Testing, testing...

Last August, Diane of From Blank Pages gave me the chance to test out her new paper pieced alphabet set. I've been holding onto the pictures of my project until she officially released My First Alphabet, and today is the day! I used leftover pieces from a charm pack of Sew Stitchy by Aneela Hoey to spell out the word "notion" on a simple zipper pouch. I love the grass green shade of Kona for the solid background. The embroidered words are a little joke between my husband and me -- every time I mention that I need to purchase sewing notions, he starts singing his own version of the Beach Boys' tune: "If everybody had a notion...across the USA..."

The back of the pouch is a mix of grass and cactus green Kona solids. Both of these were originally bought as a part of the Woodlands Inspired Kona Bundle at Sew Fresh Fabrics, which I have thoroughly enjoyed using on several different projects.

I lined the pouch with a white and grey scissors print from Half Moon Modern -- it was just too perfect to pass up. Though I had originally intended to use this bag for smaller items like thread and buttons, it's size (8.5 x 13") makes it absolutely ideal for storing my zippers.

I really love this bag. The paper piecing, embroidery, and prints were all fun to put together. Mostly, though, I will always remember how impressed my dad was when I first showed it to him. His eyes lit up as he reached for the bag and turned it around in his hands. "I like this one," he said with a smile.

And when it comes to compliments for a sewing project from my dad, that's praise indeed.