The First month is done!

Today I was home with my puppy...... well he's three. Not really a puppy anymore. He has pink eye and as much as that is trivial in a human..... stopping a dog from scratching his eye without putting him in a cone of shame all day is hard. Why not put him in the cone? He doesn't move. No walking, no drinking, no lying down, no treat eating,  none of the above. Just forlorn looks, rigid posture and after he realizes that you intend for him to wear it a while, incessant whining. Keeps us from using it overnight, let alone all day while we are at work. Too much stress for him and me! 

So I was home from work medicating his eye and supervising so he doesn't make the bleeding or current scratches worse. Needless to day it's not a day to be getting into anything that you can't put down. So I did TONS of laundry, changed bed sheets, got dishes done and out of the way; you know that productive household stuff that can get put off on the weekend. I also decided to make my dog a durable (in my estimation) kennel mat.

I used some old jeans that my hubby wore through and a duvet cover I never use because I detest it.

Measured the kennel. Brand noted, I have no way to erase it, sorry. You can see that the towel inside is in need of replacing.......

Next I cut the flannel duvet cover and pieces of the jeans to dimensions that would work. Of course the jeans have to be a patchwork idea, no part of my husband is big enough to cover 21x30" lol.

I did not take any photos of the sewing as I do not have a tidy sewing space, I will work on that. The marks you can see indicate the side that is to be sewn first. It didn't take very long, a fresh needle in the machine and things happened fast.

I have not quilted it... I want to make sure that it will outlast some dog wear and tear before I make him something with alot of work in it. Hopefully I will have a positive report when his eye is better and we can leave him alone again.......... gotta buy dog food somehow!

Hope you like, comments or lurking always welcome!

Plans for the Dog

He looks so forlorn. Poor Sam, I made him a jacket.

Before Christmas I pulled out some fleece and did something I have been meaning to get to for a while. I made my dog a new jacket. To some this may sound ridiculous, or crazy. "But why would a dog that size need a jacket" or "You didn't knit him a sweater?"
To answer these unspoken but possibly considered responses; my dog Sam is a German Short haired Pointer they are a good sized dog, but lean. In Sam's case quite lean, we can't seem to get much fat on that little body. So he, hates to get wet, loves the snow and really can get cold. Knitting him a sweater is something I may consider once I finish my goals this year (another post to come). Right now I just want  a sweater for me done! LOL

Anyhow, the jacket we purchased for him is too small this year. He may be lean, but he has a broader chest than he did at 1 year old. I found a pattern in a fleece sewing book that I thought was genius. Then I cut it out....

and realised quite quickly that with his lean little frame, Sam would swim in it!So I modified it very heavily using the old jacket as a base. Snaps along the little base strap and Velcro and snaps to the front, and Voila!

This okay jacket that I know I can make work for my dog better. There are a few things about this jacket that I don't really like, so when I have made a superior jacket I will share how I did it with you. I learn best when I make mistakes. That is why knitting is such a good hobby for me. I am on the third incarnation of fingerless gloves for my husband! Hope these ones are the winners!
I mentioned above that I finally mad a bit of time to sit down and consider goals for this new year. I have 12. I will post about that when I have considered how to word that post. I think this week. I have somethings going on, but I really want to share it. Hope your crafting is going well this week. I know someone who has committed to finish over 100 projects this year! Go Toni! I have committed to 100 balls of yarn used up for sure, but other than that.... next post! I swear! LOL 

We got a puppy....

Click the title and it will take you to images of the type of dog we have.....

NO that is not my dog.

Our little one's name is Sam he is heartbreakingly cute, and terribly piddly. LOL
I promise to post pics, and update you on the little knitting I have gotten done!
I was sent a lovely packet from my pal Erika and I will share that too!

No we are not crazy, and yes I am getting some sleep..... but wow... is this going to be a heck of a new experience. Wish me luck. Two fur babies!

Now Simon wants outside! Yikes.

More later, have a good Friday!