As I said, the Retro Bag is not complete without a matching Notions Pouch. It’s something I usually make for all my project bags because they are so handy for storing all the bits and bobs needed for the knitting or stitching project that resides in the bag.
I tend to make my pouches a similar size, with either a zipper or a flap and button and loop closure. I like to use fabric that matches the bag and also like to decorate the pouch with something that connects it to the bag. For example, stitchery, buttons, or decorative trims.
One of my favourite zipper pouches is the Alice in Wonderland pouch (Top Right in photo). A teapot stitchery matches the tea party theme of the fabric used in the Project Bag.
For the pouches with a flap, I often work a stitchery design on the flap that uses elements from the stitchery on the matching project bag.
My favourite pouch is the larger pouch from the Every Morning bag (Top of the photo) with the pot of flowers and bird design taken from the larger stitchery on the project bag.
(The Handy Pouches pattern in my Etsy Shop, includes two different sized pouches.)
Chicken Scratch …
Since, my Retro Bag features Chicken Scratch Embroidery, I wanted to do the same with the Notions Pouch.
The design I chose is less ambitious than the first design, but I will be using the same pink gingham fabric and the same Embroidery Floss.
This time round, the design progressed more quickly; probably because of the experience gained last time.
Once it was finished, the Notions Pouch came together quickly.
I used a blue zipper to match the lining which is the same blue floral as the Retro Bag and I finished it off with a zipper pull made from a yo-yo, once again, to match the Retro Bag.
Now my Retro Bag is complete and ready for my next project.
Song of Ascent …
The collection of fifteen Psalms (120-134) are called the Songs of Ascent because they were sung by Jewish pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual festivals. The Psalms focus on themes of journeying into God’s presence, trust, and community.
My favourite is Psalm 121 which is about God’s protection. Just picture the scene. As the pilgrims are approaching the city they can see mountains ahead. Not only was it a difficult path to travel on foot, but mountains held other dangers like thieves waiting to ambush travellers. (Remember the story of the Good Samaritan?) As the mountains drew closer, the pilgrims would have been afraid of what they would encounter. Who will protect them? They chose to look to God and trust Him to get them through safely.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?”
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:1-3)
Like the Israelites we too are on a journey, to the heavenly Jerusalem and the path isn’t always easy. The mountains we see looming ahead may not be physical, but they are just as daunting, and we too can wonder how we are going to make it through.
When my husband died, I looked into an uncertain future. Whenever I thought about what was ahead, fear and panic started to rise in my heart, threatening to consume me. Like the Israelites going to Jerusalem, I knew that I had to keep going and the only way I could do that was not to look at the ‘mountain’ but to trust God who promises to always be with me and has a prepared a good future for me. Whenever, I felt anxiety rise within me, I recited Psalm 121:1-3 to remind myself that ‘my help comes from the Lord.’
Until next time,
Keep Creating,
Lyn
Lyn Briggs Designs 
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