Outdoor Puppy Vest

We are headed to Lutsen, MN soon for a nice winter getaway with my brother, his girlfriend, and the pup.  I figured since we would be romping around in the woods it might be nice to make Hoss something warm.

I created the pattern out of newspaper and measured Hoss a few times to make sure the fit would be right. In fact, I cut out the pattern a few weeks ago and I already had to increase the size a few inches!  I guess this will be a one time use winter vest with the way he is growing. 


I got the idea from a dog vest I saw online and I figured I could make this one for half the price.  I was right.

Total cost: $15!  
Time Spent: 2 hours

handsome boy

nylon exterior with soft non -pill fleece interior

adjustable snap front 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Product---One Happy Pup

 What's next? Dog boots?!

Little Wonders Sewing Projects

With the weather being so nice lately, you would think that I would be outside, enjoying the fresh air and have no time for sewing. Nice weather or not, there needs to be a balance, and one of my New Year Resolutions was to remember to take time to do what makes me feel happy and relaxed---so sewing was up at the top.  Of course along with spending time with family, friends, my husband and Hoss!


In my life right now I have so many family members and friends expecting new little ones, so my projects have really been focused on little wonders sewing items.  Just a few sneak peaks of some completed projects.

Fabric Nesting Cubes

Quilted Diaper Clutch with Wristlet Strap

Bottom 1/3 has pocket

Quilted

Versatile Latch

Snap Front

Coming Soon....

Crib Skirt Tutorial

 

Dog Car Seat Cover

It has been a busy past few months with getting Hoss and Christmas fast approaching.  My list of things to sew and projects keeps getting longer and longer and I am left feeling like I don't have time to sew all the wonderful things I have been planning. 

This morning I finally got a chance to complete one of my Pinterest projects: Dog Car Seat Cover.  Check out the link below if you are interested in making this quick, fun, and easy project.  It only took 2 1/2 hours and $30 to make.

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Original Idea from Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My final product

 

Hoss

 

Supplies:

Fleece

Heavy Home Dec Weight, Cotton Twill, or Canvas

Plastic Buckles

Metal Buckles

Cotton Strapping

Thread

Sewing Machine

 

 1 fleece and backing measured and laid out

 

 2 fold edges over and pin, then stich

(cut away extra fabric in corners)

 

 

 3 check measurements and pin on buckles

 

 4 sew buckles in place

TaDaaaa!  One Happy Puppy :)

Chirstmas Sewing

It has been a bit busy around our house the past month. Our new pup Hoss has kept us busy!  I am still here and busy sewing away for Christmas.  

Stay tuned....more to share soon :)

Puppy Love

Sew.......

I know this is supposed to be a sewing blog filled with passion and creative energy centered around sewing, fabric, and style, but I  just can't help but share and introduce you to another love in my life......

Our new puppy, Hoss 

 

1st Day-Thursday, November 3rd

Hoss was born on September 5, 2011 and is a German bred German Shepherd. Seth and I picked him up last Thursday afternoon in Mankato, MN.  We had been getting picture updates from the breeder every few weeks and we couldn't wait to see the pups. The mother had 8 puppies total: 3 males and 5 females. 

Everyone had been telling us that being a new puppy owner means having a lot of sleepless nights and requires a lot of patience.  Well.....they were right! So far Hoss has adjusted pretty well to city life, and the nights have been pretty good--but he likes to move. 

Even though I know it is important for a pup to be a pup, I still wanted to start working on a few things. Here's a list of what we have been up to this weekend :) 

Crate-cried the first night but has been doing pretty well since

Potty Patrol-Only two accidents on day 1...the rest (clean)

Steps- up 1 and down 1, that's about all he can handle right now

Hair Dryer-turned it on and he didn't even blink an eye

Vacuum-gave it a strange look, but then did fine

Collar-itched at his neck a few times

Leash-put it on for a few minutes just to give him the feel of the tug (did well)

Sewing (for me of course) I was actually able to get an hour done last night :)

 

 Well, tomorrow it's back to school and into a routine. I am looking forward to coming home each night to this puppy face.

 

 

 

Sweet Findings and Simple Joys

Where have you been?!  

A great questions that many have been asking---including myself.  With the start of another new school year, preparing for our new little pup (did I mention we are getting Hoss on November 3rd?!) and trying to find time to keep  my house clean, my sewing was put on hold for awhile!

Of course that all changed with having MEA break this week.  Finally, finally, finally I was able to wake up, get my cup of coffee, and head upstairs to my sewing retreat for some much  needed creative sewing time.

Here's just a little sneak peak at some of the things I have been up to.  

 

I love the original post it left by my mom from so many years ago

Over the summer I helped my mom clean out the basement, and while we were going through things we came across some old sewing patterns that my mom used to make clothes for me when I was a little girl!  I thought it would be fun to recreate some of the old patterns and then possibly find pictures or the actual outfits my mom made and post them.  

I can still remember wearing an outfit like this when I was 3!

The Result

*****

On A Side Note...

Sneak Preview of Pups

Fall Challenge No. 1 Complete: The Wool Purse

There is something about the start of a new season that brings with it new ideas, inspirations, and excitement.  Fall--by far, has always been my favorite season and I decided this year to start it off right by celebrating the beauty.  My first fall challenge was to design and sew a new fall purse. Here is how it went:

The pattern was sketched out....

                                 I dreamed about sewing

The fabric was cut......

                                 I dreamed about sewing

The interfacing was sewn in......

                                 I dreamed about sewing

I started my first week back at school.......

                                I didn't dream at all, but rather slept like a ROCK!

The cool weather approached this week....................

                               I started (finally) sewing!  

With all the excitement and joy of starting a new school year, I had to take a step back from sewing for a few weeks.  However, my project was never too far from my heart and mind, as you can see!  I honestly didn't think I would have the time to complete my first fall challenge before the cool weather began to set in, but once I felt that bite in the air, I headed straight home from school, marched upstairs to my sewing room, and didn't stop until it was done.

I had good intentions of taking pictures along the way and sharing all the steps with you, but there is only so much time during the week nights to get things done! I am happy with the way it turned out--especially since this was my first dabble at designing a pattern of my own that incorporated unique pockets and sturdy fabric. 

I would definitely make it again--only I might use leather next time.

 

Stay tuned for more upcoming fall projects and ideas!  I will be sure to include some step-by-step photos.