Little Charmer Wallet {tutorial}

Have you ever met someone, online or in person, and knew instantly there was a connection? Not a "we are gonna be besties and will talk everyday" connection but instead a "if our situations were different & we lived closer we would be dear friends" type of connection. While I can't speak for Jennie, I knew the minute I exchanged emails with Jennie there was a connection. Life often gets in the way from either of us chatting it up all the time but I stalk her two blogs (which I hope she will tell y'all about because they are both awesome) hoping to get a glimpse into what is going on with her. Just so ya know...you can learn more about Jennie in my podcast Episode 8 - had to throw that in for good measure!.

Oh and her kids.....forget about it...they must be the two cutest kids I have ever seen!!!! If it wasn't creeppy (and quite difficult to explain) I would print those pictures and hang them in my office. Seriously, go here and here. No wonder I want to look at them all the time!  

OH, I mustn't forget (just in case she doesn't tell you), Jennie and her mom, Clara, have some rockin' purse patterns. I bought one but haven't had a chance to make it yet!!! BUT SOON...you really should check them out... OK enough from me (boy it seems I say that a lot - get used to it)....let's hear what Jennie has to say and see what she is going to make today....

Hi there!  Well, I don't really know what to say after that very kind introduction {thank you Rhonda!}, so I'll just get to my project for now.  Naturally, Rhonda, being very organized, asked me to do a tutorial sometime back in December...and this weekend I finally finished up my project.  This is the very first wallet I've ever made, but I think it turned out pretty cute, here it is:

To make this wallet you will need:

• 14 - 5" x 5" squares
• 1 fat quarter
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 4" {zipper pocket}
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" {inside lining}
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" {large pocket}
• 2 - 5" x 6" {card pockets}
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" fusible interfacing {I use Pellon Sof-Shape 880F}
• 1 - 8" or longer zipper
• 1 1/4" x 2" velcro
• Zipper foot

Begin by cutting six {6} charm squares into 2 1/2" x 5" tiles.  Set half aside.  With the remaining half, cut into twelve {12} 2 1/2" squares.

Arrange the squares into a three {3} by four {4} grid and sew together.  Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side and then quilt.  I chose to use uneven straight lines for texture.  Next, measure 1 14" from one short side and cut, this is where we'll instal the zipper.

Next, wrong sides together, sew the 1 1/4" x 6 1/2" piece to the zipper using the zipper foot.  Press open and top stitch the fabric to the zipper, sealing in the raw edge.  Repeat for the other side of the zipper.

Then, stitch the 6 1/2" x 4" pocket lining with the right side facing the zipper to the wrong side of the patchwork back. Place the 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" inside lining, wrong sides together, on the back of the patchwork outside, stitch in place 1/8" from edge.  Also stitch through all layers down the center of the wallet, where it will fold in half.

Now, for the inside.  I thought it might be helpful to see a photo of the inside layout before beginning construction, as it might make the process easier.

For the card pockets, take the eight remaining charm squares and divide them into two groups of four.  Finish the top edge of each charm by either serging and folding under, or use a zig-zag {as shown above} and turn the edge under.  Then stitch in place.

Arrange four of the charms with 1/2" between each charm {see photo above}.  Then, place one of the 5" x 6" card pocket linings on top of the charms, with the right side up {I used a 6" x 6" piece in the photos above to demonstrate more clearly}.  Then, stitch 1/4" from the side that will be in the middle of the wallet.  Then fold the piece around to the back.  Then, stitch each charm to the backing piece {and through subsequent layers} 1 3/4" from the top of each charm to create card spots.

Repeat for the remaining set of four charms.  Next, hem the 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" large pocket piece so it measures 5" x 9 1/2".  Place the two sets of card pockets on top of the large pocket with a 1/8" gap between pockets.  Sew around both sides and bottom of each set of pockets, leaving the top open.

Trim the card pockets to the size of the large pocket.

For the velcro flap, use two of the remaining 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles from the charms.  Trim down to 1 1/2" x 4".  Place wrongs sides together and cut at an angle.  Then sew hook side of the velcro to the right side of one of the pieces.  Place the pieces right sides together and sew around the edges, leaving the pinked edge open.  Turn right side out and stitch 1/8" from all edges.  Stitch onto the outside of wallet.  Stitch the loop side of the velcro opposite the flap, as shown.

Trim the remaining four 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles to 1 1/2" x 5" and sew together to form one 1 1/2" x 18" strip.  From the remaining fabric of the fat quarter, cut 1 1/2" strips and sew in line with the charm strips to create a long strip for the binding.  Press all seams open and stitch on the inside of the wallet.

Use the single fold binding method, fold to the outside of the wallet and hand stitch in place.  And there you have it, a finished wallet with lots of space!  Here's a picture of how I filled up the inside:

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!  And, if you make one of these, I'd love for you to add it to the Clover & Violet Flickr group too!

Oh, and before I go, Rhonda asked me to remind you...if you participated in the Pre-First Quarter Linky Party don't forget to link up your finished projects to the Post-First Quarter Linky Party so that you can qualify for the prizes!

And, the Pre-Second Quarter Linky Party will go live on April 7th....get your 2nd quarter lists ready {I missed out last time around, but I'm going to see if I can get my act together before this one closes!}!