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Member since 8/5/11
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Posted on: 2/16/14 12:29 PM ET
Hi everyone. I have a few questions and I hope this is the right place.

I'm working on making some cat beds and I'm wondering if poly fill is the best thing to use for stuffing them? Is it safe? I've also been saving scraps and things for use but I'm just wondering how it's going to hold up.

And also I'm wondering if there are some type of pellets that heat up in a microwave? My cats have a little cuddle buddy that warms up and I'd like to be able to make something similar. Are those available somewhere to purchase?

Thanks :)
  
Member since 4/27/08
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Posted on: 2/16/14 12:52 PM ET
Rice can be heated in the microwavefor a bed, I would suggest thinking about using a foam and fluff it out with polyfil.
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I'll try anything once :)

SM: Pfaff Performance 5.2; Brother LS2125-i; 1929 Singer 99k; 1956 Singer 15-125; Singer SewHandy
Serger: Babylock Acclaim; Janome 7034D

9/1/19: Meowied!
Sewed my veil, and Doggo's bowtie and ring bag.
  
Member since 11/5/06
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Posted on: 2/16/14 1:26 PM ET
In reply to wonderboyny
just remember that if you are going to heat it in a microwave it needs to be made out of 100% cotton (maybe any natural fiber - not sure). But if there is polyester in there- it will melt.
Ask me how I know.
Sis.
  
Member since 9/25/12
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Posted on: 2/16/14 3:59 PM ET
Cat beds are best if they are dark (for a light cat and vice versa) and simply fabric you don't want them on.

I made my cat anything, he would laugh at me, go lay on my light colored silk and snub the rest of my attempts to do anything until I started sewing something else.
  
Member since 1/11/12
Posts: 582
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Posted on: 2/16/14 4:56 PM ET
Hi Wonderboyny,

I save the scraps of fabric and make odd shaped/ sized, washable cat toys, which are filled with other scraps. When I have a sufficient quantity of them made, I will bring the toys to the cat hospice. They prefer items they can wash and dry, and fabric filled toys will be washable.

Depending on the size of your fabric scraps, you can use them to make interesting shapes and sizes, as well as textures. The smaller, unusable scraps can be used for filling.

When making toys, be sure to sew around the seams several times and/ or make several rows of seams so the cats do not get the fabric scraps out of them.

But, please, do not use thread or nylon scraps for filling either toys or beds. You do not want the cats to accidentally ingest somethign that will be harmful to them. Some cats, regardless of age, are determined to ingest anything they can swallow.

My friend's 13 yo cat decided to remove and eat one of the strings from a carpet late on Sunday evening ($3000.00). You would think by that age she would know better.



DogLover389
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Cut my teeth on a Kenmore 117.58

http://pages.sewing-machine-manuals.com/173/PictPage/1922064294.html

Singer Merritt 9612
Singer 99-13
Singer 15-91; 1955
Singer 237
  
Member since 4/23/07
Posts: 4223
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Posted on: 2/16/14 5:46 PM ET
In reply to wonderboyny
I made fleece with fiber fill in it .
My kitty's loved them. I made them
20x24 placed them where they would
Sit and sleep. When they would get full
Of fur i would dust them off first out
Side and then wash them.
Have fun making them
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
  
Member since 5/30/13
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Posted on: 2/16/14 8:07 PM ET
In reply to Kwaaked
Quote: Kwaaked
Cat beds are best if they are dark (for a light cat and vice versa) and simply fabric you don't want them on.



I made my cat anything, he would laugh at me, go lay on my light colored silk and snub the rest of my attempts to do anything until I started sewing something else.

Exactly. My only successes have been with small knitted toys.

I have a long haired black cat and a long haired mostly white cat. Each feels most comfortable on fabrics that contrast with their hair.
  
Member since 6/13/13
Posts: 703
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Posted on: 2/17/14 1:38 AM ET
Besides whatever was the most expensive fabric in the house, my cats always loved denim. That would be nice and washable. Beware of anything that resembles a string or tape. My sister's cat ate packing tape while she was moving and it was indeed a very expensive mishap.
  
Member since 4/23/02
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Posted on: 2/17/14 8:56 AM ET
Whatever you make the bed out of, make sure you can wash it without it getting all lumpy and out of something that won't keep odors (perhaps natural, not manmade material?). I made this cat bed, and it was cute and functional until one of the cats peed on it and I had to wash it. The pattern used foam on the inside, which bunched up after washing in the washingmachine. The worse problem was that the foam retained the odor, and I eventually had to throw it out.
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Lori (visit my blog at: http://monkeyroom.blogspot.com)
  
Member since 2/21/14
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Posted on: 2/21/14 10:24 AM ET
When I read the title I couldn't help but think...



;)
  
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