How to Make A Dog Bone Pillow Chew Toy

I love my puppy....Miss Sweet Boxer Puppy is so much fun, and a lot of energy packed into one dog. If someone isn't paying attention to her she looks for things to do...or chew. The other day I tried to sew and she'd sneak in the sewing room, grab something...anything...and run. After retrieving the item (s) for the third time, I thought I should make her something to keep her busy.
I started thinking about something I could design and sew fast without too much hassle. Dog Bone!! Out of denim scraps!
Using some wrapping paper I created a pattern. I used a dog biscuit for a guide, only making it bigger.

The full length of the bone is 10 inches. It is 5 inches across the center. I used a can to make the round ends.

Use some heavy duty fabric for the bone. In my case, I used some brown denim fabric from my stash and traced the pattern on it. 

Cut the pattern from the fabric creating a 1/2 inch seam allowance. 

Sew along the line....straight stitch, nothing fancy. 

Remember to leave an opening along the straight part of the bone so it can be turned right side out. Make sure its on the straight part; it'll be easier to stitch close. 

The the stitching was complete I snipped around the curves so the bone would hold its shape when being turned inside out. 

The pillow was then stuffed with fiber fill.

The pillow opening was then stitched closed with hidden blanket stitches. Why hidden? Just in case Miss Sweet Boxer Puppy decided to take out the stitches. 

Dog Approved! 

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Sewing Supplies. 

Motor Home Redo

I love my hubby...really, I do. He appreciates my creativity and talent. He is forever finding me things to make, embellish, or add to my pile of things to do (usually the case). 

This Mother's Day the hubby surprised me. Instead of a bouquet of flowers or a piece of jewelry he bought me a motor home. Really. A 32 foot Holiday Rambler. Talk about a surprise. He spotted it at a friend's a while back and fell in love with it. I should have known something was up but didn't until he drove it down our driveway tooting the horn to announce the arrival of my gift.
Impressive.

Big. 

                                                A project and a half.

The first thing to do was to get rid of the old mattress (the former owner wanted it back, thank you). And clean the inside (thank you, a young friend). A couple of things off the huge list that comes with a motor home redo.
I still have to decide on colors (neutral would be best...earth tones...not white...hubby likes gas, grease and oil too much). Wood accents? I have a pile of cherry from a tree we cut a while ago.
We had company over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and found out our inflatable mattress fits perfectly on the bed. We also found out the air conditioner works. Phew! Good news for sure.

Things that will have to be fixed up or replaced:
floor (hardwood going down)
curtains
stove
backsplash
headliner
cabinets?
refrigerator (good cleaning)
seats
cushions for the dining table
throw for the sofa
bed linens and curtains for the bedroom


I'll keep you posted.....Step by step.