A Destructive Doggie

This is Buddy.

Buddy is my puppy, and he is 5 months old. He is SO cute. He can do a few things. He can sit and stay (sort of) and he can shake.

But the thing he does best is to destroy things. He loves to destroy things. In a few nights he can destroy a nice, EXPENSIVE, dog toy. It was getting ridiculous, how fast he was going through toys.

So, I went to the thrift store and bought some stuffed toys. Like this.

I put them through a wash and dry cycle, and I cut the harmful parts out, like plastic eyes.

Seemed like a good solution.

But, this is what happens to those toys.

See? He really enjoys this, and he is so good at it. This takes no time at all.

Well, my husband suggested I make him a toy, out of fabric, but without stuffing. He said (sarcastically) that maybe someplace I might find some fabric. (Wise Acre).

So, off I went to the sewing room, and lo and behold - a HUGE stash of fabric!!!

I decided to make a braid using 3 different kinds of fabric. I think the puppy would find the textures interesting.

I chose these

Fake fur. Seriously, that one on the left was from when I made my now 32 year old daughter a tiny leopard costume. For cryin out loud.

Flannel

And

canvas.

I cut all into strips, about 2 and 1/2 inches wide.

This project does not require measuring, or anything. The strips do not need to match. No pressing needed. ( In fact, when I finished five toys in less than an hour, I was thinking what took the longest was finding the three fabrics in my sewing stash!)

Then, I sewed three strips together on the short ends.

I went back and forth and back and forth several times.

I did this because I was thinking that Buddy is probably more effective than this:

ok. so back to the toy. After you sew the three strips together at one end, then make a braid.

When you get to the end, sew the braid closed.

You can cut the longer strips off if you like, or leave them hanging.

One thing I thought was fun about this project, is that all of the toys turned out different.

For this one I tied a knot in the middle.

This one coiled up like a snack as I braided. Really. I did not plan it or do it!

This one kind of made a heart, so I sewed it closed. I know Buddy will make short work of it, but wouldn't it make a nice doggie gift?

Now, for the test....

Yes. I think he likes them!