Worsley Wallet

Monday, January 21, 2019

Last month, my very good friend Laura (we have the same name!) had to have surgery. Since she lives 1,300 miles away, I felt a bit distant and unsure how to help her during recovery. The usual taking meals to her family and dropping by for a visit weren't options. I did ship her a care package with yummy treats and fun things to do, but I felt the pull for something more personal.

I decided that I would make something for her on her surgery day so that I could pray for her and keep her on my mind while sewing. It felt like the best way to feel close to her even when so far apart.


Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics



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A few weeks before her scheduled surgery date, I had her pick three fabrics that she liked from the Hawthorne Supply Co. website. I was thrilled with her choices! Floral Floats in Fresh (now sold out on their site!), Ripples in Sea, and Saguaro Crest in Sun - all by Bari J for Art Gallery Fabrics.


Art Gallery Fabrics by Bari J

I knew Laura would love a clutch or wallet, but I'm a bit lot intimidated by 3-D sewing! Through some searching of hashtags on Instagram, I discovered the Worsley Wallet by Spencer Ogg - which claims it can be made by the "confident beginner." I decided to go for it, and ordered magnetic snaps on Amazon, zippers on Etsy, and interfacings/fusible web from JoAnn.

I began to prep the fabrics and cut the pieces a few days before her surgery. I also decided that I would make three wallets at once so I could "practice" each step twice before doing it on hers. I really didn't want to mess it up beyond repair!


Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics

You might also notice I changed the shape of the top/flap of the wallet to be more curved than the actual Worsley Wallet pattern. I scolded myself at the prospect of making changes to the pattern! It said "confident beginner," but I was yelling at myself for acting so "confident!" This was after I had already decided to use a magnetic snap closure instead of the strap in the pattern too!


Magnetic snap closures for my version of the Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics

I chose 50wt Aurifil thread in Yellow #2135 and Light Jade #1148.
I had to really take my time to understand every step of the pattern before doing it. Instead of the "measure twice, cut once" rule, I followed the "read the step three times, read it again, start the step, read it again, finish the step, read the step again to make sure you really did what it said" rule.


Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics
Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics

The wallets took much more time than just the day of her surgery! But I took the time to enjoy the process and pray for my friend along every step.

Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics
Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics
Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics
Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics

I even added a matching key fob strap to the zipper pull.

Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics
Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics

Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics
Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics

Once finished, I didn't swear off 3-D sewing forever, so that's an improvement over previous 3-D sewing attempts!

Worsley Wallet with Art Gallery Fabrics

I'm honestly quite proud of these finishes! Laura already told me she used the wallet the same day she got the package, so I think that's a win too!

And since I bought 100 magnetic clasps, I just might have more 3-D sewing in my future!



Linking up with Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt, Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts, What I Made Monday at Pretty Piney Quilts, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts, Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter, Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication, and Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation.


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18 comments:

  1. They look great; I guess all that reading and re-reading helped you out. I have a real problem with doing that because I'm a 'speed' reader - I glance at the written instructions and THINK I have them down pat but usually find that I have to go back again ( and sometimes again and again) to read them again and proceed one sentence at a time. Cheers to a job well done (by you) !

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  2. The wallets all look like they turned out beautifully, Laura. There really is no better way to have someone in your mind all day than to be sewing and making something for them. I'm hoping that her post-surgery recovery is going smoothly. <3

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  3. How pretty. And a thoughtful gift. I hope your friend is doing okay.

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  4. What a wonderful way to feel close to your friend. Sometimes making something is the next best thing to actually being there.

    I really like your closures. The magnetic snap makes your wallet seem much more streamlined, and the wavy edge is fun and modern. I don't know what you plan to do with the other two, but I love the idea of keeping one and being twins with your friend. I know I would think of her every time I used it.

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  5. They are fantastic, Laura. What a thoughtful idea. I hope she has a speedy recovery!

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  6. You wallet looks very professional and well done! What a sweet way to pray for your friend! Great idea! Thank you for sharing!

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  7. You did a fabulous job on the wallets!! They look great...I may need to give them a try!!

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  8. Beautiful gift, and so thoughtful 💕

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  9. I think the idea of dedicating the day that someone is in surgery or at their chemo session or whatever to be used for making something for them, and praying at the same time, is absolutely wonderful. I don’t live close enough to most of my family and so many things are going on in their lives. You have given me a method of connecting during their time of need. How awesome. THANK YOU 🙏

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  10. Beautiful gift Laura and they all look perfect!

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  11. They turned out beautifully, Laura! What a wonderful way to dedicate yourself to doing something even though you were too far apart to visit. I hope her recovery is going well and I bet she'll use that wallet a lot :)

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  12. Wow! Great job on these! More than what I would want to tackle.

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  13. They look great! Best wishes to your friend for a speedy recovery, and thanks for linking up to What I Made Monday!

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  14. They look perfect! And such a great project to keep you focused on your friend during her surgery. They are lovely. Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.

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  15. They are very nice. And the colors are great together. So only 97 more to make to use all those snaps!!
    Patty
    paweis at yahoo dot com

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  16. we have a gorgeous genuine crocodile clutch(or long wallet). crocodile leather are a durable material made of calcium deposits and they have an natural shimmer in light. - Create something charming with this ultimate accessory. - Beautiful crafted. buying-genuine-crocodile-wallet   https://www.bikerringshop.com/blogs/news/tips-on-buying-genuine-crocodile-wallet

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