A true WIP (Work in Progress) today, rather than another UFO (Unfinished Object). I was given this wallet a few years ago, but the material has started to break up and it’s not looking all that startling now. So given that I like the style of this particular wallet, I wanted to try and make my own ‘knockoff’ version of it. Only trouble is, I’ve never attempted anything like that before, so where on earth do you start?

The original wallet

I began unpicking the topstitching, gradually making my way through the various layers, taking photos as I went so I know where each piece was attached. When the wallet was made, they cheated and glued down the seam on the inside before topstitching it, which was an experience to try unpicking the stitches from!

So far I have almost all the pieces unpicked and my next aim will be to trace around them to make a paper pattern. Given how complex it looks, I’ll probably then make a rough version in some cheap polycotton to ensure I’m happy with how it all should go together. And then with a bit of luck I can make the ‘proper’ wallet!

Wish me luck!