“Hey there cat fans. It’s me…TJ!
Today I’m going to talk about a craft you can make to fundraise for your favourite cat rescue/animal welfare society. Not many people know this, but I love to sew. Well…I love to watch mom sew and I’ve learned a lot along the way, including a few swear words. The cat coasters I’m going to show you how to make are featured in our online store, so you can buy some or make some. Or both!
Step 1 – Pour yourself a stiff drink.
Step 2 – Now you’re ready. Trace out the pattern and transfer it to lightweight cardboard for better durability. The paper ones end up with little pointy toothmarks. (I don’t know how that happens. I think it’s one of the dogs.) Use small craft scissors to cut out the pattern and transfer it to the felt.
Step 3 – Take a sip of that stiff drink.
Step 4 – I like to start with the head first so my cat’s personality shows through. Besides, that’s where the brain is, at least in cats. I don’t know where dogs keep their brains.
a) Take one of the two head pieces. With a glue gun, attach the muzzle and then the nose in position. Use a single strand of embroidery floss to define/separate the muzzle in half and add the whiskers. Secure on the backside of the felt head.
b) Make the eyes. Me and mom use a double strand of embroidery floss and make a double French knot for each eye. But you can do whatever you want for the eyes.
c) Now you can stitch the two pieces of the head together using a double strand of embroidery floss and a blanket stitch. This gives a nice finished edge on your work. I am very particular about my edges. BUT, remember to leave a little opening so you can add a wee bit of polyester stuffing to give your cat’s head some shape and then finish off stitching.
d) Glue the pink inside ear to the outside ear and glue finished ears in position on the back of the head.
Ta-Da! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a head!
Step 5 – If there’s anything left, I would take another sip at this point.
Step 6 – Now it’s time for the body.
a) Glue the circular pads to the back feet, the paws to the front feet, and the tail tip to the end of the tail. Just a single dab of glue is enough…don’t go wild on me.
b) Stitch both body pieces together using a double strand of embroidery floss. Make sure to put little bits of stuffing in all four feet and tail as you go along. Leave enough space on one side of the cat’s body so you can put in the liner, then continue along with the beloved blanket stitch.
Step 7 – Use your trusty glue gun to attach the head to the body. Add a decorative bow or ribbon for extra pizzazz 🙂
Step 8 – Put your drink, if there’s any left, on your new cat coaster.
Step 9 – Host a cat-coaster making party and serve Earl Grey tea.”
Can’t face making them yourself? Check out our online store where you can buy them already assembled. Go ahead and take the credit… I won ‘t tell. 😉
Cat kisses and purrs,
TJ
Tuxedo Party of Canada 
Too cute for words. I will be making a bunch of these for all of my feline loving friends for Christmas gifts. Can’t wait to get started. First I need to learn how to do a blanket stitch.
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Hi there everyone in Catopia. TJ, your mom is so talented with crafts, it’s amazing. And the finished product is so nice. When I get some extra money I will try & visit your store & see what I can buy. Oh, she is an outstanding author as well. When will she publish another book? I so enjoyed reading her last two. Good thing my memory is fading because at this time I cannot recall exactly what they were about, but that’s a good thing because I can read them again. I just remember they were well written & made me happy too as I was reading them. I thought they were the best books I’ve ever read.
Well that’s all for now. Enjoy your catnip mice & be a good boy.
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Kathy is currently working on her next novel. She’s a slow writer so it may be awhile…
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Will we be informed when it is published & ready for sale?
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Absolutely!
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I love your sense of humor. I know your Mom appreciates all your help. xoxoxoxoxoxo to all the felines at Christmas time!
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Do you still sell these ready – made? I don’t sew 😦
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We don’t have any left but our sweatshop may be able to manufacture some if you aren’t in a big rush. 🙂
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