Recycled Plastic Wallet

Dont you just love it when you get something for nothing, recycling and creating something new and exciting, makes me happy.  Im a thrifty girl after all.  My sister laughs at me, she thinks Im slightly bonkers.   
I loved making my recycled plastic pannier for my bike.  So I thought I would make a wallet for my son.  I used a very strong carrier bag that came from his favourite gaming shop.  He is so chuffed with it that I thought Id try and create a free Tutorial for you all.   Hope you like, and sorry if there are any errors. Any notes to consider are in red

the back showing the outer pocket

The original I made, inpsired loosly from my pocket filofax. Having 3 card flaps on the left, a purse section on the right.  
An outer pocket and a large pocket for notes.

***********

You will need recycled plastic bags & velcro
More  deatils on my original post about recycled plastic and my method of fusing.

The wallet is constructed by folding in half then a quarter. Please take note of this when positioning main piece on plastic especially if it has a pattern or logo, as the bottom half of the main piece will become upside down when folded. If you know what I mean!

The plastic is so springy and shiny, making it difficult to photograph.



As there is no binding on the edges I recommend topstitching to strengthen, I used red so it was more visable for you.
Machine    Main - top and bottom edge
 Pocket flap - 3 edges
                                  card flap - top and bottom (shorter edges)
             outer pocket - one long edge
              inner pocket - one long edge

Attach the velcro, see pattern and pics for positioning.  On hindsight I would attach the velcro on the fastener last of all ensuring you get a good fit.

Attach the fastener to the outer pocket, If placing it in the centre, remember that the outer pocket is half an inch longer, so you will need to place it  11/4" from the bottom of lower edge of the outer pocket.  Machine along 3 sides, then machine across the middle of the fastener to secure.
Ignore my logo as I put it upside down. Im only human

Next fold in half, then again and make some sharp creases of how the finished piece will look, also use creases as guidelines.

Attach the outer pocket to the main piece. Positioning it in the bottom right hand corner of the main piece lining it up to the centre vertical crease.
The pocket will overlap the centre horizontal crease.  Machine the 3 outer edges
NB YOU MAY NOW HAVE NOTICED THAT THE BOTTOM HALF MAKES THE OUTER WALLET AND THE
TOP HALF IS THE INSIDE OF THE WALLET



Fold the card flap as stated on pattern.  Attach to the inner pocket, placing on the left side.  Machine in place ,down the 2 vertical sides to secure.



then place the  inner pocket  onto the main piece.  See picture below.  Machine all around the outer edge of the pocket inner . Machine up the middle to secure purse section, this is not shown on pic below. 

Fold in half. two smooth sides together. 

Machine around the 3 outer edges, making sure not to catch in the fastener that is underneath.

*FINISHED*

I hope that you like it, and, more important that you can follow my instructions.  It would be interesting to hear your comments if you use it. 

Edited 8.8.12

The wallets are still going strong, but the print has gradually worn off the red wallet.  The black one looks as good as the day it was created, its as soft as leather. It also got left in a pair of trousers that I washed!!  The contents managed to only get damp, unlike the leather wallet he previously owned, where everything was ruined..
louise 


And how about this wonderful idea for recycled lights, all made from coloured plastic bottles. I personally thinks this is SOoo fun.

The House with "The Lurgy"

We have had a visitor to No.23.  It started with my husband, I blame him entirely.  For two days he was so ill that he took himself to bed (very rare), he went to the doctors the following Monday

"Ive got the lurgy" he jokingly said.  "Yeap" agreed the doctor and hes been off work since. 

The next day, Tuesday I went out for the day with my two crafting  friends, this time we were heading to the Quilt Museum in York. There was a very bitter wind, and dispite the good company I did not have a good day as hoped," I was nithered all day,  and later came down with  the lurgy. Now I dont get colds like "normal folk" suffering with my sinus' .  But for the first time in about 10 years I actually needed to blow my nose, I cannot say Ive missed that one!    Any way enough of that more of the quilt museum....

The Museum, yet another beautiful building, sadly no photos were allowed of the quilts. 

The Exhibition was "Decline and Revival" in the 20th century

showing how patchworking declined during the 1st and 2nd world wars, due to the hardship.  There was a delightful suffolk puff blanket made from every type of available fabric scraped together during the second world war, that I liked.  

After the war patchworking declined  due to the competition of  manufacturing.  It wasnt until 1960's  the  revival began.  Alot of reference was made to Averil Colby.  It looks like she produced  quilts by carefully selecting  certain patterns in the fabrics, creating patterns with a pattern, a more wasteful way to how quilting was  originally done. There was also some lovely examples of Italian quilting and quilting.

The above is at the end of the revival.  It was 3 dimensional in layers, we all liked this one, very clever.   My personal favourite that inspired me was daphnes show and tell it was fun and alot of different techniques, I particularly like the descriptions of the characters,  Which one are you?

So what else has been happening.  Weve been in the gardening tidying up and moving logs, this Summer we are tackling the top end of the garden and reorganising  the sheds.  I cant wait to get out there now the snow has lifted.

 

On my last post I mentioned my ebay purchase. I was so excited, Id hoped to show you pictures (sadly the pic above is not mine) mine is in a box slowly heading for the nearest dustbin. I accepted it knowing it wasnt working.  The seller stated it should  cost about £10 to put it right.  I could have bought one in working order and it could have broken a few weeks down the line, so I thought it was worth the gamble.  These machines are 40+ years old.   We noticed a loose connection  and hoped that was the problem. Plugged it in,  it went up in smoke.  We think the motor has gone.  A friend is going to have a look at it to see if its worth repairing.  That was my 3rd Ebay disaster in a row. They say things come  in threes. 

Knitting Mitts

Many thanks for the comments on  the old back, it  seems to come and go.  After a visit to the docs  he was a young and very thorough student doctor who kept looking in his book,  (not reassuring).  I came away with no conclusion,  feeling 101 and told to take lots of painkillers.!!!

Mustard Seeds the small cafe I volunteer at  had a makeover, over the Christmas peiod.  How it shines.  We continue to go from strength to strength.  I thought I would share some photos.

This beautiful original fire looks wonderful

We sell a wide range of fancy coffees with free biscuits and toasted teacakes

My long awaited deliveries arrived.  Yippee!!!  The printer is marvellous, I have been printing off lots of free knitting patterns from Ravelry and Garnstudio, getting me motivated, including this one

The wool I am using is Lima  wool, which came with my other wool.  They are  for my mother in law.  I have altered the patterned throughout as I thought the hearts and pattern were lost in each other abit,  Im very pleased so far,  but I think I need to use shorter needles if Im to do some more of these.

Not bad for a first attempt at stranded work

This is the wool for my sons cardigan, its so soft.

 actual colour Royal blue

I know I harp on about Drops wool but it is such good value, Im not an acrylic fan at all, but wool can be quite costly.  The Drops range is very reasonable and good quality, please check it out, Id love your opinion and recommendation if you've used any of their range, Im always on the look-out for quality wool at the right price, so any links would be appreciated.

Ive also been bidding on Ebay again.  As usual I am never lucky with Ebay, and this recent win wasnt without its hiccups, but Im drawn to Ebay  like a wasp to an open jam jar.  I shall show and tell you more when my new baby arrives!!

Waiting

Its been a strange week here at No. 23  Mostly spent nursing my back which "went"  on Sunday, improves then goes again.  Im at the doctors this afternoon. Im also waiting for deliveries.  Abit like being in limbo. 
Im waiting for a new printer.  Ironic.  We havent had a printer for ages, and now I have ordered one I can't wait for it to come.  Got a bargain on the internet, and it seems like everyone and his dog has done the same.  So still  tracking my order and  waiting for the backlog of orders to catch up with little old me. 

On a happier note I have received a phone call today saying my bargain wool I ordered in December is being delivered tomorrow. Ive ordered some Drops Wool Andes  65% wool  35% alpaca anhttp://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/yarn.php?id=97  Another great offer  that was on for 1 month (sorry expired now)  that  seems to have been very popular, as Ive had to wait for  my order,(which normally take only a few days to arrive).  
I really like this site for their wool, such good prices, and nice quality and they have free patterns to print off. 

Years ago I used to work in a wool shop, I loved it.  It was a time when I knitted and sewed all my own clothing. We  used to have a shelf in the back of the shop for wool that people put away and  collected on a weekly basis.  I used to have a shelf practically to myself.  What with sales and staff discount, I was always buying wool.  We dont have any wool shops at all around here anymore.  Just a few shelves in a local store selling mostly  acrylic wool.  Such a shame because I like to support small local businesses. 

Anyway nowadays I seem to be more of a sewer than knitter, because of the fast results, knitting small things.  But I am about embark on this jacket for one of my sons.

The wool is super thick so hopefully I could possibly finish it for his birthday next month. Very excited. If I conquer this  it may make me look at knitting in a different aspect.  Just need to learn how to knit standing up or lying down :(

My Memories of 2011

January to June

July to December



 
2011.  Was a year that I started  off making small bears & rabbits, rediscovered dressmaking  and learnt a new craft, Patchwork.  I had my first dip in a hot tub (loved it), organised my first Macmillian Coffee Morning and managed with help from others to raise £133.00.  Broke my sewing machine :(  and got to view Mr. Darcy's breeches!! 

I started blogging in May and hope to continue, I sometimes struggle to think of things interesting to write about,  but its good to look back and reflect.

A new year.  No new years resolutions, I gave up on those years ago. 2012 sees some new and exciting events for my family. 

My sister will become a grandma for the first time, we have a 50th wedding anniversary to celebrate.   There are some big milestone birthdays,  my son will have an official birthday with it being a leap year, my daughter will become "sweet sixteen".

I think I will have another Coffee Morning event in September, hopefully bigger and better than last year.  I know it personally will be a good year for me with lots of dressmaking, quilting, knitting, sewing, gardening, fun bargains and happy times to share with you.

Tis the Season to be Jolly

All Shopped Up!!

The crackers are made  with added ottery tickets 



The tree is finally decorated

with the pressies tucked under

Now the fire is lit


and Milly's got the best spot!

And all is left for me to wish all my new blogging friends that have welcomed me,

"A Very Merry Christmas"

Ho! Ho! Ho! Hick!

Well as you can all see by my festive header I have completed the Nativity,  a builder kindly made me a stable and I painted it with Farrow and Ball "Straw".  Im so pleased with these little guys. Take a closer look inside

Ive also finished the other wall light shades, Im still in need of trimmings.(the shades dont fit so well on energy bulbs,they are too square)

Inspired by all the Christmassy blogs I been looking at, I decided to start thinking  about getting the tree down, after all time is pressing on and....

Santa will be dropping in soon enough!

I love putting the tree up, Opening the boxes and enjoying the ornaments as I rediscover them. 

fragile glass ones, some that belonged to my parents

  the Childrens handiwork

This one is 23 years old and was made by my eldest son when he was in infants. I went into his classroom for the day and all the children made salt dough decorations.

My favourite one of all has to be this little gnome. He used to have a banjo made of card , but I broke it while playing with it when I was small.

Of course there were breakages (Im known for being clumsy)

And also tangled lights to deal with.

What Joy!

discovering that I had bought these candle holders last year, Id completely forgot.

I still havent finished.  Of course it doesnt help whe you are distracted by your favourite Christmas Film and

Baileys tipple, Its traditional!

Cheers!!