Barb in Louisiana

Thank you for bringing this conversation to the site. I am going to make some simple bedding mats for the shelters. I have some of the "What were you thinking" cheap fabric that I no longer want. This sounds like a great way to use up some of it. And I have a bunch of smaller pieces of batting that I just couldn't bring myself to throw away. I figure if I just cross hatch across the area, it will be held in place enough for the dogs to enjoy, and still be washable. And, because I know dogs will scratch at any bed that is made for them, I am going to use very tiny stitches for the quilting, otherwise, they might tear a toenail off.

tessagin

I have 2 kennels my fur babies sleep in. Those are the sizes I make. Sometimes I just pull the scrap I have and if it's big enough or about the size of, I just make it that size. No need to cut much smaller. Hancock's are having a Blow-Out sale and yesterday I got a good deal on couple bolts of fabric. The fabric was 90% off. I got 8 yards for $8.00 for one bolt and another bolt 7yards for $9.00. Then went to SA and they were having a sale on plus size at 50%. 3 patio dresses (xxxl) $3.00 each. For those who don't know what a patio dress is, it's just a house dress with a very full skirt. You can imagine the amount of fabric for a xxxl! I showed DH what I got and what it was for. He said "Puppies and kitties will be very happy. I know what we're doing this weekend" He helps me wash all the fabric and then helps sew the blankets. He likes doing the blankets the "Jenny Doan" way! LOL!!

rjwilder

I make little mats for the cats at our local shelter. I went to the shelter to ask if they want any mats, they measured the cage and subtracted the space needed for the litter boxes and feeding dishes. The mats are made from scrap fabric and I use old blankets from thrift shops for batting. When the cat gets adopted the mat goes home with them. Needless to say I have recruited my friends to help me.

slbram17

I didn't make 100 but I did make 25. I think they really liked the embroidery (just a simple Made For ___).

I don't get to the yard sales enough but when I have stopped, I never see fabric. I did see a blanket once but was a little unsure about it.

slbram17

I felt the same way. So glad to see it brought up here...so many quilters/sewists here, it's a good audience.

slbram17

I read that about towels...makes so much sense doesn't it? Sometimes you can pick up towels on sale. They need so many things for the upkeep, etc.

slbram17

The crates they use at the local shelter have a lifted bed area that is covered with some kind of carpet/fabric material so they won't really use the little beds in the crates. But I was told there are other area where they can use them. They seem receptive to anything, but I was in there later afternoon, and the staff volunteer who does the laundry just asked to make sure it could be washed. That's when I regrouped with the flannel/muslin blankets for them.

SuzzyQ

I make dog/cat beds by stuffing pillowcases that I pick up at about 50¢ each at the local Thrift shop. I use scraps of fabric and batting and don't worry about the sizes since the animals like to "adjust" to suit themselves. Everything is washable. I have also made larger dog beds from cotton drapery material that I was given. Stuffed them with mostly batting otherwise they got heavy. Again washable. I've been supplying the local vets office and the local Animal Rescue.
If you make it know what you are doing LOTS of people (quilters especially) are happy to save their scraps and fabrics from sorting their stash. Right now I have about 9 bags of stuffing for pet beds plus some pillows and old comforters and blankets.

Tink's Mom

I sew together a bunch of polar fleece scraps and back it with either a larger piece of polar fleece or flannel. They love these at the shelter. I make them in 2 sizes about the size of a smaller pillow case. and the other is about 30" square.

lynnie

I make stuff for my kitty Zoey all the time. she really likes the puff quilts. if you have extra, make some of those.
also, wash cloth size is kinda small for a kitty. i'd make them at least 14 x 14.