
In Planet Earth’s wonderful line of self-finishing items, they make credit card cases in two sizes. This one, the smaller, is just a little bigger than the cards themselves. It is available in five colors (black, brown red, blue, and lime). All leather, the front has a space for your needlepoint and the back has three pockets for credit cards. The case is sturdy and well-made.
The opening for your stitching is just a little narrower than a credit card. I used a card to trace the space for my stitching and had no problem finishing it. I love that you have what you need to create original projects right in your wallet.
In this case all I did was divide the outline into three unequal parts. I then used an overdye and two related colors to stitch each section. I picked stitches I wanted to try. Once stitched I accented the seams with overlapping stitches in metallic. I love how it turned out!
The margins of the opening are generous, which makes them easier to finish. I began by lifting the edges all around so it was easier to remove the paper. I cut the needlepoint one thread past the stitched area all around.
Placing it over the exposed adhesive I started by tucking in the straight edges almost to the corners. I often have trouble getting the needlepoint into the corners, but there were no problems here. Because of the softer leather and generous margins I was able to tuck each corner in with no difficulty.
I was able to finish it in about 10 or 15 minutes with no special tools while I watched TV. The result looks very good.
Because this project has full coverage stitches on one side and open stitches on the other, the thickness of the project is not even. When I look at it, I can see the leather sits flatter on the open side. Even so both look fine and it’s only because of the difference in thickness that you can notice it at all.
In terms of practicality this case is great. If you need something slim for ID and a card or two to slip in your pocket or tote, this is perfect. If you use a wallet consider this as an extra place to keep some cards (I’m using my for my health plan cards)> I love that it’s such an easy way to show off your needlepoint!
These cases are available at your local shop. Several companies make painted canvases to fit them.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
I’m crushing so hard over these self-finish cases by Planet Earth, it’s great to read a review of them, thank you. I’m just hoping some UK stockists start to carry them. Do you think the adhesive will stand up to the test of time?
I have some self-finishing pieces that have lasted decades with no problem, so I think so. The one thing to be sure of is that you use full coverage stitches. Open canvas gets dust on the adhesive & it degrades.
Keep stitching,
Janet