Friday, October 7, 2011

My very own cooling vest

Yep, I know what you all are thinking.  Why do I need a cooling vest when the cold weather of winter is just around the corner?  The answer, of course, is that I don't, but my slacker of a mom just got around to finishing it!


It was all the way back in August, the 4th to be exact, that my friend Sabrina and her mum posted a tutorial on how to take a Frogg Togg Chilly Pad and turn it into a cooling vest/harness.  I was having such a hard summer with the extreme heat this year that my mom had already purchased a Frogg Togg, but left unchanged they can be hard to keep on a wiggly, shakin' pug.  So as soon as Sabrina published her mum's instructions my mom rushed out to the stores to buy the supplies.  It was easy to find everything...except for the knit binding.  Seems all of the stores around us only carry the poly blend kind for quilts and that stuff would be a nightmare stitching on the round corners.  That's where Sabrina steps in again and saves the day by sending us some of her stash - all the way from Canada!  Thanks again Sabrina and mum!

Ok, so for the most part my mom followed the tutorial exactly, but she had to make a few adjustments as I seem to be a bit larger than most of my fellow girl pugs.  But if you have a vest harness that fits well, just use it as your guide if you get a little lost when creating the pattern.

Here I am helping mom by keeping an eye on the scraps of muslin. 


Shhh!  I'm not supposed to be on the couch (jumping is not good for my back), but I thought those scraps were a pile of warm clothes from the dryer and I love laying on those!  Anyway, because my pattern was larger, it was too wide for the Frogg Togg so mom had to cut it into pieces first.

Mom, won't you stop this project and play with me?  Sheesh!
Then she pinned the pattern onto the Frogg Togg and cut it out.


So because there were separate sections, mom first had to connect the neck pieces before the binding could be sewed on.  She took a cue from the regular pink harness you guys usually see me in, and she turned the two additional seams around the neck as an opportunity for decoration (girly butterfly ribbon).  On the inside, she sewed a softer fleece fabric that wouldn't rub on my skin as the ribbon might.


So after the binding was done (mom says that was the toughest part), the strapping was the next part, and ta-da!


You'll notice that since mom had to cut separate pieces, she took the opportunity to use the section of the Frogg Togg with the logo...wonder if I can get treat money from the company if people comment when I wear this...

Anyway, here's a few more shots of me modeling the finished vest.


I just can't thank Sabrina and her mum enough for the inspiration and help along the way!  I know this vest will help me stay nice and cool next summer!!  I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Love,
Payton

13 comments:

Sabrina PugTails said...

Payton, your mom did such a great job on your vest! I love every bit of it.
I don't like to think of any puggy (or other dogs too) missing out on walks because it's just too hot. That's why I posted the tutorial to share with all. I hope your vest makes a big difference next summer.
Licks
Sabrina

The Daily Pip said...

Wow, that's a cool vest. Your mom is much more talented than my mom - she could never make something like this!

Your pal, Pip

Minnie and Mack said...

Wow, we are really impressed with your mom's handy work! Maybe, now that hu-mom has lost her job, she will have time to make Mack's!

We love the matching strapping with the pink Frogg Togg!

Drools and licks,
Minnie and Mack

Unknown said...

Ok your mom is awesome! I wish I had those crafty skills so I could make stuff for fred who never fits into anything cause of his large size.
Youl should think about selling those and get some money - they are really cool

moPSY+MISIOber said...

Payton I must say I'm in shock !!! in a big one !!! Your mommy is so talented ! I can't belive she made this gorgeous cooling vest herself. And you looking great in it little girl :) lots of love kisses and hugs, have a great weekend :) xxx Gosia

Pug Slope said...

Payton - I love your custom-tailored cooling vest! Your mom is very talented and did a great job adjusting the size so that it fits you perfectly! The ribbon is a great addition. I'm sure it will keep you cool when summer rolls around again (or we get one of those unseasonably hot days in fall).

-Love, Sid.

P.S. You did a great job guarding those muslin scraps!

Frank The Tank said...

That is wonderful! So creative and pretty, you look super cute Payton! Love, Licks and PHUGS - have a good weekend, Frank x x x x x x

Gracie the Agility Pug said...

That is beautiful. Very professional. I'm thinkin' I need my mom to make me one.

Suki said...

Hi Payton!
You are so cute modeling your new cooling vest! Your Mom did a great job.

Hugs,
Suki

Tweedles -- that's me said...

oH Payton
I am so happy your momma made you this. Now when next summer comes, you will be nice and cool.
Your momma did a terrific job, and she did it all for you!
And,,,, its so pretty on you.
Its a great way to keep cool!
love
tweedles

Hank said...

That's great, Payton! I need to get Hank one for next summer.

See you soon! :D

Archie and Melissa said...

oh my gosh payton!
it is beyond perfect!
your mom is soooo talented!
how fabulous!

PugsAndKisses said...

Christy you are SO crafty!!! Amazing job! Maybe someday you can teach us how to sew!!!