This evening I thought I would make a little loyalty card wallet for my Mom, so she can keep all of her punch cards from the various quilt shops she visits all in one place. This should have been a simple project, but it was a three hour ordeal, complete with at least a dozen lessons learned.
I chose to use pieces of various reproduction print fabrics, and rather than using just one or two pieces for the outside cover, I decided to create stripes by using 1x4 inch strips of fabric. By the time you get a couple of 1/4" seams on either side of 1" strips, you're left with 1/2" of fabric, and narrow strips!
Lesson 1: Opt for slightly wider strips.
Lesson 2: When adhering Pellon (interfacing) to unwashed fabric, beware that the fabric might shrink - or at least it seems to...
Lesson 3: Always start with pieces longer than your finished project -- it's easy to trim off excess later.
I decided to free-motion quilt the outside cover of the case. Free-motion quilting isn't something I've done much of, so I'm not very "good" at it. I've heard that you're not supposed to let lines of thread cross each other when you do free-motion quilting, but I don't bother with that idea. I rather like the meandering swirl trails, even if they DO cross paths now and then!
Lesson 4: Practice free-motion quilting.
I decided to add some cute white rik rak to the cover. Nothing like a little rik rak to make things extra cute!
Lesson 5: Acknowledge that the "3-way auto shut off" device on the iron was designed to irritate me.
I was having a bit of trouble with the bobbin tension while I was sewing. I didn't notice it until I had sewn all the way around the wallet -- and I wasn't about to take out all the sewing around the outter edge of the wallet.
Lesson 6: Thread machine correctly. Bobbin tension issues resolved.
I was having trouble with my bobbins winding poorly. They looked like miniature bird nests, all loopy and loose.
Lesson 7: Thread machine correctly when winding bobbins. Bobbin winding issues resolved.
Lesson 8: Learn to use snap pliers before starting project so you know that you need interfacing between the fabric layers on the closure tab where snaps will be placed. You'll notice there are no cute fabric closure tabs OR snaps on this project....maybe next time.
Lesson 9: Do not sew the button on THROUGH the pockets on the inside. Oops! Now there are three usable pockets instead of four. *grin*
When I finally had the entire case assembled, I wanted to give it a good pressing to help give it it's final shape.
Lesson 10: ...darn self-regulating iron... no wonder it takes me so long to do anything. I'm always waiting for the iron to heat up.
Lesson 11: Do not iron May Arts rik rak. It melts. And smears all over the face of your iron. And stinks. Good thing I noticed it rather quickly, or this project would have been a REAL mess!
Lesson 12: Remember that there are many more lessons to be learned. That's what makes crafting so much fun!
Love the wallet - I learned a lesson too...this project is way too advanced for me but both your sewing projects are adorable...I looked up the directions for the first wallet but I'm not skilled in the sewing area so I'll just admire yours from afar! So cute!!!
Posted by: Kelly Bee | January 09, 2010 at 05:25 AM
Hi Anna! Received my wallet today, folks it is cuter in person than in pics! Anna, your workmanship is flawless, are you certain you didn't make another? I love it--thanks again. Looking forward to restocking my boxes. Love, MOM
Posted by: Lori W | January 07, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Pretty wallet with a beautiful intent for your mom! Thanks a bunch for sharing your lessons with us. I can see myself "learning" the same..especially lesson 9 (sewing the button)! I rarely sew but I was inspired by your chicken wallet so I'm giving it a try. It's so cute!
Have a wonderful New Year!
Posted by: Vina | January 07, 2010 at 10:34 AM
It may have been time consuming and it may have taught you some sewing lessons, but I think it is perfect just the way it is. I think your quilting is wonderful. Great job.
Posted by: karen q | January 06, 2010 at 06:31 PM
You are funny....but thanks for saving me from those mistakes....let's hope I remember them and also my projects should come out so good...here's wishing
Posted by: JanetFlynn | January 06, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Lesson 13 - A good attitude goes a long way ...!
Posted by: Susan S. | January 06, 2010 at 01:38 PM
Anna, this is a sweet project, even with the little bumps along the way! I'm sure she'll love it!
Posted by: diane (cookiestamper) | January 06, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Oh that did make me laugh, and make me feel better too! Those things always happen to me and I never seem to learn. Your project looks great and it's lovely to see your Mom and Dad's comments.
Posted by: Janice | January 06, 2010 at 01:08 AM
You poor girl. Sounds like you've had one of those days! Darling project.
Posted by: lacyquilter | January 05, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Oh Anna, I thoroughly enjoyed this litany of lessons learned! As they say, misery loves company. :) But you are ever so much more patient than I! That's why I don't sew much. I adore your free-hand quilting, the fabrics you chose, the rickrack, everything! Thanks for the smiles.
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | January 05, 2010 at 08:13 PM
Oh my this made me laugh! It sounds exactly like one of my adventures in sewing. I'm just learning to sew and it's nice to know that others, even someone as experienced as you, do things that don't always go as planned. :)
Posted by: KimH | January 05, 2010 at 06:29 PM
Oh Anna! Thank you SO much for this post! I can totally relate to your experience - but I don't think I could be as "Kewl" as you are about it! You deserve an A+ for attitude!
Really adorable project!
Posted by: Sharli | January 05, 2010 at 05:27 PM
When you called me last nite to tell me what had happened...I was ready to get a train ticket to Texas...But you fixed & finished my wallet and it looks BEAUTIFUL! Excellent job my dear! A big hug and thank you!!! Next lesson: buy nothing less than l yard of fabric 2 1/2 is better, 10 yards of trims, 5 spools of thread for each color you might need in the next 3 months, any and all colors of buttons,snaps, sequins, beads, etc. Now hurry up and send it to me...I need to go shopping with my categorized cards! Love, MOM
Posted by: Lori W | January 05, 2010 at 05:22 PM
I can totally sympathize! My sewing machine has the "easy" thread feature and I'm no stranger to sewing or threading, but somehow I forgot how to thread it...that caused the tension to be so bad I couldn't use it. I tried everything, couldn't afford to bring the machine to a repair place, stopped sewing for over a year, then finally brought it in. When the repair lady was threading it, I immediatley saw for myself that I'd been doing it wrong and sure enough the problem was solved - no cost. You're never too old to learn!
Posted by: Cheryl R | January 05, 2010 at 04:30 PM
I sure hope this post was not supposed to be a surprise! She is looking over my shoulder!!OOPS.................. Love, Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | January 05, 2010 at 04:25 PM
Oh my Anna that was a brave undertaking for sure. I give you great Kudos for giving this a try and succeeding in creating something that is cute inspite of all those "lessons" learned. Me and sewing - NOT SO MUCH so I admire you for your ability.
Posted by: Ida | January 05, 2010 at 01:10 PM
OMG!! This sounds just like something I would do.....made me laugh all afternoon! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Pamm | January 05, 2010 at 12:16 PM
Oh, Anna, you have me in stitches!!!! Every day, I thank God no one taught me to sew or iron or I might be tempted to do projects as well! I have enough trouble with paper! A self-regulating iron? Who knew? :)
Posted by: Shala | January 05, 2010 at 11:20 AM
And this would be exactly why I gave up on quilting. Too many lessons, not enough patience. I love your case, though, and the chicken wallet. And the lessons!!
Posted by: Diane Mattiazzi | January 05, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Such a labor of love!! I'm not sure what you mom will appreciate more...the actual gift...or the fact that it was a learning experience for you?!
I hope you had a lovely Holiday. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things myself!! Miss you on the HH team!!
~Lacey
Posted by: Lacey | January 05, 2010 at 09:46 AM
Absolutely adorable! Love the narrative! Reminds me of the day before Halloween last year at my house! DD changed her idea about who to be for trick-or-treating and all I had to sew on was my Janome mini!
Posted by: Beth | January 05, 2010 at 09:38 AM
OMGoodness, who knew so many challenges could creep up on a precious project??!! Your end result is out of this world CUTE!!! Your Mom is going to love it. Wow, how cool it would be to have a daughter like YOU! (or even a daughter at all!ha) What a blessing you are to your Mom and Dad and Aunts! I'm so envious of them! hehe
LOVE LOVE LOVE what you made for your Mom...you are 100% awesome! Have a great week! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | January 05, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Wow, that was a lot of lessons learned the hard way, hehe. Thanks for sharing and I am sure your Mom will love all the effort you put into her wallet. I am with you on the auto-shut off deal. I am a fanatic about being sure the iron is off so I don't appreciate it turning itself off when I am in the middle of a project.
Posted by: Sandy Hulsart | January 05, 2010 at 09:28 AM
Sounds like so many of my sewing experiences. I seem to have a great idea, but it takes forever to implement and then doesn't come out the way it looked in my head. Drats! But I keep trying, and I guess that's what counts. And for the life of me, I've never figured out why you can't cross a line of stitching when free motion quilting. I guess the quilt police will come and arrest us! I think next time I'll just throw caution to the wind and quilt away--crossing all the lines I want to. The wallet looks fabulous anyway. I'm sure your mom will love it.
Posted by: Susan G | January 05, 2010 at 09:23 AM
All I have to say is: Vera Bradley, move over!
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | January 05, 2010 at 09:18 AM
It's been a while since I LOL online. Have you thought about a future as a stand-up commedienne????? Just think---your next attempt will have far fewer lessons to learn! After your Mom ooooohs and aaaahs over her lovely new wallet, you should have her read this piece. She will know how much love went into it! Lovely!
Posted by: Linda Hasz | January 05, 2010 at 07:32 AM
That sounds like a typical rendition of my sewing escapades:D Your wallet turned out adorable:)
Posted by: Linda Barutha | January 05, 2010 at 06:57 AM
Elizabeth & I were talking over the holidays how we would like to do something like this to hold her make-up brushes! Always something creative to make!
Posted by: Lisa | January 05, 2010 at 06:15 AM
You have alot of patience Anna...:) Thank you for the lessons on what and what not to do on your little sewing project. Now what fun would it be if it sooooo easily went together.
Posted by: Rose R | January 05, 2010 at 05:54 AM
LOL...sorry, I am laughing with you, not at you, Right! This is a typical day for me when I attempt a *simple* project. Just think how EASY the next one will be :o) hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | January 05, 2010 at 04:45 AM
Thanks for the lessons Anna - although everytime I do a project it's never as simple and easy as I originally imagine. Oh well, the joys of crafting!
Posted by: Lisa | January 05, 2010 at 04:36 AM
LOL...sounds like a day in MY craft room! Were there bad words uttered under your breath with threats to throw your sewing machine across the room....??Always a good stress reliever! But all in all Anna...your project is to cute!! good work!!
Posted by: Renee Guggenmos | January 05, 2010 at 12:55 AM