Guess what! We’re back to stitchbands. Stitchbands are pretty handy little things, but I’m not always happy with available colors and widths. I may have to start dyeing or painting my own. One thing’s for sure: I’m going to have to order some more.

Our Creative Gift idea today is a jewelry pouch. Sterling silver tarnishes simply by being exposed to air. Jewelry pouches help reduce tarnishing. They’re also great for traveling and probably a dozen other things I haven’t considered.

For a 2×2-inch pouch, cut a 5-inch length of a 2-inch wide stitchband. Got that? Hem or finish the raw edges of the short ends and embroider to your heart’s content.

If you want to line your pouch, this is the time to do it. A satin-y fabric might be hand- or machine-stitched to the inside, or Ultrasuede or felt might be attached quickly and easily with a running or overcast stitch. No need to finish the raw edges of Ultrasuede or felt.

Fold the band 2 inches up from the bottom and secure with a pin for the time being.

Next, stitch up the two long sides with a running stitch, overcast stitch, blanket stitch, or stitch of your choice to create a pocket.

Finally, fold the top flap down and create a way to secure it. Velcro or a snap, perhaps. Or if you have two tiny buttons, stitch one to the flap and one to the pocket. Tie a length of fiber around one button. This can be wound around the other to secure the flap.

Ta-da!

Do these count as sketches?

What do you think? Sound fun? What are some other uses you can imagine for these?