Lucky Dog! Wrap Pillow

***Here are a couple of thoughts from me about this pattern.  The pattern says this bed is 18" square - but it certainly doesn't look square to me.  And 18" isn't a very big bed - my pups wouldn't be comfortable on it.  And besides, they all love to lay on the same bed Together!  So, point #1 - Make a larger bed - 24" x36" is good for our 3 pups...decide what works for yours.  #2 - I would want a zipper in this so that if when I need to clean it, I can remove the cover and wash it and I'd put it on the longer side.  #3 - I would put another fabric below the cover - on the foam or the cushion, just in case there is an accident of any kind - the entire cushion doesn't get wet...and I'd tie that or velcro it to the cushion for easy removal.  Doing all of these steps means of course, that I would NOT be doing Step 5 at the very end - covering buttons and putting them through the cushion.*** 

I found this cute pattern and thought I'd share it!  I know my 3 pups would LOVE this!!  Create a pillow for your favorite four-legged friend.  From the magazine, Home Decor Sewing.

• Denim or twill (white, rose)
• Prequilted fabrics (blue, yellow, olive)
• Fabric paints
• Piping
• Stamps: Hydrangea, mum, gerbera, daisy, kalanchoe

1.  For the dog cushion cover, mix squares of white denim and prequilted fabrics. First cut the denim and prequilted fabrics into 7-1/2-inch squares, which includes 1/2-inch seam allowances.

2.  Stamp the denim squares, using a different paint color for each kind of flower. Create a layered look by overlapping the stamps, letting each layer dry before applying the next.

3.  Work on a covered surface, and let some of the stamps overlap the edges of the denim. Sew enough squares together to cover the top of the cushion, and add a bright border. Note: If you aren't re-covering an existing dog bed, consider using a worn sofa cushion. Or cover large slabs of foam with thick quilt batting for the base.

4.  From prequilted fabric, cut a bottom to match the pieced top, and cut and piece a boxing strip (for the sides). Continue by following Boxed Wrap instructions.

What You Need:

• 1 1/2 yards of matelasse fabric
• 4 1/4 yards of 5/32-inch cord for piping
• Polyester fiberfill
• 2 2-1/2-inch-diameter covered-button forms
• Heavy thread
• Long upholstery needle

Instructions:

The finished pillow measures 18 x 18 x 4 1/2 inches square

Cut the Fabrics

Cut matelasse fabric as follows: two 19-inch squares for the pillow front and back, one 5-1/2-x-75-inch strip for boxing (piecing as needed), and enough 1-1/2-inch-wide bias strips to equal 4 1/4 yards for piping.

Instructions:

1. Sew piping. Beginning at the center of one edge of the pillow front, pin the piping to the right side so the raw edges are aligned and the rounded edge faces inward. Snip the piping seam allowances at the corners for a smooth fit. Sew the piping to the pillow front. Repeat to sew piping to the back.
2. Pin the boxing strip to the edges of the pillow front, beginning at the center of one edge and sandwiching piping between layers; sew. Trim excess boxing strip, allowing for a 1/2-inch side seam allowance. Sew short ends of the strip together. Sew remaining edge of the boxing strip to the pillow back, leaving an opening for turning. Turn right side out and stuff firmly with fiberfill; sew the opening closed.
3. Cover the button forms with scraps of matelasse, following the manufacturer's instructions. Use heavy thread to sew the buttons centered on the pillow front and back, pulling the thread tight between the buttons to create indentations.