Monday, July 7, 2014

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Purrrfect Cashmere Cats

 My studio machines are humming away making sweet toys for island visitors at Hendley Market in Galveston, Texas. One popular item is the "Purrrfect Pet", aka- cats. This sweet up-cycling project is easy, affordable, and something the kiddos can help in creating.

Supplies: old wool or cashmere sweater (Get crazy beyond solid colors- go for stripes and bold patterns!), fiber stuffing,  tracing paper, scissors, beads, thread and embroidery floss.

Fold the tracing paper in half.  On the fold sketch out half a fat cat form.  Cut along outline.  Unfold cat form to have a full cat pattern. 
Aberdeen_2012_944 
Cut two of the cat forms from the desired section of sweater. Sleeves can be used having only to cut out the ears at the top.
 Aberdeen_2012_945 
Machine stitch right sides together.  Leave the bottom open.
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 Turn the cat right side out and stuff.  Using a gather stitch, pull the bottom closed and tuck the rough edges inside.  Stitch a decorative circle to the base if preferred.
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Personalize each cat with an embroidered face.  Get creative by using beads for eyes, stitch a heart to the body, or add a bow for whimsy
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Don't have any sweaters you want to chop?  Check out your local thrift store.  Not only do you get a great project for pennies but you also help a charity in the process. 
LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl