Prototype Wallet

so, the first wallet I designed is sewn; it’s a preliminary prototype, because while sewing I noticed what I can improve and where
I can do better. BUT you have to start with something like this first to even
see how, what, and where. This one was sewn from an old summer dress remnant
and I already have fabric scraps ready for a 2nd one.


Best, Inge

Dear Inge, this looks almost just like my real leather wallet. I love the interior layout with the compartments. I think it’s great that you’re designing the wallet yourself, piece by piece. That way, you can shape and refine it exactly the way you like it.

I would have sewn a piece of clear plastic under the blue snap on the front (just for fun), where you could slip in a small picture. I love playful details like that :-) But it’s your wallet, after all. I’m looking forward to seeing the final version.

Best wishes, and have fun with your sewing project.

Are the compartments for the “bills” reinforced on the inside with xy so they keep their shape? And are they sewn from lining fabric—doesn’t that fray? It’s probably quite fiddly and not for beginners.

Yeah, Ina, I reinforced all the fabrics with iron-on interfacing—without it, the whole thing just gets flimsy and has neither shape nor form that’s appealing. The card compartments are made from a scrap of lining taffeta, ironed with thin interfacing.
I’m already cutting out fabric for a second one, but your suggestion about the foil made me pause for a moment—it’s not a bad idea. Especially since I found a scrap of denim in my box to use as the outer fabric for the second one :-) I could put the foil on the outside and slip a picture inside, for example on the back of the wallet. We’ll see.

Love, Inge

It’s always exciting to see a creation process like this. I’m glad I was able to inspire you.

Best regards, Ina 

Sure, Ina, :-)
So wallet No. 2 is also finished, but I’m still not satisfied—especially with the inside of the wallet. There’s still plenty of room for improvement and room to grow.


Hugs, Inge

Phew, I imagine that’s pretty complicated, too. I think both are really good, and I’m excited to see how things turn out.

I'm slowly getting closer to what I want :-) Wallet no. 3 is sewn, and number four is already waiting in the wings.
I've had this card for well over 20 years now; it was once a gift from my eldest when she became a mom.

Best, Inge

This one looks great, too. I really like the second snap at the top—I don’t like it when bills and cards stick out of an open side either.

Thanks, Veronika. Yes, there’s always a risk that something will fall out, so I secured it extra well—I did the same with the last wallet I sewed this afternoon, because now it’s exactly how I imagined it.
In the photos, that’s my youngest granddaughter and my husband; I took Ina’s suggestion :-) Thanks again—it was a good idea :-)

Love, Inge

Great job, Inge! All that trial and error really paid off. Inside, there are lots of compartments for various cards, and the money pockets are all secured with snaps. Very nice! If you look at the close-up photo, you can also see that a lot of delicate sewing and craftsmanship went into it.

What I like best is that you can slip in little pictures. That makes the wallet so much more personal.

Best regards, Ina