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Cute Catnip Birdie

Today I decided to take a break from quilting to make something for my rather lovely cat, Lol. She has been watching over me while I craft so I thought she might appreciate a little present. I combined a couple of her favourite things in life - catnip and bird watching -  and came up with this cute little toy that's really simple and quick to make. The great thing about it is that you can make it as easy or as complicated as you like and your furry friend will love it just as much. 

Things You Will Need:

1. Cat Nip
2. Scissors
3. Embroidery Skeins
4. Needles
5. Sheets of Felt
6. Filling

If your cat is anything like mine, she will want to try and help you make this. Unfortunately my room looked like a catnip bomb had exploded after my kitty got involved, so maybe complete this project in a room with a door that you can close.

Step One:

Decide on your pattern and cut out a paper stencil. Draw around this stencil on to a folded piece of felt.

Step Two: 

Cut out the pattern. You should then be left with two identical shapes.

Step Three: 

For my toy I decided that I wanted to use different coloured felt to add some layers to the bird. I cut out a wing, plumage, and head and repeated step one and two.

Step Four:

Using a simple running stitch I sewed the layers of felt on to the bird shape, avoiding sewing the outer edges. You can repeat this process on both sides of your bird.

Step 5:

Using a back stitch I sewed together the two sides of the bird shape. I left a fairly large gap to allow me to fill the bird with stuffing and catnip.

Step 6:

I filled the bird with catnip, it is really up to you how much you would like to use, but my cat is a big fan so I put quite a lot in. Then stuff the bird using the filling. Try not to over stuff it as it makes it difficult to sew up.

Step 7:

Sew up the gap using the same back stitch. Take a black thread and tie a number of knots in the end and cut off the excess. Sew all the way through the toy and knot again on the other side, cutting off the excess. Voila! Your birdie is finished.

My cat loved her new toy, she sniffed it, rolled around with it, chewed it and then fell asleep with it, which I am taking as a compliment. 

It's a hard life!

If you don't have a cat of your own - how about skipping the catnip and adding some ribbon to make a cute christmas tree decoration? Or make a few and attach them to a hoop for an adorable mobile?


NB: Make sure you keep your kitty safe, supervise them when playing with the toy and make sure you replace it if it gets torn or the stitches come loose.

Countryside

I love the fact that living in Sheffield, you are never too far away from the countryside. The route to Manchester over the Snake's Pass is one of my favourite drives, and so on the way to see Bon Iver we decided to stop and take some photos. Despite the fog and rain it still looks beautiful. 

Ladybower Reservoir

Bon Iver Day

I have been looking forward to today for months, I am driving to Manchester to go and see Bon Iver! If you haven't heard Justin Vernon's music, then I would absolutely recommend having a listen.

And who doesn't love a man with a cat?

Brighten up your Autumn

1. Louche Dot Jumper 

2. Ted Baker Ophele Top

3. George Scallop Coat

4. Lomography Diana F+ Dreamer Camera

5. Gold Arrow Bracelet

6. Louche Rajaa Dress

7. Pink Cambridge Satchel

8. Green Baby Lapin Lamp

Here in England it's beginning to look and feel a lot like Winter. The temperature has dropped and the days are getting dark by about 5pm. For that reason I thought I would cheer myself up with a bit of colour and baby pinks and blues are my favourite. Enjoy!

Quilting SOS

I have been trying to crack on with my half square triangle quilt. Has anyone ever made one of these before? As a first attempt I am finding it to be incredibly frustrating! I spent a long time cutting out perfect 5" squares, only to find that when I had sewn them together and opened out the two sides the square was all wonky again. I have therefore had to trim them down to 4" squares and go back to the cutting board as I had nowhere near enough. Does anyone have any handy tips on how to avoid this, or is it just an inevitability? Thankfully I am not alone as my sister has been having similar difficulties, you can read about it here.

I have just cast my votes for the Blogger's Quilt Festival over at Amy's Creative Side. All of the quilts are gorgeous, some people are so talented!

 

Coming along nicely...

Now back to the cutting board to make more squares.