Month: October 2020

Cool Cats (Warmer Now)

In Michigan, October brings a more serious chill to the air and I find myself tempted to turn on the furnace. While I can add a sweater, my cats were glaring at me to let me know they can’t. Many years ago I went to thrift stores collecting wool sweaters. I planned to felt them and use the felted fabric to make a jacket for my daughter. She was 4 then, and she is 17 now so clearly I have missed the moment!

Recently I saw a project that constructs a pet bed from old sweaters where you stuff the arms and body (see link) creating a bit of a hug. Since I still needed to find a project for the 13 year old felted sweater material; I designed my own cat beds. To felt the sweaters, I simply washed them in hot soapy water which shrinks the wool and locks the fibers together preventing the sweater from coming unraveled when cut into pieces. Three of the four sweaters were 100% wool and the pastel striped sweater was over 50% wool blend which resulted in a felt with some visible knitting remaining. Constructing my own bed design allowed me to make it just the right size for my cats.

I cut the fabric for the bolster to measure 6 inches wide and long enough to complete a circle around my base with overlap. I used 2-4 pieces of felt for the bolsters depending on the color pattern I created. For the base, I used a platter and added one inch to create an appealing shape for a cat nap.

  • Three inch doubled fabric.
  • Base is one inch longer than platter.
  • Various sweater pieces were used, sleeves were cut to measure 6 inches.

Using a simple blanket stitch I attached the sides to the base (which contained no stuffing). I sewed all the pieces together at one time which made the project come together quickly.

  • Pinning bolster to base.
  • Note the overlap of bolster pieces.
  • Use blanket stitch over the edged of all pieces.
  • This is the resulting seam which is underneath the bed when completed.

Using polyester batting and a long wooden dowel I stuffed the bolsters and then sewed those pieces together with a simple running stitch. I placed them in some of Simon and Kimbers favorite spots and they seem to enjoy them!

  • Simon will still leave it to sit on the keyboard.
  • Simon enjoying his power position on the sectional
  • Kimber enjoying her spot on the back of the sofa.
  • Completed cat beds. I kept the sleeve ribbing for a visual reminder of their origins and to get the “hug”.

Stay warm and be well!

Garden Crafts: Botanical Note Cards

In my previous post Garden Crafts: Pressing Flowers I shared how I have been preserving my garden by pressing and drying flowers and leaves. I thought I would take a minute to share with you some of what I did with those dried pressed flowers. I purchased some blank note cards at my craft store and applied Matte Modge Podge to the card, applied the flower or leaf and then sealed it over with more Modge Podge. I used them immediately to send thank you cards and a birthday greeting and learned they didn’t all travel well. To make sure the delicate petals don’t flake off make sure they are placed on a nice layer of Modge Podge and that they are entirely covered in Modge Podge to seal them in. After I learned this I included a rectangle of parchment paper to protect the front of the card from sticking to the envelope. I also used some elements from my spice cupboard by adding poppy seeds to give it texture and outline the delicate white petals.

Note cards created with dried pressed flowers.
Note cards created with dried pressed flowers.

Now that it is autumn in Michigan I have loaded up my flower press with leaves I’ve collected. I am unsure if they will keep their brilliant fall colors but I am hopeful.

I am trying to collect enough flowers and leaves etc. to have on hand the materials to design more cards over the winter and perhaps try framing some to hang on the walls. I hope this has inspired you to “harvest” items from your garden in a new way. Enjoy!