Monday, June 16, 2014

A cute new bed for Kayla!

Hello gorgeous friends xx

I have been busy home-schooling my young Rosie this past few weeks while she undergoes some occupational therapy… it’s intensive and has taken most of my time and energy, but it’s a lovely experience bonding with my child although it hasn’t been plain sailing by any means!

I’m currently writing a blog post about the various challenges we have faced with Rosie’s “sensory defensiveness” issues in the hope that it may help someone out there who is drawn to read it.  I’m such a private person, but after chatting with friends and acquaintances on Facebook, and mum’s I have met at the local parks, I realise that the telling of my experiences has opened their minds to the kind of therapies that are available to help these special children.  It’s taking a while to write the post because time is something I am short on, and because I want to be as accurate and factual as I can be.

However, I did find time to make my gorgeous pooch, Kayla, a new bed to relax on.  She is always under the chair at my desk, lying on my feet, and I was hoping that she would use a bed as I constantly worry about moving my chair and hurting her! 

Kayla bed 2

The pattern is in a book by Mandy Shaw called Stitch at Home.  I sourced the main fabrics that Mandy used in her version as I had fallen in love with the fabric as much as the pattern!

Kayla bed fabric

Having no idea where to look, I did a Google search for ‘Scotty dog fabric” and eventually it popped up somewhere, I purchased it off eBay from a supplier in the UK.  It’s upholstery-weight fabric with a loose weave, so a lot of over-locking was required to ensure that it would wash-up well for years to come.

Kayla bed 1

Trying to get Kayla to pose for a photo was challenging!  She was finding it hard to sit still!

Kayla bed 3

Being short of time, I machine blanket-stitched around the five little dog kennels decorating the sides of the bed.  I embroidered the names of five dogs’ that are, or have been, special in my life.  Of course, Kayla was pride of place at the centre front stage! 

The outer bed cover is removable for washing, and the inner bed was made out of an old cot sheet and filled with the beans from an old bean bag we were no longer using.  Hmmm… was I right to go for a white background fabric?  I’ll let you be the judge of that!!

Kayla bed 4

Love this photo!  I’m sure she’s looking at Mr SUD’s thinking, “Dad… can you pleeeease get Mum to stop taking pictures?”

Kayla bed last pic

Okay Kayla… you can get off now – we are finished!

So the million dollar question – does she USE it?  Well, Mum’s feet are still the resting place of choice… but the bed suffices sometimes!!

It was great to whip something up relatively quickly with little hand-sewing. My mind is so full that sometimes an hour in front of the telly before bed is just about all I want to do!  Talking of which, have any of you seen The Great British Sewing Bee?  It’s just being aired in Australia now, but the UK is currently airing its second series.  Set in a funky wharf building on the London Thames’, ten contestants compete in three dress-making challenges each week in the hope to be named Britain’s best home sewer.  It’s addictive viewing!!

Till next time!

Vikki xoxo

13 comments:

Deb said...

Vikki, Kayla's bed is gorgeous and that fabric adorable. She does give the impression that it's pretty comfortable and I am sure she will adjust to sleeping on it soon. Rest your feet in the bed also and she will soon realise that your feet aren't the spongy bits she can feel.

margaret said...

how good of you to be home schooling, best of luck with it. Dog`s bed has turned out a treat, Mandy is so popular here in the UK I have a few of her books and she is often on our craft channel, she is so keen to share all she knows and does. Re the sewing bee, we love it here, the second series is over now but they are going to do another one. Stuart has become a real personality and has articles in popular patchwork magazine and I see him at shows a lot he always has time to chat with everyone needless to say he did not pick the correct winner in the second series which i enjoyed more that the first

Anonymous said...

Hi my lovely friend,so glad to hear from you and I hope Rosie is going well. I love Kayla's new bed it is so pretty,well done,hope you have a lovely evening Vicki.xx

KaHolly said...

Hi, Vikki!! Love Kayla's new bed - the fabric is perfect!! Look forward to reading your post about children with sensory issues. I am a former special educator and have worked extensively with this population. The more we inform, the more successes these children will experience! I applaud you!

Vicki said...

Hi Vikki, I am looking forward to hearing about you experiences with Rosie's sensory problems. As you know it is a subject dear to my heart. I'm sure it will help a lot of people. Vicki Knight

Quilt Kitty said...

Hi gorgeous, great bed for Kayla. I can see why you wanted that fabric, very cute. I love how you paid homage to the five precious pups, I love that heartfelt idea. I will certainly be reading your post about your experiences with your beautiful girl. Education & understanding make a huge difference. I haven't watched the sewing bee but will look that up now so I can. Big hugs xxx

Sue Niven said...

The bed is darling! All the best for you and sweet Rosie. xxx

Sue Niven said...

The bed is darling! All the best for you and sweet Rosie. xxx

Christine M said...

Kayla's bed is just gorgeous, Vikki. I'd better not show Molly all she'll want one too! The only problem is Molly still chews up her bedding. xx

Noela said...

What a splendid cushion for your pup. I know what you mean about them being under your feet. My cat is always behind my chair when I want to push it back. Hugs....

Thoeria said...

I do love the little doggy cushion.....very sweet :)
As with anything....the more we learn about things the better we understand...I for one am definitely looking forward to learning from you

Chris H said...

That is a gorgeous dog bed! Now I want to make one. Sigh, no time. Our dogs don't like being photographed either.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Oh little Kayla, you are so LOVED! xxx

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