It’s been a long time coming, but I finally made myself a new wallet. The old one was a remnant of my belt purse system. I had a wallet pocket and a cell phone pocket with built in belt loops so they could be on my person at all times. When I’m working as a stage manager, or in other situations where I’m on the move, it was a great way to make sure my valuables were safe. I may resurrect it again, but with more durable fabrics.
Wallet by Heather Lee Bea. Twill outer with embroidered scissor logo.
I recently made myself a business card holder and thought the pattern would work well for a wallet. I like to keep my wallet small, so it can easily go into a pocket, and not take up lots of space in my bag. I did enlarge the original pattern to accommodate ID, receipts and other non standard shaped items that I might store in it. The outside is made from the same ‘engineer’ twill that I used fro my current (and soon to be replaced) messenger bag. I decided to embroider the scissors logo again on the front, but in turquoise embroidery thread to match the accent colour and pop a bit from the twill. To finish the edges, I did a running stitch in the turquoise embroidery thread.
I also added a pocket on the back with a clear window, using the same technique as the buttonhole facings to make a clean opening in the twill. This is handy for bus passes/tickets and other quick access items.
Back pocket with vinyl window.
One inside pocket is clear vinyl for my ID, and the other of cotton for frequently used cards. The horizontal design makes finding what I need much easier. The back pocket and clear vinyl inside pocket were edges in turquoise twill tape. It’s lined with a dark turquoise blue quilting cotton.
Inside view of wallet.
I’m pretty happy with the result. My only issue was leaving a large enough opening to turn it, and having to close the seam from the outside with a small seam allowance. This was a bit fiddly and isn’t a perfect result, but it’s the sort of thing that no one will notice but me…
Now I have to make a new everyday bag to put it in!
Love Heather