May's 1XMAS

Six little Christmas items to add to the list this month!  This cute little pattern is called "Little Wallet" by Valori Wells.  One of the ladies in our bee taught it to us and the one I made that day is the green & flower print at the top left of the photo.  We (DH and I) decided that we would make Christmas easier this year, and instead of making so many purses again, we will give gift cards to some of those people instead. Once the Bee ladies and I finished our Little Wallets, I thought that it would be a fun way to present the giftcards!  Initially I was going to use Christmas fabric, but since some of these will be going to teenage nieces, I thought they really wouldn't use them again or only once a year?  Then I had one of those rare (for me anyway)lightening bolt flashes of brilliance - I would make the wallets to match the purses I made them last year!  whoo hoo! That way they can put their student ID's in them, or library cards etc., The adults can use them for those reward cards, and the back pockets will hold a tea bag or two quite nicely!  After I made the first one according to the directions, I changed things up a bit (can't help it).  I wanted a firmer, stronger wallet so I used a heavier, fusable pellon and I added it between the 1st the 3rd pocket as well as the large main body piece.  Instead of sewing two pocket pieces together to form each pocket, I folded the fabric and placed the top of the pocket on the fold for cutting.  (Less sewing)  I sewed velcro on the 1st pocket piece before assembly and the inside main body piece.  I then top stitched the top flap, trying different decorative stitches.  Fun! Five of the them are going to people whose bags I made last year, one will go to someone whose bag I haven't made yet!  I made alot of bags last year, so you'll be seeing more of these before December!   

These are my two favorite!  I added the buttons, but I bet a yo-yo would be cute too!  Sew many possibilities . . . ric rack????   Happy Quilting !