It's a dogs life: Take 2

If you read the last post, you'll know that Skilos was not too happy with the argyle jacket I made her.  I thought it was okay - but she was not happy with it and made no bones (get it?) about letting me know she was not happy with it! 

After enough of her evil glares I finally made another jacket for her - this one is pink with large polk-a-dots - which reminds me of a good case of measles. But as you can see below - she seems to love!

Skilos wearing her new jacket waiting for the first customer of the day!

I used a pattern this time AND took her measurements to make sure it would fit.  It didn't take me as long to stitch together as the first jacket did.  And, in my opinion, it wasn't far off from what I threw together without a pattern. 

When I went to go put it on Skilos she looked it over and gave me the OK, by not curling her lips, when I slipped it over her head.

She likes it!  Hey Mikey!  She likes it!

   

I'm not going to say I spoil her but:  1. She is definitely a Doggy Diva, 2.  She doesn't like "home made" looking items and 3.  She doesn't like argyle - even if it is pink.



Skilos napping with her Teddy Bear/Baby



It's a dogs life

If you've ever been to Sewtropolis you most likely have met, Skilos the shop dog.  Skilos is so good at her job that she has her own facebook fan page AND people ask where she's at if they are not greeted by her right away! 

Between greeting people she likes to nap on her mat (custom made by a fan of hers).  It's been so cold lately that she has been shivering, so I decided to make her a polar fleece jacket - which turned out super cute - but didn't quite fit her.  She didn't seem to mind that people were giggling at how small her jacket was, but as her mom (and sewist) I decided to try to make another one... this time I took her measurements!  (I'm not sure if I wanted to admit that - but there it is). 

I'll admit, I didn't use a pattern for this jacket, I kind of figured how hard could it be?? Well, it wasn't hard if you just wanted a jacket... but if you are sewing for a Doggy Diva then I say start with a pattern!  

Here is the Doggy Diva herself:

That is not a happy look on her face!



One thing I noticed when putting on this jacket is that she curls her lips (to indicate she's not too happy with wearing it) every time I put it on her.  With the first jacket she didn't once curl her lips. Maybe I should have stuck with that one.   



Is that the evil eye she's giving me?

Okay, okay - stop with the glaring I'll make you another one! 

Quick & Easy Gifts

I teased in the latest newsletter that I made napkins, coasters and potholders in less than an hour to give away as gifts this season.  Hard to believe I know, but really it's super simple and can be done. 

Here is how I made the potholders: 



One fat quarter (18" x 22") will make two pot holders.

Cut the fat quarter so that you have two 9" x 18" pieces.

Fold one of the pieces, right sides together, so that you have a 9" x 9" square.

Sew a 1/4" seam down the two sides - leaving the top open.

Cut the batting so that it measures 8 1/2" x 8 1/2". 

You are going to insert the batting into the folded piece, the easiest way I found to do this is to lay the batting on top of the sewn piece (which is still wrong side out)  and turn the whole thing right side out, as one.  It will still take some fussing, but I find it's less then trying to stuff the batting in after turning the fabric piece.   

Turn the opening in 1/4" and press.

Now you get to sew!  Using a 1/8" seam allowance sew closed the opening first.  Now go all the way around the potholder using a 1/8" seam allowance until you are 1/4" away from the first seam you made.  Leave your needle in the down position, lift the presser foot and turn the potholder 90 degrees.  Use the side of your presser foot as a guide and sew 1/4" away from the first stitches until you get to 1/4" away from the second seam you made.  Keep going around and around your potholder this way until you get to the middle.

End your seam by going back and forth in the center to lock your stitches.

 The coasters are made the same way, but starting with a 5" x 10" pice of fabric and 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" batting.  The napkins were made using a fat quarter cut to 18" x 18" and using the rolled hemmed on either your serger (which is what I used) or your sewing machine, to finish the edges of the napkin. 

My gift set includes: 4 napkins, 4 coasters and 2 potholders.  Total fabric needed: about 1 3/4 yards, total time: about one hour!

Enjoy!