That's a Wrap! - May 2013 Project Finale

I've certainly enjoyed our time sewing in support of H.A.B.I.T. and their efforts this month!

It's the final day for our May Project. Please email me if you have items you want to send to be added to the box I'll be delivering. Thank you all for another fun sewing month!

Thank you again to Aivilo Charlotte for the adorable Dog Bandanna she provided for our use! And to all those who shared and provided giveaway fun throughout the month!

Big things ahead for the summer and I can't wait to share!

See you tomorrow for the June Project announcement!

Pet Plush!

Just a few more days of our May Project pet sewing left!

I recently finished up these little stuffed bones to add to our box.

I used THIS free tutorial and they were super fast and easy to make. 

I didn't have the squeakers, and added a pre-made cotton tassel instead of the knotted strips. I think they turned out cute! 

There's still a bit more time to contribute to our May Project, and we'd love to have you join in!

Get all the details here.

Pet Treat Pouch - Free Sewing Tutorial

 I've got a simple and quick sewing tutorial for you today that's a great scrap buster!

It's for a Pet Treat Pouch.

Ready???

Cut 2 rectangles from your fabrics. I used a cotton print for the outer and PUL for the inner, but you can use just about anything in your scrap bin. 

My rectangles are approximately 4.5" x 12.5". 

Pin your fabrics right sides facing, or if using PUL, you can sew the print side to the shiny side so your wipe-able shiny side will be on the inside of your finished pouch.

Position your ribbon loop near the top of one of the long sides. You'll need to point the loop according to how you want it to lay when finished, paying attention if you have a directional print. 

 Sew around the outside of your rectangle with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a small opening on one of the short ends for turning. I like to stitch back and forth an extra time over the ribbon to give it a little extra strength.

Turn your fabrics right sides out. Fold the bottom (the short end that is sewn closed) of your pouch up where you want it and pin in place.

Sew starting at one corner of the folded end, all the way around, being sure to catch the opening at the top. 

 I added a snap closure to each of mine to finish them, but you could also sew a small piece of velcro on for a closure. 

Your Treat Pouch can be hung by your door where it's easy to grab when the pets come in, worn on your belt for when you are on a walk or doing any kind of training exercise, or even put on your keychain.

Super easy sewing, perfect for our May Project!

Home-made Pet TREATS!

  This yummy donation for the May Project required peanut butter and oats instead of fabric and thread!

The kids LOVED getting to help with this and we made 4 batches! :)

I got the simple ingredient recipe here.

They smelled so good mixing and baking, we could hardly wait for them to cool to see what Sophie thought. Sophie buries EVERYTHING!!! No really....everything. She LOVES to hide her treats and bones all over the back yard. But not these. She chomped down as many as I let the kids give her! 

When we were done baking, we broke out the scrapbooking supplies and made these little labels for the bags. We included the ingredients just in case. 

Slid a few treats in a cello bag, added our label, and we have a bunch ready to be added to our other donations for our fur friends this month!

Lots of creative ways to show our support for pets, pet care and bonding opportunities this month. 

Join Us!

MAY Mid-month Reminder!

For those stitching in support of the May 2013 Project....it's that time again!

Have you found a local shelter or rescue to donate your handmade gifts to this month?

Or, will you be sending to me for H.A.B.I.T.?

Either way, I hope you are enjoying the opportunity to give back through your sewing/creating this way!

Need inspiration or ideas? Check out our "Furry Friends" pin board here.

You can also add pics of your finished projects to our May Project album here. 

SEW ON!

The Power of the Pet Bond

I shared earlier this month that we have 2 cats. 

Sir Smokey is our gray male that reminds me of a Blue Russian, which has always been one of my favorite cat breeds! When we went to LOOK (yea right! That's just what we told daddy!) at cats when we were ready to add to our family, we all immediately fell in love with Smokey. He was playing with our fingers through the glass and well....

I mean look at him....

There was NO WAY we could leave without him!

The children and I quickly convinced daddy that this was the kitty for our family. And so....we went back into the store, our local Petsmart hosts one of our local rescues so that those looking for pets have the opportunity to consider adopting one of the pets looking for a home. I love that! As we started talking to the volunteer vet there that day, she shared that the other little black kitten with Smokey had been his foster litter mate in their temporary rescue home. That she was the last one left. 

Yea....you see where I'm going! :)

So, we left that day....the day we were just "looking", with 2 new additions to our family. 

But how could we resist???

Now, I love my cats. While I have had pets of all kinds and love them all, I'd have to say I'm a "cat person". Smokey is my bud and I love him and his dominant arrogance. But.......our sweet Princess.....well, she is hands down the sweetest, most affectionate cat I have ever had and I am reminded daily how thankful I am that we said yes to 2 that day. :)

She and my son have the absolute sweetest bond. 

What about you? Do you have a very special pet? A fur friend that offers a unique bond?

I invite you to share pics on our facebook page all week as a reminder of our May Project and what we are sewing for this month. :)

And if you are looking to add a new fur member to your family, remember to check your animal shelters, humane society and/or local rescues for many, many pets looking for loving homes. 

Easy Catnip Toys Tutorial with Template

How's your sewing for our furry friends project going??? 

I've got a fun tutorial that is a perfect scrap buster for you that would be great for May's Project!

Catnip Toys

They are so fast, fun and easy to make! Are you ready???

Download Template HERE.

Supplies Needed:

Fabric Scraps, Thread, Stuffing, Catnip, Sewing Machine, Pinking Shears

Optional - Embroidery floss, ribbon for enhanced features

Print and cut out your template. The template includes shapes and suggestions for a fish, mouse and bird.

With your fabric folded wrong sides together, trace your template shape onto your fabric scrap. Using a disappearing ink pen would be ideal if you have one.

Stitch right on top of your pen marks around your shape, leaving a small opening for stuffing.

 Trim around your shape using pinking shears.

Stuff the toy with a small amount of polyester fiber stuffing and add your catnip.

 Sew the opening closed, and you're done!

Repeat again and again!

Quick, easy, cute and a great way to give back this month!

Get the details about May's Project and how you can participate here!

FREE PATTERN! Dog Bandana from Aivilo Charlotte Designs

I think you all are familiar with our fabulous sponsor, Aivilo Charlotte Designs

Lisa, the owner is a BIG animal lover too....particularly pups. :) She advocates for their care and adoption regularly. So, I asked her if she'd create us a special pattern for this month's project, and she has!!! 

+++++PLUS!+++++

She's offering it for FREE!!!

Be sure and take a minute to drop by her facebook page and say "THANKS!" ok?

THEN, head over to her Craftsy shop and download your free pattern for her new Aivilo Reversible Dog Bandana Pattern.

This sweet pooch accessory is a snap to make!

I had one for our Sophie made in no time!

(She's eyeballing the piece of roast beef the kids were using to "treat" her for modeling! lol!)

While you're over there, you are going to want to check out all the other fabulous she has to offer too! There's a great assortment starting as low as $2!

Bundle discounts in her etsy shop too!

THANK YOU Aivilo Charlotte for our support and generosity!

Find Aivilo Charlotte Designs....

On Etsy

On Facebook

On Craftsy