Index Card Holder - Finally a pattern

I'm back from the dead!!!  I feel normal again, and I'm excited to have finished my first project in a little over 2 weeks.  Once again: GET A FLU SHOT!!!  It was no fun for any of us...

I got a lovely request from Swel Mel last month for the pattern for my index card business card holder (hmm, kind of an awkward name, eh?).  I'm going to shorten it to Index Card Holder.  I meant to finish it up after I got done with my recycling week (funny, it's turned into recycling life around here.  Once you become aware, you can't go back...) but the flu hit me HARD!  LOL!!  I'm excited to share it now.

I have a lifelong adoration of index (3x5) cards.  I love them so much.  Not just to turn them into business cards, but for EVERYTHING!!!!  I carry them in my purse to jot quick notes.  Mims and I have invented a drawing game for when we're waiting at restaurants that only requires 2 index cards and 2 pens, and it keeps her occupied and happy no matter how long it takes for her mac and cheese to show up.  Jake uses them to plot his stories.  We go through a lot of cards, but they're how we organize our life!!!

This little holder is a perfect fit for my life.  It keeps the cards from getting mangled and gross in a bag or backpack, but it keeps them accessible and ready to go when you need to jot a quick note!  I've used my purple version for nearly 6 months now and it still looks great.  So if you need a fun gift for your favorite student, writer, or yourself, this is it!!!

Index (3x5) Card Holder
Supplies:
Craft Thread (or #5 Perle Cotton - it's the same thing) - approximately 100 yards (you could also use embroidery floss)
Size C crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry needle - to weave in ends!

Main Body - Front and Back
(make 2)
**If you want to make a striped back cover, you can alternate between a few colors on one of the main body pieces.  I haven't included instructions on when to switch colors since it's all up to your personal preferences! :D
I would not recommend wasting a lot of energy swapping out colors on the front piece, since it will rarely (or never!) be seen by anyone.**

ch 24
R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (23 st)
R2-40: ch 1, sc in each st across (23 st)
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Upper Front Pocket

ch 24
R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (23 st)
R2-6: ch 1, sc in each st across (23 st)
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.


Lower Front Pocket

ch 24
R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (23 st)
R2-8: ch 1, sc in each st across (23 st)
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Using matching craft thread, whipstitch the upper front pocket to the top of the front piece.  Whipstitch the lower front pocket to the to bottom of the front piece.

Leave the top short edge open, and whipstitch the two long sides, and the bottom short side to the back piece.

I always like to finish any project that I've whipstitched by opening the piece up and smoothing the seams with my fingers.  This way I can manipulate the fabric into place so that the piece looks virtually seamless.  This step is entirely optional, but it only takes 30 seconds, so why not try it?!

Now you can fill your lovely index card holder with cards!!  I'm using some that are hole punched, so that I can archive them in a binder when I'm done, but plain cards will work too!  LOL!!!  Or you can check out my tute on making your own index card business cards!  This is, by far, the coolest way to carry them!

I like that this case holds about 6 cards in the front, but about 15-20 in the inside pocket, which is more than enough for me on any given outing.

Okay, Dynamos!  I'm off to run some errands, but I'll be back soon with some more fun stuff!  Love to you all!!!

xoxo