Straight Stitch Society Have It All Wallet Pattern Review

All you need to know is that yes, I definitely recommend this pattern, so go for it if you're still considering.  This pattern was so easy to read and follow.  I spent more time pulling and deciding on the combination of fabrics than I did sewing.  Honestly, that was the most difficult part.  The finished wallet is so simple and pretty and, with tons of pockets, I have a place for everything.

Here's what I liked about the pattern:

- Fun quips and encouragement printed right there in the steps.

- Clear, easy to interpret pictures.

- Grid lines on the digital pattern for matching up pages before joining and cutting.

The only thing I would have wanted in the pattern was mention of which pattern piece BY NUMBER I was supposed to be using for that step.  When marking my fabric, I use the pattern number (not description of the piece) to label it.  It's not even a big deal, because you use the pieces in numerical order anyways, but it would have helped me at a glance.  I ended up noting on the pattern which piece is used for each step, so like I said, not a big deal.

Finally, here are some of my notes, in case they will be helpful for you.

Fabric Choices.  

- For the outer main fabric, use a non-directional print.  I almost used the hedgies on the outside because they're so cute, but then I realized some would be upside-down when the wallet is folded up!  The inside main doesn't matter as much, because the only time you'll be seeing it is when the wallet is open.  

- For the card pockets, use something that will still be recognizable in little chunks, since you'll be folding the fabric to create the pockets.  

- For the zipper pocket, it isn't going to show very much, so probably don't use a prized piece of fabric on this part.  The pocket is created by folding here, so if you use a directional print, it will be upside-down on one side.  I lined mine with hedgies and they are upside-down inside the zipper pouch, so I made sure to keep that side towards the front so it's not noticible when looking into the zipper pouch.

- Interfacing.  The pattern calls for an extra-firm, sew-in interfacing.  I am not an interfacing expert AT ALL, but I am assuming that Peltex would work here.  I did not use Peltex, because it felt too stiff.  I used Pellon 809, which is fusible and that worked out just fine.  There's enough body and structure, plus, way easier to maneuver through my machine.

- Topstitching.  When going around the outer edges of the wallet, increase your stitch length a little.  I usually piece at 2.5, but I always raise it up to 3.5 for topstitching.  The stitches look more even and it's easier for the machine to get through all those layers.  Also, go slower than normal.

- Other notes.  I purchased my digital pattern in PDF form from Oliver + S.  It was $8.95.  I feel like this is a good price for making at least one wallet, and a fantastic price considering you can make a lot of these quickly and easily to give as gifts.  At checkout, I was offered another pattern at a discount.  The pattern is 15 total pages.  The first two are full color, the rest is fine to print in greyscale.  I printed pages 3 through 15 so I could make notes, but you really only need to print pages 10 through 15 (six pages) for the actual pattern pieces.

Again, I most definitely recommend this pattern.  I can't think of a single reason why you'd ever regret buying it.  Now that I have one under my belt and know how easy it is, I'm thinking of doing a quilted patchwork version, because - why not?

Have you used this pattern?  I'd love to see your version, so link it up in the comments!