A few months back, I was getting all organised for the arrival of Ted and started packing a nappy bag. I realised that the nappy bag made my own handbag a bit pointless. If I'm toting around a nappy bag, why take a handbag too? I was thinking that a big wallet would be perfect. Big enough for all the usual stuff, money, cards etc, but also big enough to put my phone and keys inside. Then I remembered that Janelle had recently brought out the pattern for her Necessary Clutch Wallet and my search was over before it had even started!
I'm a big fan of Janelle's patterns and first discovered them when making the Emmaline Bag as part of my Build a Bag series. I've been following her blog ever since.
As with the Emmaline Bag pattern, the Necessary Clutch Wallet pattern is well written and contains heaps of pictures to make sure you get every step right. The pattern includes instructions for adding a lovely metal twist lock, but I left it out for my first go. I'm planning on making another with leather and might put a twist lock on that. I'm still quite impressed that I managed to make the wallet myself. It looks so professional! Even hubby commented that it was cool that I had made a wallet.
The size is perfect! It has 12 card slots, a zippered slot for coins and 2 other small sections as well as the large section in the middle for your phone and keys or sunglasses.
For this test wallet, I used 3 FQs I had in my stash. If I was making it again with FQs, I would want 4 in total as I really had to squeeze the pieces in to use just the 3. Ideally, you'd want one for the outside, 1 for lining and 2 for the pocket pieces.
The pattern includes info on all the different interfacings you'll need to get the look you want. For my next one, I'll use a stiffer interfacing for the flap and it's a little floppier than I'd like. That's because I used what I had lying about. The Pellon Peltex suggested for the flap trim is perfect! It provides enough stiffness, but is just squishy enough that it doesn't crease. While the pattern is straightforward, it can get a little tricky sewing through all the layers, so I'd suggest you go slowly when sewing it together at the end.
Janelle has a tutorial on her blog showing you how to add a Wrist Strap or a Removable Shoulder Strap to your Necessary Clutch Wallet which makes it a bit more of a clutch bag than a wallet...gotta love options! If you're stuck on what to get some girlfriends for their birthday or Christmas, I think this is perfect!
If you're in love with Janelle's pattern as much as I am, you can follow her on her Facebook page or with Bloglovin. Go straight to her blog here and her Pattern Shop here.
I've been emailing Janelle since making the wallet and asked if she'd like to share the love of her awesome pattern. Being the lovely lady she is, Janelle has kindly offered up a couple copies of the pattern so that some lucky readers can also make a NCW of their own! Thanks Janelle! To enter, simply leave a comment using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for reading! Please come on over and leave a comment. -- Abby