So you love to craft and you love pets, but do you ever combine the two?
Do you make things for them to wear?
Do they help you with your projects or do they hinder?
We’re going to take a look at how pets are part of our crafting experience and maybe give you some inspiration for some projects you can try.
Animal Charity Crafting
Some animal charities run events for you to join crafting workshops – payment for attending the event will go towards helping the charity and you will come away with something you have made – it’s a win win sort of thing!
The Cats Protection League send out kits to make cat themed craft projects (with everything you need to make a moggy masterpiece). Profit from the kits goes directly to the charity, so why not take a look here.
There are also many ways crafters can use their skills and time for good causes, with animal and pet charities always looking for makes and donations. Organisations such as Battersea welcome knitted and crocheted blankets plus toys such as knitted mice to help make their furry visitors feel at home.
If you search the web, you can find lots of animal charities that would love to receive a donation. I found a donkey sanctuary that provides a free pattern for you to knit or crochet a donkey which you can then sell and donate the proceeds. Who wouldn’t love a Woolley or a Neddy?! There’s definitely something for everyone!
Projects for Pets
There are also lots and lots and lots of designs and patterns available for you to be able to create something useful or unique for your pet.
Functional items such as dog coats will help to keep your four legged friend warm during the chilly weather. Dogs and cats with short fur and thin coats will definitely appreciate the time and effort you have put into creating something warm for them!
It’s not just dogs and cats – pets of all shapes and sizes can be the lucky recipients of handmade designs. Ravelry is a great source for patterns and there are even free patterns available. Pet projects are also a great way to use up yarn or fabric from your stash.
Pet Beds
We all know how much our pets like to snuggle down and snooze the day away. When they get back after a run in the fields or a play in the garden, they love nothing more than curling up in a cosy bed. There are lots of patterns to make the perfect pet home to help them feel safe and secure. You can even make it co-ordinate with your home décor. One project we have on our website used super chunky yarn which means you’ll have that cosy bed made up before naptime!
Dog and Cat Toys
Not only can we keep our pets cosy but we can also help to entertain them. Snuffle mats for dogs to find treats can easily be sewn from scraps of fabric. Knitted and crocheted toys filled with catnip can provide hours of fun for cats to enjoy. Again, a great way to use up oddments of yarn from the back of the cupboard and means that we don’t have to trip over another plastic bone or chew toy!
Costumes for Pets
Now here is a section your pet may wish us to leave out! We love out pets and they are a huge part of our family. If it’s Hallowe’en or Christmas we love them to be included in the festive fun. Many people love to make costumes for their pets – they are smaller to make than costumes for ourselves – who doesn’t love a cat in a batman outfit! (The cats by the look of it!)
Just remember though to ensure you do not cause any distress or discomfort to your pet – a little embarrassment may be ok, just like that time we were in the school assembly dressed as an asparagus, but make sure the costumes are safe with no cords to get tangled and no attachments that could easily be swallowed, we love our pets after all.
Crafting with Pets
Not only do people like to make things for their pets they also like to relax with a project and have their pets close at hand. Sometimes this can get a little tricky when your cat wants to play with your yarn, the dog sits on your project on your lap, or your rabbit eats your pattern (yes this has happened!) but most of the time the soothing company of a pet can add to the enjoyment of sitting down with a project.
Many crafters find their pets are part of their creative journey with many photos shared on our weekly WIP Wednesday featuring cute critters!
Why not think about your pet or an animal friend you know, there’s sure to be somebody that will appreciate your crafty skills. Don’t forget to share them with us! #woolwarehousecrafters