Geeky Sewing

I've been thinking about adding an applique Gengar (you can do a Google search for Gengar Pokemon to learn more) to a small project bag for a while. Over the last few weeks I've been working on the machine embroidery design. Creating your own applique designs can be both rewarding and frustrating. 

It took four tries for me to get to a point I thought it worthwhile to stitch one of these onto anything beyond muslin. It still isn't perfect, but I was going to end up throwing it all in the trash if I didn't stop and finish the project.

I trimmed around the best one and auditioned the design on several background fabrics. 

In the end, this fun heart print won. 

I added a contrast piece to the bottom and quilted it with some wavy lines. 

After some pretty questionable trimming, I had the panels to make a pouch using the Open Wide Pouch tutorial offered free on the Noodlehead blog. I cut my panels into squares instead of rectangles because I like a deeper bag. 

I'm not going to show you the wonky seams. Just be confident they are there. I don't care, though. It is an awesome bag and I can't wait to fill it with yarn and needles so I can carry my winter gift knitting in style.

Tools and Supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Multipurpose sewing clips
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron