Pop Open Pouch Repeat

It's been a while, but in making a gift for a friend this week, I revisited a pattern I'd made six times before - the Pop Open Pouch by Aneela Hoey. At 10" x 5"x 5", it's a very handy size, and it has a few really unique construction techniques that always give a great result. My favorite is how the bottom edges are aligned and sewn during construction. That detail makes for a beautifully snug lining once the bag is complete, which I really like.

I was super happy with the long-stashed fabric I found to use. The exterior print is Summersault Ping Pong in aqua by Erin McMorris. I could feel it was a little heavier than quilter's cotton, and with a little research, I realized it was home dec. The weight is actually quite nice for this particular pouch.

For the interior I used one of my very favorites ever - Metro Living Circles by Robert Kaufman. The lime was a perfect companion for the exterior, don't you think?

One of the fun details Aneela includes is suggesting leather for the zipper tab. I used just a little glue on the tabs ends to secure its placement before I machine-stitched it. The leather is actually quite easy to sew through.... just go a little slow.

So it was fun to revisit this pattern. Once pieces were cut and interfacing applied, it took just 90 minutes to construct. Not that I was counting (though I guess I was!) but it was great to be able to make this sweet bag in such a short time. Fingers crossed my friend loves it as much as I do.