Sewing for the Little Person: DIY Puppy Outfits

July 7, 2015 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

It’s a little difficult for me to make outfits for two Labradors. For one thing, they both won’t sit still long enough to put anything on, and for another, they’re both too big to fit into anything and they would pull it off anyways. You can find dog outfits nearly anywhere you go. For those of you who like to dress up your canine friend, and are successful at it, my hat is off to you. I’m constantly torn between my reaction of, “That poor dog” and “Oh my gosh, it’s so cute!” Most of it is practical — like a little wiener dog or a chihuahua in the middle of a Chicago winter: they need something on their backs so they don’t get sick and to keep warm. A Siberian husky? I think they could do without the extra sweater, since, you know, they were made for that kind of weather.

My favorite are the ironic costumes or the animal costumes that go with the breed. Like for wiener dogs, they get hot dog bun coat or dalmatians have a fire truck hat or labs get a lifeguard vest. Today is one of those days where I find the outfits cute, and I wish I could dress my dogs up for Halloween. Those of you with small dogs, take this opportunity to dress up your pets as much as you can because you never know how big your next fur-baby is going to be.

It just all depends on your taste. Some people like to go full out and dress their dogs up in homemade animal outfits, or they like to keep it simplistic with a simple dog collar or puppy bandana. Whatever your preference, you’re going to love these easy sewing outfits and projects for your fur-baby. All they need is a little bit of fabric and a whole lot of love. I’ve also included some fun pet sewing projects and animal crochet patterns. You can really make anything you want for your pets out of any scraps you have. Don’t forget to post a picture of your project in the comments!

Sewing For the Little Person: DIY Puppy Outfits

Doggy Bed and Blanket Seat

Winter Dog Boots

Darling Dog Harness

DIY Dog Clothes

Doggy Style with a Small Budget

Stay Put Dog Caddy

Upcycled Dog Collar

Puppy Necktie

Crocheted Dog Sweater Pattern

Crocheted Dog Leg Warmers

Cute Hot Dog Crochet Coat

Bonus challenge for you advanced crocheters: stitch this Bowser Sweater for your dog instead of your turtle.

Which side are you on? Do you enjoy doggy fashion?

DIY Pet Toys

June 25, 2015 by FaveCrafts 3 Comments

I have two puppies. Well, technically not puppies. One is a 13-year old yellow Labrador, Lilo, and the other is a 7-year old half black lab, possibly border collie mix, Maggie. So they’re old, but Lilo still thinks she is the little pup we got so many years ago, even though her body can’t keep up anymore. However, no matter how old she gets, she still loves toys. She honestly makes a toy out of anything. We trained her to get the paper from the driveway, to pick out a pair of socks for my dad (as long as the drawer is open), and any loner socks she gets to play with. My dogs are able to make play time out of any household items. So making homemade pet toys has got to be cheaper than buying name brand items, right?

DIY Pet Toys

That’s why you need to ditch the store-bought toys and make your own with these DIY dog toys. Just a little bit of fabric or an old water bottle can make the different between a dud or a deal.

Now I may not have too much experience in the cat area, or any experience at all, but I feel like I have a good handle on the DIY cat toys and what is considered “cool” in the cat-world (thanks Youtube). Anything small or dangley that attracts attention for short burst of time. And anything they can scratch. Lordy, there’s a lot of scratching.

I love this crunchy dog toy. It is just a water bottle sewn into a piece of fabric and stuffed. It’s durable enough to play fetch, while soft enough for your puppy to snuggle at night. If you’re not much of a sewist, you can also put a water bottle in a sock and tie off the end. No matter if you’re upcycling fabric scraps or upcycling socks, your fur-baby will love this homemade toy.

For cats, from what I have gathered, scratching posts are a ridiculous amount of money, but you don’t want to sacrifice your furniture for your cat’s habits. That’s why this homemade cat scratching post is a great way to recycle your cardboard boxes and save your money. I love the fact that you can make it however high or wide you want it so you can accommodate your living space.

Whether you have a canine-companion or a feline-friend, these homemade pet toys are going to be your favorite because of how easy it is to make cheap pet toys.

Check out these other toys…

Dogs

Easy Rope Ball Dog Toy

Recycled Denim Dog Toy

Fleece Tug Rope

Doggy Bed and Blanket Set

Your Pet’s Favorite Toy

No Sew Octopus Ball Doll

Run Rabbit Run Dog Toy

Cats

DIY Cat Toy from thediydiary.com

Catscraper DIY Cat Scratching Post from maisonkuotidien.com

What is something odd that your pet plays with?

Cats in Hats Pattern Excerpt

March 22, 2015 by FaveCraftsBlog 4 Comments

Calling all cat owners and lovers of felines! We know you love to spoil your kitties in every way possible. Make your cat his/her very own hat and you will not be disappointed. Whether you want to capture your cat’s personality, a good photo for a Christmas card, or a good laugh as your cat wonders what is actually going on, you can’t deny that Cats in Hats is a excellent idea for many reasons! Enjoy this free pattern below from Sara Thomas’ new book, Cats in Hats!

Check out the blog hop and join in all of the fun! Plus, you can win a copy of this lovely book right here on the blog!

Pom Pom Hat

This peppy pom pom hat is the perfect accessory for any high-spirited kitty.

Method: Crochet

Skill Level: Beginner

Size

To fit a small adult cat

Ear opening: 2 in. (5 cm)

Width of hat between ears: 2 in. (5 cm)

Supplies

20 yd (18 m) worsted weight yarn in A (pink)
5 yd (4.5 m) worsted weight yarn in B (green)
Size H8 (5 mm) crochet hook
Yarn needle
Pom pom maker (optional)

Base

Using yarn A, work 2ch, leaving a 25 in. (64 cm) tail.

Row 1: 3sc in 2nd ch, 1ch.
Row 2: 3sc, 1ch.
Row 3: 2sc in first st, 1sc, 2sc in last st, 1ch. (5sc)
Row 4: 5sc, 1ch.
Row 5: 2sc in first st, 3sc, 2sc in last st, 1ch. (7sc)
Row 6: 7sc, 1ch.
Row 7: 2sc in first st, 5sc, 2sc in last st, 1ch. (9sc)
Row 8: 9sc, 1ch.
Row 9: 2sc in first st, 7sc, 2sc in last st, 1ch. (11sc)

First Ear Hole

Row 10: 1sc, 9ch, 1sc in last st, 1ch.

Middle Section

Rows 11-20: 11sc, 1ch.

Second Ear hole

Row 21: 1sc, 9ch, 1sc in last st, 1ch.
Row 22: 11sc, 1ch.
Row 23: 1sc, skip next st, 7sc, skip next st, 1sc, 1ch. (9sc)
Row 24: 9sc, 1ch.
Row 25: 1sc, skip next st, 5sc, skip next st, 1sc, 1ch. (7sc)
Row 26: 7sc, 1ch.
Row 27: 1sc, skip next st, 3sc, skip next st, 1sc, 1ch. (5sc)
Row 28: 5sc, 1ch.
Row 29: 1sc, skip next st, 1sc, skip next st, 1sc, 1ch. (3sc)
Row 30: 3sc, 1ch. 1sc in last st.

To create ties, work 25ch, snip yarn, and pull through loop. Trim tail. Work 25ch at the beg of the base, using 25 in. (64 cm) tail.

Front Trim

Holding yarns A and B together, work 30sc across front of hat base. Clip yarn, pull through loop, and fasten securely on underside of the hat.

Make a 1 in. (2.5 cm) pom pom from yarns A and B and attach to center of hat.

This is an easy design to adapt. Use your favorite sports team colors or holiday colors to make it your own.

Cats in Hats Blog Hop + Giveaway

March 21, 2015 by FaveCraftsBlog 5 Comments

I know what you’re thinking. Cats? Wearing hats? How did they get that cat on the cover to even cooperate to wear that hat? Well, I don’t have an answer for you, but I think we can all agree that putting a hat on a cat makes one cute kitty.

Whether you’re a knitter or a crocheter, Cats in Hats: 30 Knit And Crochet Patterns for Your Kitty is a quirky little book with a variety of hat patterns to suit your needs. Sara Thomas came up with cute and funny hats to match your cat’s personality. Cats do have very unique personalities, as we all know.

Stay tuned! Tomorrow we are sharing a FREE PATTERN from this book!

Join our friends on this fun blog hop!

AUTHOR KICKOFF: 3/16 Scooter Knits

3/17 Yarning 4 A Smile

3/18 Wendy Knits

3/19 In Stitches

3/20 Polka Dot Cottage

3/21 FaveCrafts

3/22 Recycled Crafts

3/23 Lorelei’s Blog

3/24 CraftSanity

3/25 Lori Greenberg

3/26 Crafting a Green World

3/27 Gaea Handmade

3/28 Pretty Things Blog

Want to win a copy of this cute book right here on the blog? All you have to do is answer this question!

What have you knit or crocheted for your pets?

Congrats to Kris! “I’ve made several sweaters for my Min Pin. She loves to dress up!” We’re glad your cat loves to dress up and we hope she enjoys her new hats when you make them from this book!

OFFICIAL RULES FOR GIVEAWAY:

There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
Winners will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post.
Winners will be announced here on this blog post on March 30, 2015 as well as contacted by the email address provided.
You have until, March 29, 2015 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

16 DIY Dog Bed Projects + DIY Cat Houses That Are The Cat’s Meow

February 5, 2015 by FaveCrafts 4 Comments

I’m a dog person through and through but I hold a special place in my heart for the kitties I know. I can pretty much guarantee that if I made a diy cat house for my mother-in-law’s cats, they would love me forever. Maybe. You know how cats are.

So I set out to find out how to make a pet bed and found some amazing and clever ideas to share with you. Inevitably I came across diy dog bed projects too which is perfect because I have a little Pomeranian Chihuahua mix and he is the cutest dog ever! In my opinion at least.

These diy pet projects will hopefully make your pet feel special and add a unique touch to your home. Learn how to make a diy pet bed today and you’ll be obsessed with making things for your pets from now on!

1. Bring out the green in your cat’s eyes with this ingenious cat bed.

Cat Bed Junk Project via KI Nassauer Style

2. Of course, sewing a spiffy dog bed will automatically make your pooch look super handsome.

Stylish Strapped Pet Bed via AllFreeSewing

3. Just be sure that your cat is totally involved in the DIY process.

Crochet Cat Bed via Eilen Tein

4. You can even sew a Cute Cat Cube for your cat! (say that three times fast).

DIY Kitty Cube via Crafty Night Owls

5. Who knew that an old t-shirt could be so cozy?

DIY Cat Tent Bed via Practically Functional

6. Crocheting a cat bed will result in your cat posing like the model he truly is.

Crochet Cat Bed via FaveCrafts

7. See? Totally model material.

Fuzzy DIY Pet Bed via AllFreeSewing

8. Even if you have a stubborn cat, eventually he will warm up to the idea of his new digs.

The DIY Cat Bed via Me, Myself, & DIY

9. Dogs, too.

Dog Bed with Removable Blanket via Instructables

10. You can even be awesome and turn an old computer into a cat bed. WHAT.

Turning An Old iMac Into A Cat Bed via Inspire Wild Ideas

Even more DIY pet bed ideas!

11. Frugal and Homemade Winter House for Stray Cats from Krista Schnee

12. How to Sew a Fish Cat House from Instructables

13. Tube TV Turned Dog House from Restoration Redoux

14. How To Make a Suitcase Cat Bed from Sally Ann

15. DIY Quick and Easy Modern Cat House from Instructables

16. How to Use Cardboard Make Cat’s House from Cool Creativity

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

14 DIY Rug Ideas for Barefoot Living

August 11, 2014 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

“Take off your shoes and stay awhile.” That’s what my mom always say and it always guests into friends and family. Is there anything better than taking off your uncomfortable work boots or high heels and stepping onto something soft. With these tutorials, you can learn how to make a rug that will make your feet feel pampered and refreshed. Although it may not compare to the feeling of sand or cool water, soft rugs can provide instant comfort to hardwood or tile floors. These rugs are ideal for anywhere in the house that might need a little extra home décor.

Don’t overlook the floor when you’re busy making the house into a home. Your feet will certainly appreciate the variety of DIY rugs ideas that you can crochet, sew, and even paint. Use a DIY cheap rug to catch the drips from the kitchen sink. Enjoy the feel of a new DIY bath rug as you step out of the shower. Also, don’t forget to make a special rug meant for four legs with a special project for your pets.

DIY Rugs Ideas to Crochet

The most popular way to learn how to make a rug is by getting out your crochet hooks and stitching one together. With these tutorials, you can make rugs to fit any floor space you have. Learn how to make hexagonal rugs, oval rugs, or rectangle rugs. You can also create a rug to fit any color scheme you desire. Crocheting your own rug is much cheaper and easier than hunting for the perfect rug at the store.

Other Easy DIY Rugs

Of course, crocheting isn’t the only way to learn how to make a rug. Here are a few easy rugs that you can create using other crafting mediums. Get ready to stitch, paint, and knit your way to easy barefoot living with these fun tutorials.

What is your favorite DIY rug technique?

Quilting 101 for Animal Lovers: Animal Print, Modern Quilt Patterns, and Projects for Pets

November 1, 2013 by FaveQuilts 3 Comments

One of our favorite sources of inspiration has been shared with designers, quilters, and people all over; animals. Our editors at FaveQuilts have noticed that whether it’s with gorgeous animal print fabric or a cute little quilt pattern for your pet, quilters can’t get enough of animal patterns! We want to help celebrate both the wild and the domestic with some creative and cute quilt patterns that are all animal-inspired in one way or another.

Projects with Animal Print

Quilting fabric is so much fun when it comes to prints. Not only are there patterns than use those classic designs we’re familiar with like the one seen in the Tiny Tiger Pouch, but there are also some beautiful fabrics that include cute little animals that quilters are able to cut and transform into creative designs for kid’s quilt patterns, as well as holiday-themed designs.

Modern Quilt Patterns Inspired by Animals

Even if you only have plain fabric, you can still express your love of animals through your quilt patterns. There are many paper piecing patterns and quilt blocks that use the techniques you’re already familiar with to depict your favorite animals right on your project.

Small Animal Quilt Projects

Putting an animal on your quilt isn’t the only way you can make a project featuring your favorite creatures. These small quilt projects serve as organizing ideas, quilted gifts, and just all-around fun ways to make you smile.

Projects for Pets

Our pets are like members of the family, so why not show them some love with one of these easy quilt patterns? Imagine how much money you’ll save by putting together a scrappy pillow for your puppy or a fun little catnip toy for your cat. They’ll last for years, they’re easy to repair, and they’ll be just as unique as your precious pet.

If you’re ready for your patterns to get wild with some animal-inspired designs, simply enter to win this Safari Fabric Bundle from Quilting Treasures. You have until November 5th!

What animal do you think is the most inspiring?

Link Love: Crafts for Cat Lovers

August 1, 2013 by FaveCrafts 4 Comments

Once upon a time, cat lovers were characterized as “crazy cat ladies”. Well, those days are over, because it’s never been a better time to be a cat lover. Cats have broken into the mainstream – even Taylor Swift has an adorable kitty named Meredith. Here at FaveCrafts, we celebrate our kitties (and other pets) by creating unique and adorable pet crafts. Those of us who don’t have a furry companion can create animal-inspired projects to wear or display. Personally, I’m partial to dainty flats with adorable cat faces drawn on – does it get any cuter?

Get inspired and celebrate your favorite feline with a few simple DIY designs. If you have a cat, you create a variety of practical crafts that can be used every single day. Save up old socks and create a Sock Bed for Kitty. You’ll hear plenty of purring (and maybe some snoring) when your pet spots your design. Even if you don’t have a cat, you can create fun cat-inspired crafts. A Blue Crochet Kitty makes a great gift for a little one – create one before a birthday or baby shower. You can also add a fun touch to your wardrobe by creating whimsical Kitty Clip-On Barrettes. They’re almost as adorable as a newborn kitten… almost.

You won’t believe how easy it is to craft for your pet. Alternately, you can make cat-inspired crafts and show off your loved for felines. While you’re at it, why not do both? One thing’s for sure – you can’t go wrong when you make cat crafts.

Easy To Crochet Cat Toy from Dabbles and Babbles
Onni the Beckoning Cat from Nimoe
Mini Kitty Pinata from Making It Big
Felted Cat Toy from 7 Yaks
Charlotte Olympia-Inspired Kitty Flats from Clones ‘n Clowns
Cat Ear Headband from Why Don’t You Make Me
Kitty Cat Costume from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Cat Face Stenciled Shirt from minted Strawberry
Cat Sleep Mask from Stars for Streetlights

Check out our friends over at Stitch&Unwind! They have some crazy fun knitting and crochet patterns inspired by cats.

Do you like to make things for your cats or for yourself?

Celebrate Your Furry Friend On National Love Your Pet Day

February 21, 2013 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

Today is a very important holiday … it’s National Love Your Pet Day! The next time your spot your favorite furry friend, give him or her a little extra squeeze (not too hard, though). Here at FaveCrafts, we love dogs, cats, guinea pigs and even sugar gliders! We love sharing stories about our pets and even passing around photos of our favorite “fur babies.” We know our readers love their own pets, hence why we have an entire pet crafts category of the site.

Today, make your pet something that they can wear or use for playtime. Your favorite companion deserves a little TLC, and these projects certainly show how much you care.

Crafts For a Cat:

Crafts For a Dog:

Crafts For Every Pet:

Do you have a pet? Leave a comment and tell us all about him/her!

Our Office Dog is Famous!

October 12, 2011 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts Leave a Comment

Okay, so maybe he isn’t the office dog, but he does belong to one of our most creative staff members, Simone. And now his adorable little face is popping up all over the Internet:

Maybe I should start at the beginning. A month or so ago Simone, who is our Social Media Guru, whipped up an amazing Harry Potter costume for her pup, complete with Gryffindor cape, striped tie and even Harry’s iconic black-rimmed glasses. She then graciously typed up the instructions and shared them with us all.

Fast forward to last week when Simone was lucky enough to be a guest at the Martha Stewart Show. She quickly became best buds with Martha and they’ve kept in touch via Twitter. But despite their budding friendship, Simone was still stunned yesterday when she found out that Martha had mentioned her Harry Potter Dog Costume on the air and posted a snapshot of it on her website (click through to slide 4 to see Simone’s pup in all his Harry Potter glory). Or I could just show it to you here:

Yes, that’s our Harry “Pawter” on the left and Martha’s face right next to him on the right. We’d call that famous!

As if that wasn’t enough, Simone’s pup has since been featured by our friends over at Craftzine. Before you know it, he’ll be gracing the cover of Vogue!

We love that people love our doggie Harry Potter costume so much. If it was up to us, there would be a whole army of Harry Potter pets parading around on October 31st!

For anyone who wants to make a Harry Potter dog costume of their own, just head on over to Simone’s tutorial and she’ll walk you through it step by step.

Sewing For the Little Person: DIY Puppy Outfits

Which side are you on? Do you enjoy doggy fashion?

DIY Pet Toys

Check out these other toys…

Dogs

Cats

What is something odd that your pet plays with?

What have you knit or crocheted for your pets?

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

DIY Rugs Ideas to Crochet

Other Easy DIY Rugs

What is your favorite DIY rug technique?

Projects with Animal Print

Modern Quilt Patterns Inspired by Animals

Small Animal Quilt Projects

Projects for Pets

What animal do you think is the most inspiring?

Do you like to make things for your cats or for yourself?

Do you have a pet? Leave a comment and tell us all about him/her!

We’re curious: What’s the funniest pet Halloween costume you’ve seen?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

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