Wordless Wednesday
Wassup, dog? And what’s going on with THIS?!
UPDATE, February 15: We took such COMFORT in your clever and insightful responses last week!
Here, Sam Panda demonstrates the proper use of this mystery item. Did you know that you can make one just like it? The ASPCA’s Kathleen McDonald, Director, Information Design—also doing business as the Panda’s personal quilter—tells you how in the comment box.
P.S. Type your response in the comment box and we’ll follow up next Wednesday. Lookin’ for last week’s answer? Here it is!
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Tags: Saving Lives, Wordless Wednesday
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Wanda Fary Says:
Cats rule only the litter box…and even then some dogs still claim it!
Kristin Says:
kitty hammock?
Dani Says:
It’s a kitty bed isn’t it?
Jane Sorensen Says:
Is it a Virkon sponge mat for your shoes/boots?
Or is it a peepee pad for puppies?
Donna Bean Says:
My cats say it is simply a statement of fact. Of course, it is missing the rest of the fact i.e. “dogs drool”.
Seriously, does it refer to the fact that there are more cats living in US homes than there are dogs?
Danya Parks-Freel Says:
Wanda…ewwww!
Lou Says:
No Paw Left Behind …
Pune Dracker, ASPCA Shelters' Edge Says:
Wow, you guys went to town on this one—and we love that! Dani, you’re right on the money (but Jane, your second answer was pretty brilliant!).
It’s a simple cat comforter, created by the ASPCA’s talented Kathleen McDonald, Director, Information Design, based on a pattern created by The Purrfect Cat Shelter Inc. The Medway, MA, agency has volunteers who make these for every cat in their shelter. They shared their pattern and instructions, which can be seen on the PDF here: http://www.aspcapro.org/mydocuments/making_cat_comforters.pdf
Says Kathleen: It’s a perfect project for scout troops, 4-H clubs, seniors or anyone who’d enjoy a fun and creative way to help cats. The materials are inexpensive and the sewing is easy—simple shape, straight seams, no surprises. Here are tips for making the project a success:
Fabric
• Cotton and cotton flannel fabrics stand up best to heavy-duty machine washing and drying.
• Check out the sale area of the fabric store for bargains. You may be able to negotiate a further discount if you buy a whole bolt.
• Buying quilters’ fat quarters can save prep time because they are pre-cut to 18 x 22 inches. They are often discounted when purchased in quantity.
Batting
• Batting is what goes in the middle. Both polyester and cotton are very durable. Polyester batting is easier to tack by hand, and is less expensive than cotton batting.
• Ask your local quilters guild (you have one, trust us) to donate batting scraps. Just be sure to specify that you can’t use pieces smaller than fat-quarter size. (The quilters may also be willing to donate fabric.)
Construction
• Work assembly-line fashion to make several comforters at once.
• Tacking keeps the layers of batting from bunching. You can tack by hand using perle cotton and tapestry needles. You can also tack by machine.
• Don’t embellish the tops with anything that the cats could pull off and ingest, such as buttons or beads, or that wouldn’t stand up to heavy laundering, such as fabric paints.
• Have some fun. The cats just want to be comfy, but visitors to the shelter will appreciate the “homey” look of a cat hanging out on his custom-made comforter.
–Kathleen McDonald, ASPCA Director, Information Design