Happy Birthday Among Bobbins & Thread!

Hello all! Today we celebrate 1 year of successful blogging! Yay!

When I started this blog, I never imagined it would become so successful!!! (I also never thought I would keep it up this long.) I also never imagined that I would eventually split it into 2 blogs! This year I turned 20, started university, sold my wares at fanexpo, traveled around Europe, and became an official blogger. :)

I will share some of my stats from the past year with you:
Total pageviews: 3400

Month with highest pageviews: January 2012 with 454 views!

Countries with the highest # of pageviews:
1st: Canada with 1860!
2nd: USA with 372!
3rd: Germany with 321!
4th: Russia with 148!
5th: Ukraine with 98!

The total views from these countries amounts to 82% of all the views from this blog! O.O

I've gotten views from Qatar and Georgia as well! Wow! :D

Post with the most pageviews: WIP: Ginny Weasley Hogwarts Robes (much to my shame, as I count that as one of my worst posts...) with 312 pageviews.

The most popular search keywords used to find me are: Ginny Weasley Robe (WHY?!?!)
The rest are variations on that phrase... O.o

Also the other day my 10th Doctor Wig post was linked on a forum on Gaiaonline as the solution to how to make that wig. I am totally flattered!!! :D

It's been a great year people!!!  Thanks for following me so far, and hopefully the coming year will be even more spectacular!!!

What do we have to look forward to? Some great costumes including Sheik (from Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time), Nickel (from Katamari), and Alice (from Alice in Wonderland). Also Mum's jumper (that will go up sometime this week), my shop project, my denim project, and hopefully some more original clothes.

Expect more amazing things from Among Bobbins and Thread. >:D

-Sierra

Photo Escapes

Hello all, my new photography blog has finally been created: Photo Escapes! All of my new photography will be posted there, all old photography shall be linked to here. I will still continue my whimsical travel log style, just without my sewing work interjected here and there. And for those of you who preferred my sewing work, I am sure you will be glad for less photographic interruptions. :D

Panda Bag

So here's a look at how I made this adorable panda bag. It is based on a doodle I drew in class. :)

I redrew the pattern at full size, and cut the pattern pieces out. Keeping in mind that the pieces that will get applied to the front don't need seam allowance.

I cut out the ears next, and made sure to cut out a layer of interfacing too.

Next I cut out 2 pieces for the top panel (same length as the zipper), sewing them together in preparation for adding in the zipper. 

I also cut out some fabric for the lining, and interfacing. 

I pinned it in place, then basted the zipper in place. And then I sewed the zipper in for real.

I appliqued the face on to the front of the back. 

I added in the nose details.

Then I sewed the ears together, clipped, and turned them inside out.

Next I measured for the inner pocket. 

I finished off the edge for the pocket.

I measured the rest of the perimeter of the bag and cut out the remaining bottom piece in my black fabric, interfacing, and lining.

Then I sewed the bottom piece to the top on one end, forming a long strip of fabric.

I also sewed the inner pocket to the back piece. 

I clipped the ears to allow them to stretch and be sewn in on a curve. 

I also stitched the lining to the front piece, keeping the ears out of the way while I did so.

I finished off the first inner seam with bias tape. 

I then sewed the side strip to the front piece. Then I closed the strip into a loop.

Then I pinned and stitched it to the back piece. 

Beautiful! And then I had trouble getting the zipper open from the inside... XD

I then finished all the inner seams with bias tape. 

Gorgeous! Then I made the strap.

Next time I would use more interfacing in the ears, and main pieces so that it doesn't fold in on itself as much when there is nothing inside.

Next up: Mum's jumper! ;D

Nikon Applique Sweater

Here's a quick look at how I did the applique on this sweater.

I actually made this on boxing day. Yes, it is completely acceptable to make Christmas presents after Christmas... yes. I mostly just ran out of time between work and other projects. 

This is an homage to Nikon for my photographer friend: Mike. :) He has done quite a few photoshoots of our costumes, so, many thanks! I couldn't possibly afford camera equipment as a present, so I made the next best thing! XD

It's not extremely difficult to do applique, but it requires a certain amount of patience to do well, and cannot be rushed. It also requires a lot of thread. So be prepared for that. The last thing you need in the middle of a applique is to run out of thread. Hahaha

I started by printing the letters I wanted at the size I wanted them. I carefully cut them out. And then cut them out of my fabric.

I picked a yellow fabric and thread that matched well. And I bought this black sweater from Bluenotes. I through the sweater in the washer and dryer to shrink it up a bit. it is important to do this before you start the applique otherwise the letters may look weird after you wash it.

I marked the height I wanted them at and the center of the garment. 

I placed the letters and then traced them with a white pencil crayon.  I pinned the N into position and set my machine to a really tight zig-zag stitch.

By following the outline of the letters, you can get a clean crisp edge. The important thing is to go slowly and to not stretch the fabric underneath, otherwise the letters go wonky. I messed up a bit on the I, but it looked alright, so I continued.

And there you have it. This process is neither quick nor easy, but it looks fantastic! :D

Comments, feedback, & questions are always appreciated! :D