Posted by Snow in 
Some of the best home recycling tips and ideas evolve from need. But never before in history has there been a demand for luxury pet accessories. Now there is the opportunity to do something clever with household odds and ends in a really impacftful way.
Homemakers have had centuries to get creative. Housewives through the centuries have become adept at matching dearth of materials with creativity. But at the beginning, some have a curious feel. But they work. Dressing animals is the next big thing. Isn’t folk wisdom a hoot?
I was passing by an upscale pet shop (did you ever think you’d hear that phrase?) and noticed that most of the sewn goods could be made from scraps in the recycled mode. The prices were nothing to sneeze at. How long has this been going on?
There were little “stuffed animals” chase toys, chew toys, and hanging decorations for the pet’s basket. Frilly cat cushions and doggy pillows were available in Easter pastels and bold primary shades. Nail color pinks in bright vinyl collars. Gold chains that might have come from recycled purses.
The very basic stitch could be done by anyone (gasp! even guys!). Little dog shapes and rounded catheads with little bells and bits of scrap felt make an astounding rainy day project. The animals baskets of soft materials allow even the largest animal a secret cache of comfort to call home.
The animal outfits were in graduated sizes. Considering the sizes of the “garments” leftover clothing can make some very cute little animal outfits. And the usual amount of leftover yarn could make some smart dog sweater stripes. Think about the zippers and buttons on clothes thrown away.
Gingham scraps, ribbon bits, and older toys ready for their last breath could have a new life. Dyed rope tied in knots sounds like the most prosaic yet had a lot of visual texture and virtuosity.
You know those fluffy car cleaning mitts and the pebbly yellow spongy stuff that makes a furry type of hand polishing cloth? If you have one lying around the house you’ll never use, consider making it into a pet toy.
Am I crazy? No! Use a starfish pattern and sew in the obvious manner, then turn inside out. Before closing up the seam, sew on eyes or any other trim, like bells. Fill with catnip or whatever makes your pet’s heart beat faster.
Can you knit? pet sweaters can make very modest yarn projects. If you can knit, reworking and re-using that old sweater can change into a new pet sweater. Start looking around the house for pet toy and clothing making scraps. By Christmas time the next Ebay millionaire might be you!
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