Every summer my embroidery guild group comes up with a challenge project for members to complete, if they wish. Last year the challenge project was to complete a patriotic-themed piece, and I stitched the “Liberty Stars” counted canvaswork project.

This summer the challenge project is to sew a little pinch purse. The pinch purse is a three-sided coin pouch that you squeeze to open. we were provided with instructions and a template and piece of plastic for the side pieces. This probably only makes sense if you have made one of these yourself.

I have to admit I am finding the instructions difficult. I did a search online and found two thorough tutorials for making these things:

• “Pinch Purse Tutorial” by Penny Rugs and More
• “Thimble Pip Tutorial” by Super Mom — No Cape!

I am still confused about aspects of the assembly process, but for now I am forging ahead and hoping that the steps will become clear as I get to each part. I hope I figure it out because the purses look cute when they are finished.

But, you may be asking, what does sewing a pinch purse have to do with embroidery? Ah ha! Not only are we sewing the pinch purse, but the challenge also requires that we embellish the fabric using any embroidery technique.

I have decided to try a little ribbon embroidery for the project. I have never done ribbon embroidery, but I love the way it looks, so I’d like to give it a go. The pinch purse is small, so it is the perfect size to try a little motif using ribbon.

So, here’s how far I’ve gotten. Using the template we were provided, I cut out six shapes from the plastic we were given.

I *think* I cut out the right sizes and the right number of shapes, but I’m not sure. This was one of the things I was confused about. I guess I’ll find out!

I also looked around online for silk ribbon appropriate for embroidery and ended up placing an order with Nordic Needle. I was anxious about trying to pick ribbon colors just by viewing thumbnail images on my computer screen, but I’m happy to report that my color palette turned out pretty well. Nordic Needle shipped my items very quickly, and I received the ribbons and the set of chenille needles I ordered today.

I have about a month and a half to complete this project, so expect updates over the next few weeks!

Thanks for reading!