A Cat's Life

A Cat's Life

30 Before 30: Learn to Sew

I can cross something else on my list!

 

I actually did this back in September and never got around to mentioning it til now. 

 

We took the dog to the beach and for the roadtrip, I wanted a seat cover.  But I didn't want to use any of the ones I saw in stores.  Then I figured this would be an easy first time sewing project.  Off to the fabric stores I went.

 

I ended up finding clearance outdoor fabric for $6/yard.  Heck yes!  Outdoor fabric is meant to used as upholstery for outdoor furniture, so they're a little durable and easier to wipe off than other fabrics.  And the design was way cuter than those plain ole covers I was seeing commercially.  I mean, my dog has to have some class.

 

After purchasing 2 yards of fabric, thread, and bungee straps, I spent around $20.  Not too bad.

 

First, I hemmed up all the sides to get rid of the frayed edges.  Then I sewed the straps into loops on one side.  On the opposite side, I folded over the top and sewed additonal straps, so all I have to do is drape that side over the top of the back seat.

 

And that was it. 

 

 

Now Gypsy can sit in my backseat with her dirty little paws and not stain my upholstery.  This also prevents her from falling onto the floor everytime I turn or brake, which she did all the time. 

This was a good beginner project.  I winged it without measuring anything out and had a problem aligining the straps.  But the design on the fabric was forgiving and hid my uneven stitching and mess ups. 

And since then, I've had other uses with my sewing machine.  I've fixed hems and holes, so, yep, I can say I know how to sew!

A Cat's Life

Mini Beach Vacay

A bit ago, the BF and I took a trip out to Ocean City, MD.  October starts the time of year when dogs are allowed on the beach, so we took Gypsy along.  And since I'm a federal employee and was essentially temporarily unemployed during the beginning of the government shutdown, the trip was a great way to get my mind off things. 

Recap/things I've learned from the trip:

-Gypsy does not like the ocean.  The waves freak her out.  She was ready to go home within minutes at the beach.
-The first week of October is a great time to go to the ocean (if there's not a hurricane in the forecast).  It was 80 degrees and the water was still relatively warm.  The only people in town were retirees, parents with small kids, a couple of other younger kidless couples and locals.  The BF and I are quiet folks.  We fit right in with the old people.
-Off season means special prices at restaurants.  The businesses still open want to keep people coming in so discounts and other specials are offered.  Heck yea!  I'm a fan of half off Mexican food!
-Gypsy will let you bury her in sand.  She was so chill on the beach (once she realized we weren't going to force her in the water anymore), she laid down and let us make her into a sand crab and sand mermaid.
-How well we fit in with retirees and those with AARP memberships....hmmm...

A Dog and Cat's Life

A Cat's Life

Dog Fail

So yea, Gypsy didn't realize the water was too deep to simply walk into...

A Dog's Life

The Dog's Dignity

  

This adorable little dog lost some of her dignity the other day.

Apparently, Gypsy has a thing for a certain stranger's butt crack.

Yes, you read that right.

When taking her out, there was a guy smoking and talking on his cellphone, and unfortunately, his pants were a little low and he was showing a tad too much.  Anyway, while bringing the dog back inside, during the process of unlocking the door to the building, there was slack on her leash and she was found with her nose in this poor guy's exposed butt crack.  And it took some effort to pull her away.  The poor sap with my dog in his behind didn't do anything but make a face.  Perhaps he was just too bewildered with the fact that a random dog had her snout in his butt. 

Sometimes, Gypsy is utterly embarrassing...and disappointing at times.  But, ("but,"  hahahahaha!!!) she is a great source of entertainment.  Although, embarrassing at first, it turned awkward, then hilariously funny. 

And if that guy lives in our building, we're bound to see each other again.  He'll see the dog, then either me or the BF.  And all he can do is walk away.  Seriously, who wants to relive a moment in time when this creature had her wet nose in your butt?  Just walk away and don't make eye contact...