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Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Friday, July 5, 2013

Sewing tutorial: Dog Car Seat Cover




We love our dog immensely and he does a lot of riding in the car.  We've been just using sheets and towels, but they always fall down and usually get dog hair EVERYWHERE.  Since I love to take Max on walks in the neighborhood nearby, it was so beneficial for me to make a "dog hammock"  aka a car seat cover.  Hoping this keeps him safe and the hair contained.  I looked at several different tutorials, but adapted to fit our needs.  Here's one of the tutorials I looked at :DIY Dog Car Safety Hammock , but this car seat cover is unique to us. In case youre wondering, The purpose of this sheet is really just to make it more durable and thicker.. The sheet also adds a bit of width so all of the seat is covered and it stays in place really well. Say hello to the very first tutorial!!  Woohoo!  

Life is good when the windows are down


We take many walks in the neighborhoods nearby.
Materials needed:
-2 Beach Towels
-1 Full-Size Bed Sheet
(I cut it down to where there were about 2 in all the way around the towels)
-4 sets of fasteners (buckles)
-2 yards of heavy duty straps (cut into 8 equal pieces) -use lighter to singe all the ends to keep from fraying
-thread (i used white and navy)
-scissors
-sewing machine
Think he loves it!  
(Both towels and bed sheet need to be pre-washed before you begin)

1. Sew both beach towels together using appropriate color thread.  I used white and a thick, sturdy needle.  
2. Then lay beach towels back over full-size sheet and cut bottom of sheet to be 2 in away from towels.  Fold sheet over edge of towel and pin every 5 inches.  (On side that you cut, make sure to fold under the raw edge--we don't want fraying!!) 
3. Next, I sewed 2 lines down the middle of each towel to keep both materials in place and then one perpendicular to those that intersected all three lines.  
4. Sew all around the edges, removing pins as you.  I did "quilter's corners" on the corners.  
5.  Assemble straps by sewing double zig zag on each one.  I then took the "hammock" out to my car to measure for strap placement.  Bring your straight pins!
6. I reinforced all straps by sewing double zig zag on each one.  I didn't want Max pulling them off. (See picture below for details)
Finally, put the car seat cover in your car and let your dog try it out.  
 I know Max will spend many car rides enjoying his new cover!!  


You should have 8 in all.  (4 of each) 

Excited about there not being any more dog hair on the car seats!!  
Make sure you double stitch the handles on each strap! 


How the fasteners will look on your car head rest

Hope this tutorial was super helpful!!!


Linked up with: 

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Homemade by You Wednesday with Katie

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

FREEBIE: Summer Weekly Schedule

Anyone out there with a mile long to-do list?  My house may be a wreck and laundry may be piled up so high, but by golly I've got a cute summer schedule to keep me on task.  I created this in order to help me accomplish some goals daily.  I've got so many things I want to do this summer and hopefully this schedule will help.  You can either frame the schedule and use it as a dry erase board or laminate it and hang on your fridge and just wipe clean each Sunday.  I realize I don't have Saturday or Sunday on there which is because I want those days to be flexible.

Hope this is beneficial for you! Happy Summer!
Click Here to get yours!

Somewhat Simple

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Summer of sewing

I'm making a list in hopes of marking things off. These are my sewing goals/endeavors for the summer. Join with me on this journey as I share tutorials, tips, frustrations, mess ups, and  finished products! I'm looking forward to learning more about myself and sewing.

1) maxi skirt
2) baby/toddler skirts
3) mixer cover 
4) lanyard
5) quilting
6) ruffled dish towels
7) aprons
8) clutches
9) car seat cover for max, our dog
10) fabric bunting

I think 10 is enough for now. Can't wait to share this adventure with you!
Check out my pinterest page: Craft it up for more info on these projects and let me know what you're working on this summer! 

pictures from my instagram @thebirdandthebicycle

Thursday, April 18, 2013

this summer

This summer you will see the bird and the bicycle making a name for itself.  Being a teacher, my time is so limited right now. I'm looking forward to having time to create an actual inventory and sell regularly on etsy.  I'm also anticipating selling at several craft fairs. Thank you for being patient as a I work on starting this exciting venture.  Looking forward to selling you quality items soon!

Things I'd like to make or try my hand at in 2013: