New Years Resolutions (a work in progress)

Welcome to 2020! I usually think about how I can better myself and this mental process begins late 2019. I want to be reasonable with my goals, in part because I need to not feel defeated if the goals aren’t met and honestly, I kind of need a win.

Categories are listed in my bullet journal:

Create:

• Make one thing everyday

• Take picture and post to Instagram

• Blog weekly

• Update website monthly

Save Money / Make Money

• Buy less Starbucks

• Meal prep

• Take bus more often

• Budget track

• Cash diet

• Sell more stuff/crafts

• Grow savings

• Pay down credit cards

• Save $200/month

Self-Improvement

• Meditate

• Habit Tracker

• Bullet Journaling

• Exercise 20-45 minutes a day

• Nap less

Think I can do it? Time will tell.

lb.

Box 1.0

I designed, drew up the model and created a mockup of the wallet.  The measurements are skewed to allow the tag inside the wallet (this was intentional so that it would add body and have my contact info). The template was designed on drawing paper, so it's pretty thin. I think I'll make the actual boxes out of bristol board or a similar card stock. The x's are all parts that should be cut out.

Box Template 6 4/8'' x 12''

With the template cut out and tabs made (this will need refining), I ended up using tape. Ultimately I'll use glue or another adhesive that won't show.

Box fully assembled.

I wanted the box to fit snug but still have some space in case the gifter wanted to have tissue paper to gussy it up a bit.  The wallet can lay flatter but it naturally bulges out. The card insert gives it body and also contains my email address and website link.

Box with wallet and card insert.

Wallet Pieces 7.1

I'm working on my workflow and cut out a bunch of the wallet 7.1 body pieces which I'll assemble in various stages. I am using basting tape to press down some parts that need top stitching. I need to cut the cash straps and use different colors but I may opt to streamline the decorate stitch with red or black.  I can make it a thing!

Wallet Template 7.0 and 7.1

Below is the wallet template with cash strap designs.  There isn't a big difference between 7.0 and 7.1 except for the addition of a 2/8'' seam to hide raw edges.  I'll see if I can make this into a printable free template.

When you trace this template, I would strongly suggest cutting inside the pen markings as it will give you the tightest fit for your cards.  This template will hold 8-9 cards comfortably.

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Wallet Design

If you want to make one, these are super easy to measure, cut and sew.  This wallet will carry (comfortably) 8 cards, plus 5 bills.  This is made from black textured vinyl which is thin enough that I could run through the sewing machine.

Measure 4 6/8'' x 3 6/8''

At the 2 3/8'' cut a hole to your liking.  Mine was about the size of a nickel.

Measure 1'' x 3 6/8''  This will be your strap.  I measured 1/8'' and beveled the strip as a decorate measure.

Cut your wallet design in the fabric of your choice.  I would recommend using a wallet that has some stretch as your cards will need to fit inside it.  Fold your fabric right sides together and slip your strap inbetween the two layers at the midpoint.  Carefully sew along those edges at a 1/8'' seam allowance on both sides.  Invert everything so only the right sides are showing.  Use a pen to even out the corners. Wallet is done!

I measured the midpoint on the wrong side of the fabric and added a decorative stitch.