Dogs on the Bed

I have made so many of these dog pillows, I have lost count. I bought the pattern books about 15 years ago at a quilt show. I remember thinking that they were maybe too expensive for me at the time, but I splurged. I am SO glad I did. I have used them over and over. Making these pillows is so fun. And, I am able to give a personalized gift, sometimes to a grieving dog - parent.

These are the pattern books.

Darling Little Dogs, and Beautiful Big Dogs by Darcy Ashton.

When I make one of these, I first need to look at photos of the dog whose image I am working on. Then, I go through the books to find the best pattern. In some cases, I have to combine two or more patterns together.

For example, my grand dog, Marley - a mixed breed with a curly tail. I had to combine patterns to get that look for sure!

Here is an example of some I made most recently.

I was making a memorial for two dogs from the same family -

Lambeau, a big mastiff, and Tebow, a big golden retriever.

The pattern pieces I used.

Then, after I get the pattern, I have to look for the right fabric.

For Tebow, I needed a nice golden color fabric.

I chose this.

Lambeau was kind of a cream color, with a black nose.

For his pillow, I chose this.

Then I cut out the pattern pieces. When there is more than one color for the dog, I make enough copies so that I can cut out each piece separately.

Then, I tape the photo of the dog on the one pattern copy that is not cut up, to refer to as I work. Most of the rest of the work is done by hand, which is nice for when you are on a trip, or sitting in the evening.

Lots of corner cutting to make all the edges lay down nicely.

Because Lambeau had a dark colored nose, I had to applique upon the applique. And then there are the noses - they are hard because they are tiny! I embroider the eyes on. Those are the hardest part. For some of these dogs, I have to do the eyes over and over, and they still do not look quite right to me!

After all the pieces are in place, I need to go back and blanket stitch around the dog pieces.

Sometimes I add a charm, or a dog tag. I also will usually embroider the name of the dog.

Make this into a pillow top, and stuff. Done!

Here are a few more that I have done

This is Bridget. This is not her pillow, but Rudy's, my sister's dog before Bridget. It is nice of her to keep Rudy's pillow warm.

This is Sasha, another grand - dog. And her pillow.

Here is Sasha with her very own pillow!

A wee Westie!

My grand - dog, Roscoe, and his pillow.

My next dog project is to make a square of all the dogs I have ever had. Then, I will make a quilt of them all, and always have all the dogs I have loved around me.