August 13, 2014

Getting Ready For the Festival by Getting Carded






Well, The Main Street Festival in my town is this weekend.  I'm trying to increase some of my smaller items and have been sewing nonstop.  I've been wanting to try one of Dog Under My Desk's Erin Erickson's newest patterns, Get Carded, and thought this would be a great way to finally get to this pattern and to increase my smaller items at the same time.

Get Carded is a small ID wallet on a wristlet strap.  You can get the pattern here but be careful, it is addicting!  I have made smaller ID wallets before but they were so bulky and hard to sew and turn inside out that I dreaded when someone asked for one...no longer...Erin says she reduces all of the bulk and does she ever!  It is so slick the way it goes together and it comes with three variations of the front.  I loved the look of the gathered front and used this one exclusively.  This pattern can be made with two fat quarters, one for the outside and strap and one for the inside.



Here are some up close looks at the Get Carded wallets I made this past week:







and this one that didn't make the first picture because it was sold immediately off my sewing machine...still warm!



The inside of this wallet has 5 pockets.


The back has a clear vinyl pocket for your ID. (Love the mini owls looking at you!)


Some things I changed and other things I recommend:

  • If you are going to make one, you might as well make two. Many of the pattern pieces are cut individually. It is just as easy to double the fabric and cut two! (See, I told you I was addicted...this is how it started).
  • When I made ID wallets in the past, I made lanyards for them because many college and high school girls were wearing these around their necks. I decided to make a lanyard and a wrist strap for each of them so whoever buys these will have their choice. (You have enough fabric left over in your fat quarter to make a lanyard).
  • The one thing I didn't like about this pattern was how she put the wristlet strap together. For a long time, I have used a pattern by MsElaineous for Loopy lanyards. I like how this strap goes together and I use it for wristlet straps as well. You can get this pattern for free here.
  • After the first Get Carded I made, I switched from a D ring to a split ring so that keys could be easily threaded onto it to make them handy to carry.

Making two straps per wallet equals a lot of strap making this week!  These twenty-two and the two others that left with the ID wallet that sold.



Back to sewing...I've only got a few more days to make more bags.........

14 comments:

  1. They are gorgeous! I love your fabrics... so bright and pretty! I've made a number of these myself, and I agree... they are addicting! I have at least one more to go. Thanks for the strap joining tip. I'll have to give it a try next time.

    Good luck with your sales! I expect these will be gone in no time... better make some more! ;)

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    1. Thanks so much, but...are you trying to enable me in my addiction??? You'll love that other way to join the strap...so easy.

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  2. I wonder if you could do an adjustable lanyard strap in order to sew only one strap per wallet....

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    1. Great idea, Kathy! I'll have to look into that.

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  3. Great Wallets! I'm sure they'll be a hit. I know they are addicting. I made quite a bit myself. I gotta make more for my shop. I'm using one as my actual wallet and they hold more than I thought: 2 or 3 cards per space. Thanks for the link for the lanyard tutorial. I'll give it a try. I wish you success on your sales in the weekend.

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    1. Thanks, Norma. I am finishing up a Sugar and Spice Bag tonight and then I have more business cards to print, etc. We'll see if I have time for anything else.

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  4. Your card wallets are so pretty and I got a nice surprise when I saw it opened up to hold the cards. By your first photos I thought they went in the zipper section also like the ID window on the back and your idea for the straps is great. I bet you're glad you've finished those. Best of luck at the Festival although I'm sure you'll sell out and get loads of orders as your work is always impeccable.

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    1. Thanks, Maria. The zippered pocket is gathered so it is roomier so it will hold coins better, which I think is a geat idea. I wouldn't mind having to sew more of them because they were fun to sew.

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  5. You have been busy Marilyn! Love all those cheerful colors. Good luck selling them all.

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    1. Thanks, Daryl. Two long days ahead of me but it should be fun. This is the first outdoor show I've done. Hope the weather cooperates!

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  6. Those are super cute! Now I have another pattern tempting me, need more hours I. The day yo make everything I want!

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    1. The pattern is so cute, Rachel. There are actually 3 different looks you can make. I'm making 8 more as we speak with a special meaning behind them. I'll tell the story in my blog on Monday.

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  7. Oh, these are great, Marilyn!! I've been eyeing this pattern, so I"m glad to read a review. I sell big bags on Etsy, but I've been trying to come up with something small to sell in a local consignment shop. I live in a University town, so this would be perfect. Thanks, and best of luck at your festival!! :) Saw on ChrisWDesigns link-up this week. I'm on there too and I'd love you to pop over and give me your opinion on my bags.
    -Gina @ Gina's Craft Corner

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  8. These are awesome! I've been searching every where for one for my little girl. Etsy has some that are similar but not like these. Do you sell them online at all?

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