NCW lessons learned?

[Doloris]

I ordered mine from China and they were supposed to get here next week sometime per the shipped notification. They got here this past Monday. I was missing 3 back pieces so I notified them, and first they wanted to add them to "my next order" said no, I did not know when I would be ordering again, so they are shipping them. we shall see how long that takes.

[bubba]

I just checked my shipping email....it was seven days ago. I can't remember how long it took last time, but I'm sure it was only four or five days. Even though I know I pay a bit more for these than the ones from Joanns and Hancocks, they are made for the wallet specifically and fit like a charm. Now if I could just get the hole cutting part perfected! The ones coming this time are thumb locks and I'm really anxious to try them!

[Vickie1965]

Ok so not strictly a quilting question but I know many have made the clutch - so please: What are your lessons learned?

I'm starting my first one - I've got the pieces cut out and I've made the flap etc, and I already notice the pattern description is lacking in some details (reading it and comparing to her pictures). Also I cut the D piece in three pieces the first time LOL such a noob mistake... I've joined the FB group ("NCW ADDICTS") and read some of the more obviously important files there but I would LOVE to get some pointers from you guys!

My quilting guru Helena and I are getting together tomorrow night to make these and I'd love to go there prepared, as this project was my idea.

Btw, metal snaps - won't hold or? I've ordered the twist snaps but they seem really fiddly to install...

THANK YOU for any input!!

I would have to say my lessons learned were:
1. not enough stablizer in my flap. I only used the headliner there, and the peltex 71 in the little contrasting part on the flap.
2. the pattern also has you place the male part of the turn lock pretty quickly, I will wait til almost the end (after sewing the card pockets and zippered part in) then place it to make sure I like where it ends up. I wish my closed a little more snugly.
3. not to be afraid of cutting the hole for the turn lock. Trace the inside and cut on or just outside that line! I cut on the inside of the circle traced and then had to keep nipping away at it with scissors.
4. to be more careful with the amount of glue used (less is more.)
Hope this helps you some. Have fun and be sure to share your results. They are addictive for sure!

[Doloris]

Btw, metal snaps - won't hold or? I've ordered the twist snaps but they seem really fiddly to install...

THANK YOU for any input!!

I use magnetic snaps on a few of mine and they seem to hold just fine

[bubba]

My snaps have worked just fine as well. Did not occur to me to do the twist part of the lock after it's put together. I think I'd have a hard time w/the screws though.

[Vickie1965]

The female part has screws (top of picture), the male part doesn't (at least the set I purchased.) I would just leave the opening un-sewn until I made sure of where I wanted it placed.

[bubba]

Both of mine have screws.

[Iris Girl]

I wish I COULD SEEif mine have screws! LOL sent a letter of inquiry to the seller since it says fast shipping 7 to 15 days and its now been 11 days.

[NorwichTerrier]

This first one I'm making, I decided to use a magnetic clasp. It's the kind without the rivet on the outside, so it's secured to the inside of the flap. It was too big to add the trim piece to because I wouldn't have been able to sew it on, and the magnet is super strong. I wouldn't use it again.

[Iris Girl]

I am liking the little zipper pocket that some of you are putting on the outside back of the wallet. Does anyone have instructions for that and what size the pieces would be?