Dog Community

help for the sewing impaired

Posted : 3/14/2008 2:51:55 PM

OK I have no arts or crafts abilities - zero. period.

But I really want to make a vest for Bugsy and I've bought the stuff and basically want to use his jacket as a template. Problem is I don't have a sewing machine. After two weeks of asking around I thought I'd ask here.

I have tried to source a simple vest made of mesh for him as sometimes our walks are poorly lit and I want an extremely lightweight vest with reflective tape attached. I have looked at what is available and not interested. This climate necessitates it being VERY light or it won't work

The sewing involved is attaching some velcro and elastic and putting the 'binding' on the edge of the mesh fabric. I figure I can hand sew the reflective stuff on as I can't find it locally and will have to order some online.

So will anyone do this for me? I will obviously pay all postage and we can work out payment. I really can't imagine that if you have a machine and know how to use it it will take more than 10 minutes to do.

I considered finding a local tailor but would rather have someone who knows dogs do it

so anyone willing and able? and please stop laughing at my incompetence Embarrassed

calliecritturs

Posted : 3/14/2008 3:15:11 PM

Why not use Day-glo craft foam (it's just a thin piece of foam comes in all sorts of colors) -- hot glue a couple of pieces of ribbon to it long enough to go around him and tie it on. You could loop one end of the ribbons thru his collar. No muss, no fuss, no talent needed.

You just cut the foam the shape you want it. Hang it over his back like a sandwich board and literally tie it on. Completely washable, EZ. Wally World has cheap cheap "cool melt" glue guns now for under $4 plus a bit more for more glue (and trust me -- you see how EZ that is you'll find things all over the place to glue LOL)

Don't have to sew nuffin -- and PS -- look in boat shops for reflective stuff. Either that or you can usually get small stick-on 'reflectors' in the automotive department of said Wally World.

Mesh could be itchy - the foam will be feather light and won't need to be tight -- the color alone will be see-able - I wish my idiot neighbor would do the same thing -- she's always out in the dark with her dark colored dog and invisible.

rredbird

Posted : 3/14/2008 3:26:52 PM

Try looking at an Army/Navy store for some of those orange mesh vests construction guys wear. No sewing involved! Or call a construction company and ask to buy one from them - they would probably give it to you once they find out what you want it for.

kpwlee

Posted : 3/14/2008 8:33:34 PM

thanks guys I've got a pretty good idea of what it is I would like - if I can't get that done I will look into these other options!