to hand these things in every day, so it does seem a good idea to have one wallet for everything.
The wallet tutorials, although all excellent, had lots of pockets for cards, and as we didn't need this, I thought I would just go for it and make up my own design. So with a few mistakes along the way, she now has a bespoke Big School Wallet.
Like Vicky, I do like the idea of recycling fabric, so we used a pair of old denim shorts, and a cotton fabric you may have seen before. The zip pocket for change and the phone pocket were stitched onto the lining piece. I then made the curved pocket flap and rouleau loop and tacked these in place. The lining and blue denim outer piece, with thick interlining piece, were then sewn together inside out, leaving a hole, so the whole thing can be turned out. A few buttons and poppers and I was done. I did top stitch carefully, but didn't do a lot of measuring, so there are a few bits that are wonky. I may have another go at making another one with a bit more precision. It has inspired me a bit for my small squares of thick fabric that I wrote about here, but still have done nothing with. So off to Big School ...
Thank you for this post. I too am returning to school, as a substitute teacher this year. I have been searching for a small bag that would fit money, drivers license, keys, credit card and phone to put into the bag I carry with supplies. I don't want to have to keep track of a pocketbook and my tote bag. Something like this will be perfect and I have plenty of scraps of fabric. I even have a figured denim I never used. Perfect timing and I love the wallet you made.
ReplyDeleteThis little bag is lovely. I think it looks perfect and I'm sure your daughter will enjoy using it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever idea. I hope you daughter has a wonderful time at secondary school.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely:) really nice... trusting she really enjoys secondary school.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely and it's always so nice to make something bespoke instead of having parts you don't need. Hope your daughter appreciates it!!
ReplyDeleteGreat little wallet, you know that only you can see any tiny mistakes right?
ReplyDeleteThey definitely need places to keep things safely for secondary school and just a bit of emergency money is essential, just in case they forget their lunch or some urgent trip money. (Or is that just my boys who never show me letters and regularly run out the door leaving their dinner behind!) Big school - exciting stuff!
What a great idea, and you'll always be in her thoughts as she starts on her big adventure. I hope it all goes well for you both.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely crafty week,
Alison
This looks like the perfect wallet for your daughter to take to school, i can imagine you getting requests for more once her friends see it! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea, such a new adventure going off to big school, my Nephew is off too next week.
ReplyDeleteClare x
It a brilliant wallet. I love that it has all the thinks she needs and can't get mixed up with all the others that get handed in. Hope she enjoys starting big school.
ReplyDeleteFantastic. She will be the envy at school with that gorgeous wallet!
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