Dogs.  Would that we could all join their union.  They work for 10 seconds, then it’s time for a break, and after that, a nap.  This fuzzy photo is the best my canine could do, given union rules.

We started the plans for the dog bed with this Borgana faux fur coat passed along to me by my neighbor, Anne.  All summer she’s been frantically cleaning out closets, getting ready for a September wedding brunch. One day, Anne brought over some old castinets, the coat and a prayer book. I’m not Catholic, but that’s okay, it’s kind of pretty.

To start the dog bed, I first cut the lining and buttons from the coat, and upon dissection I noticed the padding stitches on the front plackets, a sign of a well made coat.  After a spin through the washer and dryer, although the label said dry clean only, the synthetic fur came out even softer than its prewash condition.

For the pattern, I used the tutorial for a dog bed on Lori Marie’s Pretty Little Things blog. Following her excellent instructions, I measured and cut a pattern for a 30″ by 25″ bed.f

Here’s the padding stitches and the pattern for the bottom cushion ready to be cut.l

To stuf the bottom cushion, I used layers of upholstery cotton to make a soft landing for my hard working dog.

Following the tutorial, I sewed the 8″ high sides of the dog bed.  I sewed a long tube from the faux fur. For its stuffing,  I reused the shredded foam and cotton from my dog’s old bed.

This is why I’m such a pushover when it comes to dogs.  Here she is, ready for a  nap.