We can do more than just Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—we can help the environment and ourselves by “upcycling” things we can no longer reuse. Plastic grocery bags with too many holes become crinkly stuffing for cat toys. A sad, old pillow is transformed into a pet bed. A funky, old candy dish on a pedestal becomes a fancy, raised water bowl. Try using your imagination before you go out to buy new things for your pets. You might already have something around the house that will work as well or better than something new. Save money, help save the planet!
Some of my favorite DIY projects that Rethink, Repurpose, Recraft!
Are you sensing a theme with another raincoat post? Yes, it’s still raining here in the Pacific NW. I never thought I’d be someone who put a raincoat on a dog, but then I noticed that if it was raining on walks, Saffron would walk next to walls in their rain shadow and she’d linger a looong time under trees. I realized if she were a feral dog left to make her own decisions, she’d be snuggled up under a porch or bush where it was dry. Smart dog! The least I can do is make her more comfortable, but her old coat is too short and doesn’t protect her ears at all.
So now Saffron needs a new coat and:
I don’t want to spend a lot
I can’t find a coat I’m satisfied will help keep her ears drier
I want a coat made from tough, weather-proof fabric not cheap vinyl
Quilted version
I’m going to have to make it myself, so I made a trip to my favorite thrift store and found an awesome women’s stadium coat with a hood for $9.99. With the help of this great tutorial on how to make a dog coat from a recycled jacket, I’m going to turn it into a raincoat for Saffron. I’ll let you know how it turns out!
In the meantime, check out the tutorial which can be used on any type of recycled jacket or with yardage. There’s a printable pattern that’s in real size so you can print out the pieces, tape them together, & adjust the size to fit your dog. And never fear, there are excellent printable instructions, that include tips on how to adjust the pattern to fit your dog.
