How to Easily Make a Throw for Your Dog It Will Actually Love

If anyone has ever told you that dogs aren't sentimental they're lying. Dogs love to be close to the things that belong to their owners. They have strong sniffers and know from the scent of items what belongs to those they love. For dogs separation anxiety and just for lonely moments you can ease your pups sorrows by leaving behind something of yours they will love. This is a tutorial on how to make an easy t-shirt throw keepsake for your puppy. That's right, for your puppy. It will love you more for it and will miss you less when you are away and all it takes is some of your old t-shirts, some fleece, and filler to get started. The other cool thing is you can make it personalized by adding a square with your pups name stitched in the center or adding paw print and other dog themed fabric and t-shirt squares. A dog throw is also a great way of keeping fur off your pup's favorite couch cushion to lay on, or if you want to designate a specific spot on a floor or ottoman for your buddy to relax on.

Follow the Written Instructions Here to Make it A Reality

Materials and Material Costs:
1. 15-30 old t-shirts that belong to you and other family members you want your dog to feel close to when you're away ($0 because it's already in your closet and not getting used)
2. Use a coupon and go to your local hobby store for a rotary cutter and cutting mat if you don't already have one ($50)
3. Include the purchase of flannel tor batting o be used for filling:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=CUTE DOG BLUE FLANNEL FABRIC 100 COTTON FQ FAT QUARTER QUILTING PAW PRINTS&_itemId=161163769631

• For dogs we recommend crib size 45" x 60" ($10-20)
• You can Buy On-line Here: www.createforless.com http://www.createforless.com/The-Warm-Company-Warm-and-White-Cotton-Batting-Baby-45-x-60-in/pid51264.aspx
• Batting typically comes in white and off white colors; polyester is least expensive, followed by cotton and wool as the most expensive
• Minimum distance for stitching: polyester 2-4", Bamboo up to 8", Cotton up to 8", Wool 2-3"

4. Don't forget the scissors - you will need fabric scissors for this project ($18)
5. + You Time = Avg. 5-10 days and a little patience

Instructions:
1. Cut squares from t-shirts in 12x12, 13x13, or 14x14 blocks; you can also make larger squares from smaller ones if you really want to be creative. The bigger the squares, the less t-shirts you will have to use. You can also use front / back of each t-shirt but it's best to cut the squares from each separately.
2. 1-2  bags of batting
3. Lay the good side of t-shire flat faced down (can also use paw print flannel- idea see above link for the back side), follow by batting and finally the front of the shirt on top with good side facing out.
4. Pin each of the squares to keep it together

Sewing Tips:
Use the same thread throughout
Reverse stitch at beginning and end of X's for reinforced stitch
For larger/ more noticeable ruffle leave more fabric visible at the seams

5. Arrange sewn squares on a nice, clean, flat surface to your liking
6. Sew each row individually, then each row together (seams 1/2 inch apart)
7. Sew around the border for border ruffle
8. Cut notch every .25 to .5 inch on all the exposed seams
9. Wash in washing machine

#10 You and Your Puppy Can Finally Enjoy the Benefits of Providing this Perfect Keepsake to Your Pet

#1 Benefit to You --- Peace of Mind Knowing Your Puppy will be Home Feeling Happier that He / She is Closer to You While You're Working or at School

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here: Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet