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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: janegael
Date: 12-05-2006, 12:10 PM (1 of 28)
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Hi there, My husband and I run a small rescue in CT for abused and special needs dogs. Our current population is up to 14 and with winter coming on I found that I could not afford to buy all the gear we need, so I borrowed my sewing machine back from my sister and I'm taking a crack at it. I never could sew worth a bean and I still am pretty awful. I have a 10 year old Janome New Home machine that was top quality when I bought it. It's so outdated now that their website doesn't even acknowledge it exists anymore.  It does all the basic stitches, but no embroidery. I leave that to my uber sewer mother-in-law (who by the way is no help with anything.)I can't really find patterns for good dog jackets, most are pieces of fluff meant to show how cute Fifi looks in her new jacket. I need sturdier warmer wear for older large breed pups who want to play out in the cold. I also have two dogs who really need clothes. Charley Bear is a deaf senior Pomeranian who was used as a breeder in a puppy mill (that's where pet store puppies come from) and was literally thrown away when they were done with him. He was rescued wandering down a deserted road and sent to the pound where no one wanted a nearly bald little old man who just plain needed to be loved. The other is Gloria who is a sweet little pit bull who was nearly beaten to death by the dog fighter who owned her when she was only 4 months old. She has a very thin coat and the brain damage she suffered makes it hard for her to control her temperature and she's always cold. I've staggered through almost finishing one dog jacket and that's taken me weeks. I've had to alter the pattern, add a collar (to cover their neck) and change the way it fastened to make it warmer. Now that I have my own pattern I'm ready to make two more large ones and I have to come up with something for Charley Bear who loves to go out (he was never outdoors before in his life) but stays out too long and comes in with his teeth rattling. He has a little velcro jumpsuit that isn't very warm. I don't know what to do for him as a regular jacket isn't enough, he has little hair on his legs and needs his tiny bald butt covered. I'm working with decent fleece and hoping to actually get the coats done and be able to learn to do other things. I can't sew a straight seam to save my soul but the dogs don't care.  I hope to learn a lot here with your help. Peace, Jane and the Hole in the Wall Gang www.holeinthewallrescue.org |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: lendube
Date: 12-05-2006, 12:30 PM (2 of 28)
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Hi Jane, I so admire the work you're doing with the dogs. They have a very special place in my heart too. We've got 3 rescues and 4 kitty rescues as well. I sew for the local dog groomer. I make tons of jackets that are a cinch to make from a two piece pattern that I designed. Sounds like you need custom work for "bare bottoms" etc. but you should be able to come up with something. I would suggest for your very cold climate that you use a heavier fabric than just fleece. I use fleece, double layers, and although we're in the mtns. and get snow the temp never falls below the upper teens (at night)and in a few days it's sunny again. How about a denim lined with that sherpa wool? They carry it at JoAnn's and it's not cheap ($19.99 a yd. 60") but you can get it half price often. Very warm and for the little guys you don't need much fabric at all. The closures I use are the wide Velcro, sew in, around the neck and midriff. Don't use the sticky kind. It will ruin your machine, trust me! If you want you can P.M. me with your email address and I'll send you a few pics of some jackets I've made. Good luck with your very valuable work. Lennie 
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-05-2006, 06:06 PM (3 of 28)
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I really thought this would be a personal introduction area, not a business focused speech.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: janegael
Date: 12-05-2006, 06:19 PM (4 of 28)
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I guess I came to the wrong place. :( We are not a business. We are a rescue. We take in dogs that no one wants and spend a lot of money, sometimes a couple of thousand dollars on them taking care of medical needs, spaying or neutering, training and so on and then adopt them out for a minimal fee of about $125, no charge to seniors or people who are good homes but don't have the cash. My husband Dave is quite ill and has been out of work for 10 months. We have 14 dogs that no one wants to adopt and are living on minimal amounts of money from my job. We currently have a deaf very old dog; one who was beaten so badly her face is permanenty disfigured; one who had an eye gouged out and no vet care; two who were to be sold at a dog auction but no one wanted an old blind Shih tzu or an old deaf one so they were abandoned in the parking lot and left to die. We have a German shepherd who has had three thousands dollars worth of eye surgery so that he can see again; an old hound and her two daughters who were starved and treated so brutally they are still afraid of people and the mother had to have many of her teeth removed because they had been broken by being hit in the face. I have others too but I'm starting to cry, so I will quit and just go away. I'm sorry to have bothered you. I really needed help to learn to sew so I could take better care of them on the limited funds that we have. Peace to all Jane Walbridge and her precious Hole in the Wall Gang www.holeinthewallrescue.org |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-05-2006, 07:18 PM (5 of 28)
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You did not come to the wrong place to learn to sew. Most do not ask for donations in their very first post, no matter what their position is. If I seem hard hearted, I apologize. This is an introductory area.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Sews4dogs
Date: 12-05-2006, 11:58 PM (6 of 28)
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I don't see a plea for donations or a business speech in her post. I see an explanation of why she needs to learn to sew, and to seek out suggestions on materials to use. I need to learn for the same reason... for the rescue dogs I take in. You were very unfair to her, and she deserves an apology. |
User: Sews4dogs
Member since: 10-29-2006 Total posts: 16 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 12-06-2006, 12:14 AM (7 of 28)
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I have to agree, I did not see a request for donations or commerce, only help. Both of my dogs and my cat are rescues. They have quirks that must be tolerated, as I have no idea what they went through before they came to live with me. As far as warmth is concerned, I would check outerwear sites for thinsulate. It can be placed between a thick outer layer and comfortable lining, and is warm WARM WARM. Anything that keeps people warm will keep the furbabies warm. As far as the bare butt is concerned, check pet sites for "heat pads/diapers" and take a pattern. They wrap under the dog and have an opening for the tail. You can always use webbing and D-rings if velcro is not practicle. VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-06-2006, 06:03 AM (8 of 28)
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Hello janegael: I apologize if I jumped the gun concerning your posts. Most people merely introduce themselves and comment on their sewing abilities or lack thereof. You have a link to a rescue site that asks for donations. I have a dog and cat myself that were rescues. What you are doing is very admirable and we can help in all sorts of ways with your sewing abilities. Again, if I seemed unfeeling or short with you, I apologize for my comments. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: westbrook
Date: 12-07-2006, 01:45 AM (9 of 28)
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one of the nice things about sewing for dogs.. they don't care how well it is sewn. the more you sew the same pattern over and over the better,. faster and easier it will become. I use or should I say reuse fabric from thrift store finds.. a coat for $1.99 will make a mighty fine warm coat for 1 large dog or a couple of small dogs. try freecycle.org yep.. never heard any or my dogs complain about my sewing! |
User: westbrook
Member since: 12-13-2004 Total posts: 35 |
From: trini
Date: 12-07-2006, 02:54 PM (10 of 28)
| I was wondering whether those of you who are able (who are able to source the warm fabrics, and perhaps have the time) could not make and donate a made up jacket for one dog. Just a thought. |
User: trini
Member since: 09-17-2005 Total posts: 74 |
From: janegael
Date: 12-07-2006, 04:07 PM (11 of 28)
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I got a private note saying I should come back. I wasn't going to. I have been posting one sites like this one for years and in fact met my husband on one, but I never got a reception from the owner like this. :( I never asked for anything except information. I forgot Charley Bear is still our poster boy. It's usually a dog from another rescue but Charley needed some expensive tests because the vet thought he had lung cancer. You see dogs from some commercial breeders -puppy mills-are kept in such filthy conditions that the ammonia from their urine is so strong that it blinds them and ruins their lungs. Charley was just diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, not cancer, so I will have to remind Dave to change our opening page. I sign with our site because it's a habit. We do NOT want any donations of money or anything else from anyone here!!!! That is NOT why I joined. This hit me especially hard because I came in eager to see if anyone had some suggestions for me. We had just made the decision that my husband needs to file for disability. He's only 33 and we are both scared. MaryW, I was not in a very good place emotionally to deal with what you said. It never occurred to me that you would think that I was soliciting anything since no one else ever has. I was just saying why I was here and what I needed. I don't want to sew human clothes. I need to sew and mend for dogs. I'm going to ask some different questions, that's all I wanted to say. I want to thank people for their support. It's kind of you to offer to make things for me but I think I can handle it. I bought some fleece on sale from Joanne's and think I have enough for everyone for a double-layer jacket with batting between. I found some batting that you can iron and it bonds to the fabric. It made sewing a lot easier. I have the first coat finished except for the velcro. I had a heck of a time with the bias tape and the books were no help. I'm glad THEY can form it into a mitre corner. Me I got some liquid stitch stuff and glued it down when I folded it. It sure made it easier to stitch the jacket last night. The corners aren't so good but like you folks say...dog's don't care how it looks. My biggest concerns for cold are my two older pups with their thin coats and their desire to stay out and play until they are blue and poor bald Charley Bear who will wander around until he's so cold he can hardly move. He's so tiny and so in love with being able to go outdoors that he's going to be a problem. I can't buy clothes that fit him decently and keep his butt warm. I am going to need rain gear. Gloria was given a nice jacket made of water resistant fabric with a fleece liner. I have no idea what it is except that it is thin and slick to the touch. I'd love to find some of it but haven't seen any at Joanne's. I love the idea of the Sherpa fabric but it's too pricey. One rule around here is that anything we have near the dogs is probably going to be wrecked at some point. They were not raised to be civilized and chew on things when you aren't supervising them. I'm always mending the quilts they sleep on and stuffed toys have about a 5 minute lifespan. LOL. Thanks again for the tips and please NO DONATIONS! I want information not money. Peace, Jane and the Hole in the Wall gang Pictures of our dogs: www.flickr.com/photos/holeinthewallrescue. |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-07-2006, 05:22 PM (12 of 28)
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If you use fleece it has enough stretch that you can sew it together instead of using velcro for many patterns. I do that because the velcro gets full of dog hair and doesn't stay closed like it should. It's easier just to sew it closed and slip on the coats too, I think. I have a coat with two layers of fleece -- for myself, not the dog, and it is plenty warm so you probably don't need the batting. I expect (I hope) even your dogs have more hair on their body than me. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-07-2006, 06:46 PM (13 of 28)
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Let's just forget our inappropriate remarks and try to help the dogs. Is that a deal?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: janegael
Date: 12-07-2006, 07:39 PM (14 of 28)
Thanks Mary, I appreciate it. I have always been the person who rescues animals and occasionally people. I teach computer literacy to our blind and visually impaired veterans at the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center.  And now that you know far more about me than you ever wanted to know...I will shut up. I have NO knowledge of how to sew and the Simplicity Best Sewing Book Ever and Sewing for Dummies is not basic enough. I took sewing for one class in Jr. high school and got told to learn to cook. I'm good at figuring things out, so I've managed to get one coat almost done. I misplaced my Velcro and have to stage a hunt for it. It is the stuff you iron in place and is supposed to get stronger the more it is washed. One of my biggest questions concerns pins. How do you space them out and do you take them out as you sew, or do you sew over them and hope the needle doesn't hit one? Thanks for all the nice responses. Peace, Jane |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: janegael
Date: 12-07-2006, 08:09 PM (15 of 28)
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I forgot to say that it takes a very big person to apologize in public. Thank you Mary. Peace, Jane |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-07-2006, 09:21 PM (16 of 28)
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Take your pins out before you hit one, break a needle and have more problems than you need. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 12-07-2006, 09:24 PM (17 of 28)
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Janegael, You might get more help if you ask your questions on the Beginner Sewing Board (http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=79). This board is mostly for introductions. You know like "Hi my name is Gina and I am addicted to sewing!" Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: esrun3
Date: 12-07-2006, 10:43 PM (18 of 28)
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Hi Jane and welcome to the group. Very nice thing you are doing rescuing the dogs and making them coats to keep them warm!! Good luck with everything.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 12-08-2006, 08:38 AM (19 of 28)
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regarding the pins: You space them as you need, I personally need alot sometimes. I have been known to sew over them but it's not recommened, can cause damage! If you zig-zag your bias tape on instead of straight stitch it's alot easier. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: trini
Date: 12-08-2006, 09:25 PM (20 of 28)
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I am sorry if I upset you. I am well aware that you did not solicit donations; I just thought that I would make a friendly suggestion. I am happy to learn that you have started and completed one jacket, lots of success with your sewing. |
User: trini
Member since: 09-17-2005 Total posts: 74 |
From: VenusElaine
Date: 12-08-2006, 10:51 PM (21 of 28)
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When I operated my own business, I always boasted that I would alter anything, even dog sweaters. Then came the day that a client asked me to do so! I had her bring the dog in (a Doberman therapy dog) whose coat didn't fit quite right, and fit her on the spot. She was so pleased with the finished product it resulted in many referrals, canine and human alike. VenusElaine "Always put as much effort into your marriage as you do into your wedding."
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User: VenusElaine
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 126 |
From: janegael
Date: 12-09-2006, 08:36 AM (22 of 28)
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Trini -- you did NOT upset me. That was such a kind offer. I just wanted to make it clear that I wasn't asking anyone for anything here, especially not money. To be honest we don't get many donations of anything, so I never ask. There are dog so much needier than ours that I usually refer people to them if they want to donate. We have enough and that is far more than many people in this world. I actually don't need that many coats, but I've been trying to figure out how to make them for so long that the weather caught up with me. I hurried up and got a couple of what I thought were basic books only to find out that they weren't nearly as basic as I need. There is nothing like realizing that you are below the level of "Dummy."  VenusElaine it is hard to get a decent fitting dog coat. A Great Dane at the dog park we go to had to be custom fitted and his coat cost $140. There is a tip for you sewers looking for a market for your skills. Any longer bodied dog can't wear a standard coat because it leaves the whole rear uncovered. Also it's nice to have a coat customed for a male or female. Rain wear is also a problem. Dogs can't and won't wear a hood and many are afraid of plastic and those are what you usually find at the store. I'll bet some decently made simple clothes (they don't hold still any more than a toddler does) might make you some money on EBay. Thanks for all the tips! I really appreciate it! Peace, Jane |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: Sancin
Date: 12-09-2006, 04:17 PM (23 of 28)
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Please forgive me in advance if I offend anyone. I wonder why dogs need coats? They are derived from wolves who don't wear man made coats. I am 65 years old and it is only in the last several years that I have even heard of dog coats and I have had dogs, both inside and outside types, all my life. They never seem to suffer from the cold and it is very cold here. The outside dogs develop more hair (lots as one finds out in the spring and then either shed or are combed) and the inside ones are not out all that long, yet they also seem to develop more hair in their fur in the winter. My current dog is a min schnauzer, inside all the time but loves to go out and dig or roll in the snow. When it is very very cold he also likes to go out but only to do a 'business'or to check it out then he comes in again in about 5 minutes . My outside dogs always had dog houses or porches to get under where they slept and went when it was windy (or rain or snow, depending on the individual dog - some seemed to love the elements). And some loved jumping into lakes and the ocean regardless of the weather. Others, like my current dog, not at all. My experience is that when dogs are shivering they are either excited or nervous about something. I have met abused dogs who shiver, apparently from cold, but they are usually ill. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: luv2sew
Date: 12-09-2006, 05:05 PM (24 of 28)
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Janegael, This site may help you. http://www.sewing.circleofcrafters.com/freepetvestpattern.html I sew and knit coats for my son's dog all the time and have fun with the trim. There is one on the cutting table now which will be for Christmas. I had a little trouble finding what I wanted for the trim. You are to be commended for the wonderful thing you are doing for the animals. God will surely bless you for taking care of his creatures. Happy Holidays. Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 12-09-2006, 09:18 PM (25 of 28)
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Welcome, Jane!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: janegael
Date: 12-10-2006, 06:28 AM (26 of 28)
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Thanks for the link lub2sew. I have to make Christmas presents this year as well as dog coats so it is very welcome. Sancin you don't offend anyone, at least not me. Dogs are descended from wolves but unfortunately humans got into the mix and bred dogs like Dobermans and pit bulls who have no warm undercoat at all. Any short haired slick coated dog will chill quickly out in the cold and they have no protection from rain at all. In my case I have two dogs who are special needs, one because she has a head injury that has affected the area that controls temperature regulation and she is always cold and wears a Tshirt in the summer and a sweat shirt in winter. She must have a coat to go out in when it's cold or she gets so cold she can't walk. Our other guy is an old Pomeranian who suffers from Alopecia the same as some humans and has very little hair. His sides and butt are completely bare of hair and the rest is nothing to brag about. He wears a jumpsuit all the time to keep him comfortable. When he goes out he loses track of time like a little kid and then has to be tucked in your shirt to warm up his shivering little naked butt. We do need raincoats even for the ones with heavy coats because we have so many and it is just too much work to try to dry them all off if they have gotten soaked going potty. I do not know why people put coats on dogs who don't need them. If you want to see something dumb you should see all the "party dresses" they sell for people with more money than brains.  OMG I just saw that the tongue out symbol is called "dave" -- that's my husband's name. Wait until I tell him. LOL Peace, Jane |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: janegael
Date: 12-10-2006, 08:21 AM (27 of 28)
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Here's a link to a site whose owner makes "snuggies" a total-body warm jumpsuit for whippets and greyhounds -- two more breeds with very thin coats who suffer in the cold. This is exactly what I'm currently trying to figure out how to make for my two nekkid dogs. http://www.decotogs.com/snugglies/wlarge.htm Peace, Jane |
User: janegael
Member since: 12-03-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-10-2006, 09:27 AM (28 of 28)
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Let's discuss all of this under General Sewing please. Thanks.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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