Quasi-Tutorial: Travel Document Folder

Travel folder features the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the front cover...

I'm no further ahead in my quest for the perfect passport holder than I was four years ago. When hubby and I travel afar these days, I still carry that hot pink zipped portfolio that I bought on eBay.

Recently, he had the opportunity to go to Mexico (not accompanied by me) and for the first time, he had to carry his own trip documentation. Knowing that the pink portfolio would not be an option for him, I made this.

It measures just short of 5.75" (14.5cm) wide and 9.25" (just over 23cm) high when closed. Meant to accommodate 8.5" wide sheets of paper (folded) in two long pockets and passports 5" (13cm) high x 3.5" (9cm) wide.

Two vinyl pockets on top for passports and boarding passes...

The top pockets on both sides are made out of clear vinyl; the one for the passports is divided into two.

It's a variant of the folder that I made for Mom a few years back to organize her mail, using the same "waxcloth" that I used for my tablet envelope and some 5/8" wide ribbon.

Recycle an old presentation folder to add firmness...

An old presentation folder was taken apart to provide support for the finished item, trimmed to 1/4" less than the other materials to keep it out of the stitching. (The two smaller pieces are used to add support to the document pockets.)

If you don't have one of these folders handy, you can try a file folder or a piece of poster board (or similar weight card stock).

All supplies can be sourced from discount or dollar stores, so this is a cheap make.

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What You Need to Cut

To make this travel document folder, you'll need 4 pieces of patterned vinyl (the so-called waxcloth; dollar store table cloths and placemats will also do the job) and two pieces of clear vinyl.

• Piece A is the outside cover of the folder, 9" (23cm) high x 11.5" (29cm) wide
• Piece B is the folder lining, also 9" (23cm) high x 11.5" (29cm) wide (You'll only be able to see a narrow strip of this when the folder is complete; it's the part where you see Lady Liberty in mine.)
• Piece C, 9" (23cm) high x 10" (25cm) wide, is folded to create the left document pocket
• Piece D, 9" (23cm) high x 10" (25cm) wide, is also folded to create the right document pocket
• Piece E is the double passport pocket in clear vinyl, 9" (23cm) high x 4" (10cm) wide
• Piece F is the boarding pass pocket in clear vinyl, 9" (23cm) high x 3" (7.5cm) wide

For the ribbon, you'll need four strips to wrap the outside edge of each pocket (9" or 23cm long), one strip to divide the passport pocket (4" or 10cm long) and enough to go around the perimeter of the entire folder. (Ideally you'll need about 44" or 112cm, but I was able to complete this whole project with a brand new two metre roll of ribbon... with nothing left over!)

If your materials feature large patterns or prints like mine, you may want to fussy cut your pieces.

Some small sticky notes are helpful to keep your pieces properly identified.

Front and back exterior cover view...

NOTE: The 5/8" wide ribbon is narrow and therefore trickier to sew than a wider ribbon, but — and this is a significant "but" — if you want to use wider ribbon, you'll have to increase the height of the component pieces to ensure that standard 8.5" wide paper can fit in the document pockets (if you use A4 paper it may not be an issue). It's a snug fit with the current measurements using 5/8" ribbon. If you change the folder's dimensions, however, you'll also need more ribbon to go around the perimeter.

Basic Instructions

Since I've already covered the "how to" of this kind of project before, I'll just highlight what needs to be done, in what order.

#1... Bind ribbon around outside edge of all four pockets. Specifically, this means wrapping (and then sewing) the ribbon around the folded edges of pieces C and D, the left and right document pockets. For the clear pieces E and F, it doesn't matter which (long) edge you choose, as long as you stack them properly later.

Use plenty of clips and take your time sewing.

#2... Create divided passport pocket. Open up the folded piece C (left document pocket) so that the underside of it is out of the way. Using clips, place clear vinyl piece E (double passport pocket) on top of piece C, aligning the left edges. Position the 4" strip of ribbon at the midpoint of the vinyl and secure with a clip. Sew it down, through piece E and the single layer of piece C; this is now your passport pocket assembly.

Refold piece C and slip one of the smaller pieces of card stock from the presentation folder in between the layers. Put the other piece between the layers of the right document pocket piece D.

Creating a plan of attack with the various pieces...

#3... Stack the pieces and attach perimeter binding. You now have all of the components ready to stack up in the proper order: outside cover piece A right side down, the recycled presentation folder (cut to correct size), folder lining piece B right side up, the passport pocket assembly (i.e., connected pieces C & E) aligned on the left, document pocket D aligned on the right, and boarding pass pocket F on top of piece D, aligned also on the right. Clip everything in place.

Use more clips to attach the ribbon all the way around the perimeter, mitering the corners as you go. (For a brief discussion on how to create mitered corners on the fly, check out my wet wipe wallet tutorial.)

Sew it up and you're done.

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I like the "easy to clean" properties of using the vinyl/waxcloth. It was also my intention to try it out this way so that I can see if I'd like it done in fabric at a future date.

Two pockets underneath vinyl pockets for paper documents...

Just more to ponder on the road to building a better passport holder.

As if on cue, several days after completing this project and preparing this post, I got another — arguably better — idea in a similar vein.

So I'm changing my tune from what I said at the top of this post. I am making progress after all, and you should see those results soon.

New Pattern Release: Bundled Up Bindle Bag

Bundled Up Bindle Bag by eSheep Designs...

Okay, so in 2016, I am going to try to learn as many obscure words as possible that relate to bags or purses!

Having used the word "reticule" for my last pattern, today — dear students — I am here to teach you about the word "bindle".

While I knew the word reticule before I used it here, I had no knowledge of the word bindle before I started writing this post.

You see that circular piece of fabric in the picture? It's actually a "deflated" drawstring cinch-up bag that you have likely seen before. When I finished it, I thought that it looked like an upscale version of what a hobo would carry on the end of his stick.

Then of course, it suddenly occurred to me: what do they call that little package that a hobo carries on the end of his stick? There are still times when I think the internet is a good thing. Providing instant answers to such mind-probing questions is one of those moments.

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Anyway, here is the definition of bindle from CollinsDictionary.com:

1. (US & Canadian, slang) a small bundle of possessions carried by a homeless person
2. a small paper packet containing drugs

While my newest project was not made to fulfil either of the above purposes, it does have a wide range of potential uses. As I said earlier, you are likely already familiar with this style of circular cinch bag. I will fully admit right up front that, in and of itself, it's hardly original. Last fall, I encountered a very clever small version for carrying jewelry from Jill over at Creating My Way to Success.

You might very well think that I was inspired to make this bag as a result of the Retro Reticule project. Given its definition, perhaps I decided to create an actual drawstring bag? Actually no, the inspiration for this one came much earlier and is unrelated.

I first saw something similar in a discount store over a year ago. I remember looking at it and realizing how simple it would be to replicate. It was actually hexagonal in shape — likely to circumvent a patent that's out there for a circular item — and was made out of a cheap ripstop nylon in an ugly shade of tan. Honestly, it wasn't even worth the $3 that it was selling for in the discount store. (I didn't buy it.)

Bundled Up Bindle Bag all cinched up and hanging...

It's taken me some time to get around to it, but here is my version. First of all, it's a true drawstring: you don't just yank it all up on one side, there are two "ends" to pull on to cinch up the bag. I used grommets to create the openings in the casing for the paracord. (My two lengths of royal blue and black paracord came from one of my dollar store bracelet kits.) On the outside, there's not a whole lot that's new and different.

Inside the bag, however, is where I put on my designer's cap and added features beyond the usual or expected.

The inside of my Bundled Up Bindle Bag combines ribbon, mesh, waxcloth and quilting cotton...

I took the idea of interior pockets and upsized it, using mesh and waxcloth to add interest and greater utility.

The bag has regular pockets as well as wet storage pockets...

These bags can be used for so many different purposes that I was sure that having parts of it be waterproof would be a bonus feature. The inside pockets that are covered by the mesh are for wet storage... either actual wet items like a swimsuit or items that could conceivably become wet like containers of sunscreen, lotion, water, juice, etc. The pockets formed by the main lining and the back side of the waxcloth are for dry storage.

All that stuff on the left... cinched up in the bag at right.

In the picture above, at left you see a wallet and a reusable grocery bag in one of the dry pockets, and an eReader in another. In the centre section, there is a face cloth and a scrubbie in one of the mesh pockets, several small bottles of hotel toiletries in another mesh pocket, and some body wash in a third mesh pocket. On top of everything — in the main compartment of the bag, if you will — is some sunscreen.

On the right, all of that stuff is enclosed inside the Bundled Up Bindle Bag.

Bundled Up Bindle Bag can be customized to virtually any size for any purpose...

This bag is easy to customize. (And if you ever thought that it would be hard to get a circular piece of fabric without something to trace around — or using a huge compass — you'll be happy to know that it's actually quite easy.) At its simplest, if you make it with two large circles of fabric without pockets of any kind, you can create a instant travelling play space for kids and their toys... think blocks, lego, matchbox cars, play-doh, puzzles, crafting kits. Since the drawstring channel creates a "lip" around the entire bag, everything stays inside so that you can just cinch it up and go: no mess, no fuss!

Made on a smaller level with the wet pockets, this would be ideal for a kids' camping toiletry carry-all. Make it a bit bigger and your college student will appreciate being able to cart his or her stuff to the shower in an organized way. Make it an "in between" size and it's an ideal on-the-go makeup bag if you or someone you know travels a lot.

Sew down some pieces of elastic and you can trap small cords or electronic gadgets securely. Add a zippered pocket for whatever you might need to keep safe. There are probably many more ideas and uses that can apply to this bag that I haven't thought of at all!

Pam's Test Bag

Pam over at Threading My Way has made many drawstring bags over the years, so I asked if she was interested in giving this pattern a quick run through. She did a fab job using just quilting cottons, mesh and simple bias tape.

Check out the bright, cheery exterior of Pam's Bundled Up Bindle Bag...

A few years ago, my other half bought me a bright orange top and at first, I was horrified. Orange? That's something you eat, not wear! Oddly enough, it began to grow on me as I gradually added other orange-centric prints to my summer wardrobe. What I'm trying to say in a roundabout way is that I love Pam's choice of fabric!

Opening up the bag, you can see that the exterior fabric is also used on the interior pocket layer...

The interior of Pam's bag features a quilting cotton layer where I had the waxcloth. Under the mesh, I believe she is carrying some english paper piecing hexis along with some thread, needles, sewing stuff.

Here is the view of the mesh pockets...

I think I see some fabric hidden in the first layer of pockets. But instead of me guessing, maybe check out Pam's blog if you want to know more about her bag. (Thanks, Pam, for helping out!)

The PDF for this bag pattern is 18 pages long, with detailed instructions and over 30 photos to help you create your own Bundled Up Bindle Bag. Measurements are provided in both metric and imperial.

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Want the pattern?
Click here to go to my shop and purchase it for $3.00 with this
coupon code: YIUNVVF7EY NOTE: Due to the nature of digital products, all PDF sales are final and non-refundable.

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TERMS OF USE

If you are "sew" inclined, feel free to make and sell as many Bundled Up Bindle Bags as you care to; I only ask that you credit me and this blog by attaching the following card to the item.

Tutorial: Fabulous Fabric Flowers [Pt 2]

My fabric flowers now have ribbon leaves!

Last week, I showed you the dozen roses that I made out of fabric from a tutorial that originated from Ang at Snowy Bliss. (These flowers were intended to be taken out to our vacation home, but I've since decided that I like them too much not to have them stay close by me. They now have a special spot in my office.)

If you took my suggestion to heart and decided to make some flowers for Mom's day next week, you still have time to embellish them with leaves.

Today's post will share some thoughts on making those leaves. Then I'll also show you a flower that can withstand the rain. ;-)

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There are probably many ways to make leaves for these, but this particular idea came to me in the middle of the night. (I hate when that happens. Ever since life "changed", I don't sleep well and there's nothing worse than waking up at 3:00 am thinking about how to work out a sewing problem!)

Last week, I said that with their unfinished edges, these flowers are charmingly rustic. Well, this leaf solution using ribbon is similarly rustic and matches well with the look of the flowers.

Using a piece of ribbon to make a leaf...

Hopefully the pictures are self-explanatory. Take a small section of ribbon (the wider the better; mine was 1-1/2" wide) with the ends cut at an angle as shown.

I got twelve leaves out of 2 yards of ribbon...

Fold the ends over each other and pin, then sew one line of stitching down the middle to secure.

Hot glue the leaves to the flower stems...

Use your hot glue gun again to stick the leaf onto the stem of your flower as shown above. I chose to place mine around the joints of the bamboo sticks.

I must admit, the leaves do add to the overall arrangement...

My ribbons were from the discount bin at Michaels and from Dollarama, so if you have something similarly cheap to use, it's an easy, convenient option. Otherwise, I would use fabric scraps. You can easily draw a leaf template and use it to cut out what you need.

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Like it? Want to keep it? For a copy of this tutorial in PDF format, download it for free here!

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If using fabric, I would do the same treatment as for the flower; i.e., use two layers of fabric, sew them together around the edges and leave the seams raw. While I preferred how the lighter weight fabric performed for the flowers (the purple and black Babble), I would suggest heavier fabric for the leaves so that they don't droop too much. The advantage of ribbons is that they had a natural firmness to them.

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After finishing my twelve fabric flowers, I had a thought about my ever-present supply of waxcloth. So of course, I had to try this project out with my favourite...

Giant waxcloth rose...
and I actually went out to my backyard to find a stick to put it on!

This one is a bit bigger than the rest, as you can see from this picture. (And of course, you can add waxcloth leaves too.)

A giant among us...

Just as a point of reference, if you happen to have wider width fabric like this waxcloth (which was 54" wide), cut the strip 6" high. Make each "scalloped" section 3" wide.

The advantage of using a laminate like waxcloth is that your flowers can then be displayed outdoors. Don't you think they would make a great addition to your deck or patio this summer? And no watering needed!

Free Pattern/Tutorial: Waxcloth Folders

Two waxcloth folders...

It's time for my favourite piece of waxcloth to make an appearance again!

In the spirit of getting ready for Mother's Day extra early this year, I decided to use a couple of my waxcloth selections to make two different folders. This is my fourth Mom's day project to be featured here, following the first test bag for my Hot Hues Convertible Crossbody Fooler Bag pattern (2014), my first attempt at the origami ribbon coin purse (2015), and the huge bouquet of paper flowers that she's also going to be getting this year.

I take care of my mother's financial statements and stuff like that, so every couple of weeks I see a small stack of mail on her table awaiting my attention. She also has pages of news and scheduled activities at her retirement community that she keeps close by for reference on a monthly basis. I designed the first folder specifically to hold these items.

Mom's Correspondence Folder...

This folder consists of three slip pockets. The two large ones are designed to hold regular 8.5" x 11" pages folded in half. The smaller pocket on the right side holds business size envelopes. Dimensions (when open) are just over 14" wide by 10.5" high.

The entire thing is made out of waxcloth and ribbon. I sewed ribbon around the edges as a binding instead of sewing parts together and then turning right side out. The seams are a lot flatter this way and it turns out to be a very easy "sew".

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The second folder is — surprise! — a "no sew" folder. I used decorative tape around the edges instead of sewing on ribbon. Super easy to make. (This waxcloth was last seen on my tablet envelope.)

My "To Do" Folder... fussy cut for a pattern match, as you can see!

While this particular folder is sitting on my desk beside me as I type this (and does in fact hold all of my current "to do"s), it was really just a "proof of concept" test that I threw together. At the end of this post, you'll see what I ultimately did with it.

But when is being used and has paper slipped inside,
it hardly matters how nicely the pattern matches!

I'm here to share the process for how I made Mom's folder, so if you want to make one, cut yourself a full width strip of waxcloth 10.5" high and then cut that into the following pieces:

• 2 pieces each 14" wide
• 2 pieces each 9.5" wide
• 1 piece 7" wide

Waxcloth, laminated cotton and the like are usually sold in wider widths than normal quilting cotton. Mine was 54" wide, meaning that the full width strip accommodated all of the required pieces: 14" + 14" + 9.5" + 9.5" + 7" = 54". Make whatever adjustments you need to work with what you have.

Cut waxcloth to size...

You will also need a file folder or something similar, some clips (since pins would poke too many holes), some thread, and some ribbon (about 7'). Mine was only 5/8" wide, but the wider the ribbon, the easier it is to do the binding. One inch or 7/8" is probably ideal.

Fold the 7" wide and the two 9.5" wide pieces in half vertically with right sides showing and clip the edges together.

Clip the ribbon around the folded edges as shown.

Bind the folded edges with the ribbon...

Sew together. (You might want to just tie the thread ends together instead of backtacking.)

Sew ribbon onto folded edges...

Place the two 14" wide pieces wrong sides together. Choose the best side (in terms of the pattern) for the bottom, since that will be the outside of the folder.

Put your other pieces on top, lining up the raw edges on the sides. (I chose to put the staggered pockets to the right, but you can put them on the left if you want.)

Clip ribbon all the way around three edges as shown.

Clip a continuous length of ribbon around all but the right edge...

Sew together. (For how to turn a mitred corner, check out my Wet Wipe Tissue Wallet tutorial.)

I had an old presentation folder that I pulled apart for this project. Whatever you use, cut it down to size, about 13.5" x 10" (centered along the original fold, if it has one).

Insert the folder into the free edge, trimming further to fit if required.

Insert file folder between the two 14" pieces of waxcloth...

Clip the remainder of the ribbon around the open edge, overlapping at the very end.

Sew together and you're done!

You can easily guess that this same project can be done the "no sew" way by using decorative tape to bind the edges.

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Like it? Want to keep it? For a copy of this tutorial in PDF format,
download it for free here.

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And speaking of the no sew project, I started by using the duct tape I had left over from my bucket bag repair job, but ran out after putting on the top edge!

Ran out of duct tape after putting on this piece...

When I went out to get get more, I came across the flowery decorative tape alternative and decided to try it. It's definitely not as strong as the duct tape, but my issue with it is not so much strength as it is width (of the product, which is the same width as the duct tape). I think it's too wide. I would much prefer the narrower appearance of some ribbon...

So — and this is virtually a last minute redo, since I only did this a couple of days ago — here it is remade with some 5/8" ribbon.

Remade folder with black and white polka dot ribbon...

Yep, after using it for two months, I decided to strip off the tape.

The edges are no longer the most prominent feature of the folder... 

I do prefer this look, as the focus is more on the actual pattern of the waxcloth than the trim. But there's no denying that sometimes, the quickness of a "no sew" project is appealing... in much the same way as a no bake cookie recipe is sometimes appealing! :-)

Here's a thought, though: next time, I'll try some washi tape instead.

Quasi-Tutorial: Tablet Envelope

This folio case for my new tablet was only $5.30 on eBay!

Last November, I turned further to "the dark side" and purchased a tablet.

I don't recall if I've ever shared the fact that those were my husband's words when I bought an eReader... brought on by my disparaging remarks about eReaders in the past. Similar to the circumstances that led me to buy that eReader two years ago, however — it was almost free — this was pretty much a forced sale as I really couldn't see how I was expected to pass up the deal.

One of our national drug store chains held a "bonus" point redemption event, enabling me to redeem points (normally worth $85) for $100 towards an 8" Acer Android tablet that was on sale — that day only — for $129. That deal alone wouldn't have convinced me, but for that same one day only, the store was also giving away a $50 gift card with the purchase. And it wasn't a "limited time" or "minimum purchase"special gift card; it was a regular gift card for use whenever, for whatever! (Oh, and using the gift card in future would result in the accumulation of more points.)

So you tell me: was this a deal to be passed up?

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Anyway, my first thought after bringing this tablet home was that I needed to make a slip case for it. Then I suddenly remembered what stopped me in my tracks a couple of years ago when I didn't end up making something similar for my eReader.

Folks on eBay sell custom folio style cases for dirt cheap! Ten minutes after starting my search, I had that green case ordered. (And even though it came from the other side of the world, it took less than three weeks to get to me, during the busy month of December.) It opens up like a book, allows for the tablet to be set at two different angles for viewing or typing and fits like a glove; it was made for this particular unit.

After getting it, though, I decided that I still wanted something to protect the entire unit for travel purposes. And I had just the "stuff" to recycle as the required interfacing or padding: a remnant from a melton wool blanket!

This is a part of a melton blanket that I trimmed up for my mother...

I didn't want to over-think this little project, since all I was aiming for was a padded envelope with an open edge. Therefore, after taking some simple measurements, I just dove straight into it.

Here are my supplies...

• some 1" wide ribbon
• two exterior panels made out of laminated cotton or waxcloth (using either of these for the exterior makes this an easy to clean travel item)
• a scrap piece of fabric for the lining and
• the afore-mentioned melton remnant

As soon as I saw this ribbon, I knew it was perfect for this project. First, it's green to match the case. Second, when applied along the edge of the "envelope", it reminds me of the old red/white/blue stripes on a vintage air mail envelope! (The ribbon cost me $1.25, the original 54" x 39" piece of waxcloth was $2 and the remainder was recycled from bedding linens!)

Materials needed: some fabric, a couple pieces of waxcloth, some ribbon and some padding...

The dimensions of my tablet (with the case on) is about 8" x 5.5" and just over a half inch thick.

I started by cutting out a piece of the melton, along with some fabric for the lining, each 10" wide by about 15" high. Then I sewed the melton onto the wrong side of the lining fabric along the two long edges.

I folded a seam at the top open edge because my original
plan was to stitch it directly to the exterior panels...

Next, I folded the whole piece in half and clipped together the sides and the top seam to see if the unit would fit.

You want the fit to be snug but not too snug...

After confirming that it does fit, I sew up the sides.

At this point, I decided that I would use the ribbon along this top edge as well...

Next, I want to secure the exterior pieces, which are the two panels of travel-themed waxcloth.

Turns out I have to go back and unpick the stitches at the top corners, since I want to apply some of the ribbon along the top edge also.

Ensure that your ribbon is "sandwiched" evenly so that when you sew, you will secure both sides...

I clip the ribbon and outside panel to the top edge of the lining and sew in place. (Yay — the stitching caught on both sides!) Repeat for the opposite side and trim off any excess ribbon.

Check that your panels are even along all edges...

To finish this up, I attach a (continuous) length of ribbon around the other three edges as a binding. (Your fingers will find a way to mitre the corners... or check out the process here from my Wet Wipe Tissue Wallet tutorial.)

Again, make sure your ribbon is evenly "half and half" on either side...

Leave some extra ribbon (up to an inch) at the ends to push back inside; this creates neat looking corners.

Push the end of the ribbon inside; it will be secured when you sew it up... 

My eBay purchase of generic "wonder clips" is working out like a charm. (I got a set of 36 of them for $2.78!)

A very quick project turned around in about an hour!

And there we are: finito! (That wasn't exactly Spanish, but this came to Mexico with me last month... and unlike my waxcloth bucket bag, it survived quite nicely!)

By the way, what do you think of this travel-themed waxcloth? I liked it as soon as I saw it, but also knew that since the pattern elements were so large, it would have limited use. But it works for something like this. (I made a folder out of it that I'll post about soon.)

Protected and snug as a bug inside...

I was just thinking: if I sewed the top closed, could I use this as an actual mailer? Wouldn't it be totally unique to receive a gift by mail and have the "container" also be a gift??