Harsh winter ahead? How to make an easy upcycled dog sweater to keep your dog warm

Read on for a descriptive tutorial on how I made these 2 dog sweaters from one upcycled sweater!

Winter is soon coming, and if we heed the prediction of the Farmer's Almanac, I am told we are in for a pretty fierce winter.

Before I go further, I think it only fair to give credit to Benjamin Franklin, who first published Poor Richard's Almanack (sometimes Almanac) in 1732. Franklin adopted the pseudonym of "Poor Richard" or "Richard Saunders" for the purpose of publishing the almanac until 1758. This was no shabby publication in the American colonies as it reach upward of 10,000 per year. Quite an impressive accomplishment, to be sure!

The very popular Almanack offered up a calendar, seasonal weather forecasts, practical household hints and tips, word play, witty phrases, puzzles, proverbs, astrological information, on going stories and much more. The Almanack also served as a reflection of the norms and social mores of American colonial times. There is much to learn from studying that era in time. If you have not read about it, I would encourage you to do so. It is quite interesting. It is a great homeschool lesson and there is almost no end to the avenues of study one might embark upon as a spin off from this lesson.

Poor Richard's Almanack influenced other almanac publications. Today, we have the Farmers' Almanac. It contains a wealth of interesting information. Many people hold fast to the advice printed within the Farmers' Almanac, while others take the weather predictions with a grain of salt or deny the validity of any statements within altogether. This year's Farmers' Almanac predicts the following weather in the United States for winter:
   According to the 2015 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac, the winter of 2014–15 will see below-normal temperatures for about three-quarters of the nation. A large zone of very cold temperatures will be found from east of the Continental Divide east to the Appalachians. The most frigid temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains into the Great Lakes. The coldest outbreak of the season will come during the final week of January into the beginning of February, when frigid arctic air drops temperatures across the Northern Plains to perhaps 40 below zero. As the frigid air blows across the Great Lakes, snow showers and squalls will drop heavy amounts of snow to the lee of the Lakes.
 (source: http://farmersalmanac.com/weather/2014/08/24/2015-us-winter-forecast/)

Dogs and Winter Weather:

Wherever you stand on your belief of the weather forecast in the current almanac, should the predictions prove true, your pets might thank you when going outside if they have some sort of sweater or covering to help keep them warm and the snow off their bodies. Now before I go on, I will say, "Yes! I know they have fur," but if your dog spends a lot of time outside in the elements, or, if your dogs are like mine and go out only to relieve themselves, they might need a sweater for extra warmth. Seeing a dog shiver in the snow, ice or cold weather is not a pretty sight. My small dogs are not used to staying out in the cold. When I take them outside, even if for a short while, they shiver quite a bit. A sweater seems quite a good idea for helping to keep them warm. (While I am on the subject, dog boots are a fantastic idea for protecting your dog's feet from damage or injury related to snow and ice exposure.)

I looked around at dog sweaters in various stores and was not pleased with the ones that I found. Many seemed to be made of inferior fabric, had poor quality workmanship or were priced outrageously. I looked high and low and found nothing that was made well or was within my budget. I decided that I might try to fashion a few dog sweaters by up-cycling a pretty sweater that a member of my family had outgrown. My thought was that if I failed, I had lost nothing, but if I succeeded, my dogs would have lovely, handmade, one of a kind, matching sweaters and I would have saved a bundle by upcycling. It also felt pretty good knowing that I would be doing something nice for our planet. Seemed like a win / win situation to me.

Here are the sweaters I made for my dogs. Please excuse their disheveled hair. The poor things had tried on the sweaters more than a half dozen times as I was making these .

How I made my dog sweaters:

I am going to attempt to give a brief, though not extensive, descriptive tutorial here (you can find many tutorials on the internet for making upcycled dog sweaters). I had no pattern to make these sweaters. Mine were fashioned by trial and error. I will do my best to explain to you how I made them. If you intend to attempt to make an upcycled sweater for your dog, I encourage you to measure your dog, and then remeasure before cutting. Your sweater must be large enough to get on and off your dog fairly easily but snug enough so as not to be sloppy or become easily soiled or snagged when your dog is outside.

This first thing I did was to search for a sweater that was large enough to fashion a matching sweater for both my dogs. I began with a child size colorful acrylic sweater that I retrieved from our intended donation bin. Acrylic is ideal for tossing in the washer and dryer when time to launder. (Another savings! No dry cleaning cost!) I neglected to take a photograph of the sweater before I started. I did, however, take one after laying the sweater flat and making my first cut.

Note: If you intend to try this at home (and I hope you do) be forewarned that this can be a bit messy as lots of little pieces "come out" of the sweater when cut.

As you can see, the sweater had a large fold down neck that one might almost call a turtle neck, though not quite. I did not bother this neck as it seemed perfect for the larger of my dogs.  The sweater had an inside out sort of look to the fabric which lent itself well to dog sweaters, or so I believe.
The main portion, or body of the sweater, would be used for my larger dog and the sleeves for my smaller dog. The waist band would be removed and used for arm holes for both sweaters. ( I just smoothed the sweater flat and cut the waist band straight off, leaving enough sweater to use for seam allowance. This was minimal. I then cut the band into 4 carefully measured pieces which I used for sleeves.) The arm cuff of the sleeve was left on for use as a neck for my smaller dog. My smallest dog weighs just over 5 pounds, so I altered the neck by tapering it just a little so as to fit her well.

Measure your dog from the base of his or her neck to base of tail. Allow for seam allowance. This piece will be the piece that lays on top of your dog's back. It should be cute from the front of the sweater if you plan to include the sweaters existing neck, as I did. Make sure to get your top piece long enough to come to the base of the tail with a little extra for seam allowance. The piece will be wide at this point. You can determine how wide you need the piece to be later.




Next, measure from base of neck down belly, stopping a few inches before rear legs. Again, allow for a small seam allowance. Measure around your dog at the widest part. Make sure the width of both top and bottom piece will allow enough room to go around your dog's body. Again, don't forget seam allowance. Your second piece will be fashioned by the back of the sweater. Seam allowance should be about 1/2 inch at the sides. You will need to determine how wide your pieces need to be according to the measurements of your own dog. Once you have determined how wide the top and bottom pieces need to be in order to establish needed width, can cut pieces accordingly. Place right sides of both pieces together or in other words, turn your item inside out.  Pin both pieces in place to prepare for sewing. Leave small opening where the sleeves will go. You can determine how far down to leave sleeve hole openings by measuring from neck to base of leg. Sew up the sides all but the opening for the sleeves or leg holes.
OR:
1. measure dog 
a) length of dog from the top of the front leg over the back to the top of the other front leg 
b) length from base of the neck (where the collar would sit) to the base of the tail 
c) distance around thickest part of the body 
d) length from the neck to where you want the sweater to end underneath (shorter length for boys) 



I used the waist band to fashion the sleeves. In this case, I measured them for circumference and sewed them in a circle first and then put them in the opening I left in the side seam for their insertion. This is best established by pinning them in place before sewing. I also found that it was easier for me to sew the entire sweater by hand before heading to the sewing machine. I basted all seams first and then tried the sweaters on my dogs for fit. The trying on was done far more than I might have hoped. ( I think my dogs were getting tired of me trying the sweaters on them and they finally went to hide. I can't blame them. I would have grown weary too.) The basting worked out well since I had to make quite a few alterations as I went along. It is much easier to remove a basted seam than one that has been securely sewn on the sewing machine. The seam ripper tends to damage the sweater fiber, so I suggest you do as I did and baste by hand first.



Because I put the sleeves in the side seam of the sweaters, I had to take a couple darts in the excess chest material. Depending on the fullness of your dogs chest, you may not have to do this. It was necessary for mine. I turned the sweaters inside out and made a tiny dart just to the inside of each sleeve in the chest area. This is made like a "v" shape. I didn't take a picture of this, but I am sure you can find simple directions on either You Tube, by internet search or in most any sewing manual. I could have made my chest darts deeper, but I elected no to do so because I wanted to allow room for winter hair growth and the size of the tags that hang from the collars of my dogs. When making your sweater, if you make darts, you will have to determine the size according to your dog. If they are not deep enough initially, they are simple to redo. (Again, I recommend basting first before heading to the sewing machine.)

The above photograph shows the finished sweaters as you would see them when viewing the dogs back. As you can see, the end of the sweater (the part near the dog's tail) ends just above where the tail begins. (I allowed about 3/4 to 1 inch seam allowance here to accomplish the rolled hem look.) If you look closely here, you can see that the tail region on top has a hand rolled hem. To achieve this, I simply rolled the sweater material to the inside a bit, giving it a rounded appearance. I basted it in place. I saw this look on a very expensive dog sweater on line. I love the look and was thrilled to find that it could be quite easily accomplished.

The underside, or belly area stops a few inches before the legs (see the red arrows).
I made a rolled hem here as well simply by rolling the sweater fabric to the inside and basting across. The sweater needs to end several inches before the business area of your dog so they do not soil their sweater when urinating. (If your dog is a male, you may want to end the belly area just a bit higher and refrain from allowing too much sweater to hang down.) No two dogs are exactly the same, so you will need to try your sweater on your dog and use your dog's measurements when making a sweater. I used a child's sweater to fashion my two dog sweaters. If your dog is larger, you will, of course, need to use a larger sweater.

Note: you could easily fashion rear leg straps on the sweater. I have seen many sweaters made with them. I did not elect to put them on my sweaters but it could be achieved quite easily.

Once your sweater has been basted and you have tried your sweater on your dog for a final fitting, you are ready to head to the sewing machine to sew over all basted hems.

These two sweaters took me a bit of time to make but in the end, I feel it was worth my effort. I learned a bit, as did my daughter, who is learning to sew. I will likely try upcycling a sweater to make my dogs another sweater / coat at some point in the future. These will do nicely for the winter. Just think....they didn't cost me anything to make!

After reading my tutorial, I hope you are inspired to try upcycling a sweater to make a winter sweater / coat for your dog too. If you don't have a dog, perhaps your cat would like one. If you have no pet, perhaps you could make one for the pet of a friend or neighbor or maybe even make a few to donate to your local animal shelter or rescue.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me. I will do my best to help you.
Happy upcycling!
Thanks for visiting my blog today,
Kassie

Little modeling faces for 2015 will be selected. Entries now being accepted...

Bella Sera Boutique is having a modeling contest. We have announced it online already but wanted to mention it here. We will be choosing our boutique modeling faces for 2015.  If you would like your child to be featured on our blog as a model and are willing to model our items in photographs that we feature on our sales sites and other sales sites or venues such as, but not limited to: printed circulars, newspapers, magazines (both digital and print), gift cards, business cards, web sites (etsy, ebay, blogs etc,) flyers, posters and other promotional material, please submit 3 photographs of your child for selection. Winners will be awarded the winning photographs by our digital artist and will also be sent a complete digital photo pack for parental use. You may be asked to work with a local photographer or an online digital artist. If you have more than one child you would like to be considered, please submit 3 photos of each child for consideration. We already have many entries. Entries will be accepted through December 31st, 2014. Winners will be notified on or about January 1st, 2015. A digital artist who is now working with our boutique has agreed to do a Christmas photo of our two winners. Winner will be announced and that digital photograph will be posted here on the blog on January 16th, 2015. If you are a parent who has facebook, and give your consent, if you child is a winner, we will post the photo to your timeline on January 16th, 2015 when winners are announced. As mentioned previously, we already have many entries and are hoping for many more. 2 grand prize winners will be featured. Parents of these 2 winners will have full access to use of the digital photos the digital artist completes. If your child is not chosen as one of our two grand prize winners, you may still be contacted about modeling our items in the coming year. The complete digital photo package will be awarded only to the 2 grand prize winners.  Please submit questions and photographs to: BellaSeraBoutique@comcast.net  Deadline for photo submission for entry is December 31st, 2014- 11:59 pm PST. ( No late entries will be accepted or considered) 

Christmas, Jack Skellington, treasury, cupcakes and party's all in one? Yes! It is true!

Christmas in July with a twist?

Chelsea from Etsy store: Your Little Cupcake, member of Etsy Kids team, came up with her own twist on the Christmas in July theme. It seems Chelsea feels that we are celebrating out of order. I think her take on things was unique. Chelsea included a poem that she composed with her treasury. You can read it for yourself by clicking on the treasury picture that she made.

Chelsea featured my custom Jack Skellington Halloween style necklace in her treasury, second from top left.

She also featured beautifully made items from many other EtsyKids Team members.
EtsyKids team members create the most amazing items for children. If you are looking for unique handmade children's items, I encourage you to visit EtsyKids team on etsy.com.

(Click the EtsyKids picture to be taken to EtsyKids on Etsy)

You can find many ready made items as well as a few designers who will make custom ordered items to suit your needs.

Chelsea, curator of this unique treasury, is also a very talented designer. She makes wonderfully designed cake and cupcake designs as well as many other party items. Looking for something unique to decorate your party table?

(Click picture to be taken to Your Little Cupcake on Etsy)

Look no further than Your Little Cupcake on Etsy. I believe you will find what you are looking for.  At Your Little Cupcake you will find a myriad of fantastic party designs. If you don't see what you are looking for, send Chelsea a message. She happily accepts custom orders.

I extend my thanks to Chelsea for including my crochet beaded Jack Skellington accessory necklace in her unique treasury. I thank you, my faithful readers, for visiting my blog today. I encourage you to visit Chelsea's store on Etsy. She will help you throw a party that you will be proud of!


   

JHN

Yankee Doodle Pageant Winner and custom made winning accessories!

Last weekend, Carrollton, Georgia was the site for the exciting Yankee Doodle Dandy Pageant Extravaganza of 2014.  This is a well known pageant in Georgia, so it was no surprise that there were many contestants. The judges noted (*facebook-official pageant site) that they were very impressed with the level of competition at the Yankee Doodle Dandy Extravaganza. They published comments that the competition was so good that they had a difficult time judging the pageant. Judges further noted that the competition was so outstanding that they didn't have one single child competing who was not good enough to win. Judges believed that all contestants were superb and there was not one division that had a child stand out, because they were all that good! 

Pageant officials posted on another venue that the judges had a difficult job ahead of them. I don't know anyone who attended the pageant that wouldn't attest to that being true. All the competitors were beautiful. The patriotic theme was indeed celebrated.

This was a double crown pageant, so competitors could win Queen, as well as several other titles.

While Bella Sera Boutique wishes to congratulate all competitors, there is one special little lady that certainly "stood out" in the judges eyes and deserves a special commendation: Overall Queen in the 0-4 age group was little Miss Kennedy.

She wowed the judges, impressively winning not just overall queen but also 1st Runner Up, Photogenic Winner, Swimwear Winner, Best Patriotic Wear, and Early Entry! Now folks, that is impressive, to be sure. Here are but a few of Miss Kennedy's lovely feature pictures:

Bella Sera Boutique was a proud sponsor of Miss Kennedy, designing some of her pageant accessories. Kennedy wore them well, just as she did her beautiful overall queen's crown. Have you ever seen such a beautiful little winner? What a pretty smile!
Kennedy wore custom made accessories by Bella Sera Boutique proudly. Look how pretty she looked in her patriotic custom headband and bow. Kennedy's Mama was a happy customer and like her, I couldn't be happier that little Kennedy took the crown and other impressive titles to boot!

It was a pleasure to work with the beautiful little Kennedy and her sweet mother for this pageant. Though this was not Miss Kennedy's first pageant, I am certain that the pageant world will be seeing a lot more of this little doll. She is sure to win more pageants!
I commend your impressive pageant success Miss Kennedy.
May today's success be the beginning of tomorrow's achievements. Congratulations!

**If you are reading about Kennedy's success and are interested in accessories or a custom order for your child, feel free to contact to me. I list only a few things online in my Etsy store and occasionally, on Ebay, but I make and sell many more items. I make accessories and clothing for other occasions besides pageants too! I do many things, to include beaded socks, crocheted items, bows, headbands, handpainted items and much, much more. If you have questions or ideas, contact me. I will do all I can to design something especially for you.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

 

4th of July socks for little girls...pageant or picnic! Other colors & styles available. Custom made to order.

While you are shopping for summer wear, why not consider a custom order for a pair of boutique beaded socks or perhaps a handmade hair bow? (photos available) Ask me about socks or bow just for you. (I can match most any outfit)

 Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
 

I'm Going to

"Hut, Hut" Etsy Kids team gets busy showing off their football season items with a dashing treasury display of football items

"18, 35, 73, Hut! Hut!"
Pay attention now readers! The Etsykids team is off to a fine start this season and believe me, they are certain winners! Their shops are filled with handmade items certain to fulfill most the needs and wants of any
football fan. Looking for football accessories! Yes! You will find it on Etsykids team. How about items to keep you warm while watching, blankets, pillows, signs, pins, jewelry, the list goes on and on. Don't see what you are looking for? Many Etsykids team members happily take custom orders.
Etsykids team items can be found on Etsy, of course. Make them part of your football season and the remainder of your year as well. Look to Etsykids team first whenever you are shopping. It is a team you can depend on.

I was recently honored to have one of my items featured on a fantastic etsykids team treasury.
This particular treasury by Etsy kids team member E. Lee from NotJustCraftSupplies, was both terrific and festive. Here treasury theme was: 

The Way to a Man's Heart - Football

My handmade item is the Crochet Team Jersey Bottle cozy. I have taken the liberty of drawing a red square around it so it can be more readily noticed. This is the perfect football team or sports team accessory.  It can be made in nearly any color combination. It is also really nice as a room decoration, shelf sitter or even hanging from a bulletin board. 

The items in this treasury are perfect for this football season. I especially love the pennant shown on the bottom row. I also think the football pillow would be a welcome addition to any boys bedroom, family room or "man cave." Don't stop at this treasury though. Head on over to Etsy to see the other Etsykids team items for the football lover in your life. Lots of must have items to be sure.  

You football enthusiasts know the bowl games are now completed and very shortly it will be time for the Super bowl. If you are like my family, you can hardly wait for the Super Bowl festivities to begin.
Etsykids team members make lots of sports themed items as well as all sorts of other festive items for the remainder of the year. If you are looking for quality items on Etsy, you won't want to leave without looking over the Etsykids team listed items. I am certain you will find something special just for you. To find Etsykids team members fantastic items, search Etsykids team on the Etsy web site. You'll be glad you did. 

If you are interested in a bottle cozy in your favorite team colors, contact me. I would be happy to make one for you. They also make terrific gifts. I happily accept custom orders for this item.  

Thank you ELee  from NotJustCraftSupplies for including my item in your treasury. Thank you Etsykids team for allowing me to be a member of your fine team. 

Finally, thank you, my readers, for stopping by my blog today. I hope you will head on over to Etsy and take a look at the many wonderful items the Etsykids team members have to offer. 

Kassie