It faltered at the top for a while while the doubt set in. Interfacings, zips, lots of layers, lots of top stitching, finding the right interfacings and a latch made it seem a little more challenging than I wanted to deal with. Thankfully I discovered Handbag Hardware Australia on Etsy who have a kit specifically for making the NCW. This made it so much easier to get the right interfacing and put some of my fears to rest. I also had a fantastic experience purchasing from them as I ordered before work Friday morning, received a shipping notification by Friday lunch and it had arrived on Tuesday! The kit was a really generous size and I think I have enough left over for any other NCW
I would feel much more confident buying my own interfacing a now that I know what I'm looking for, especially as I have samples of what I'm looking for now. I also discovered this blog post which shows the Australian Legacy Intefacing, available at Spotlight, comparable to the Pellon varieties.
There is also a Facebook Group, NCW Addicts, which is incredibly helpful with a wide range of files and thousands of members who are willing to help. I'm sure I would not have been as confident about diving into making my first NCW without this group. There are files in this group for a bunch of modifications to the original pattern. I used one of them to put in a double zipper pocket as I always think that the more zippers the better.
I dug the hexagon poplin and teal homespun, both from Spotlight, out of my stash and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I'd been reading and people recommended making your first out of fabric you wouldn't be disappointed if it didn't turn out. I specifically picked these fabrics as I wouldn't be too disappointed but I also had enough fabric left over that I could make another if it didn't turn out.
There is still plenty of room for improvement but I pretty proud for a first attempt. I've already got plans for future ones and plan on making some changes. The changes include using peltex throughout the entire top flap (and possibly the body of the wallet), and ensuring that I cut my zippers shorter so I can sew over the zipper tabs and get a nicer overall finish.
Anyway, I'm sure there are more NCWs in my future, for me, for gifts and for everyone who ever needs a wallet ;).
There is also a Facebook Group, NCW Addicts, which is incredibly helpful with a wide range of files and thousands of members who are willing to help. I'm sure I would not have been as confident about diving into making my first NCW without this group. There are files in this group for a bunch of modifications to the original pattern. I used one of them to put in a double zipper pocket as I always think that the more zippers the better.
I dug the hexagon poplin and teal homespun, both from Spotlight, out of my stash and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I'd been reading and people recommended making your first out of fabric you wouldn't be disappointed if it didn't turn out. I specifically picked these fabrics as I wouldn't be too disappointed but I also had enough fabric left over that I could make another if it didn't turn out.
There is still plenty of room for improvement but I pretty proud for a first attempt. I've already got plans for future ones and plan on making some changes. The changes include using peltex throughout the entire top flap (and possibly the body of the wallet), and ensuring that I cut my zippers shorter so I can sew over the zipper tabs and get a nicer overall finish.
Anyway, I'm sure there are more NCWs in my future, for me, for gifts and for everyone who ever needs a wallet ;).
Well geez, Emma, you have me feeling a bit ashamed that I bought my last wallet! I've been sewing/quilting for your whole life. No, really, I have. I've made a wallet or two, but I guess they weren't "just right" enough, because I've gone back to making do with what I can buy. Maybe I need to try your recommendation. You certainly make it sound doable, and I like being able to customize it. Oh, I also like the support you got online. See there? Your cute, fun wallet convinced me!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're going to give it a try! I know I've got a few more in my future, my Nan has already requested one :)
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