Firstly,you have two stitch through three layers of fabric - one a very stiff cotton, one a very thick blanket, and all the while your sewing machine is protesting loudly and needle-breakingly.
Secondly, you then realise that you have to hand quilt the three layers of fabric together because the bloody thing still keeps sagging.
Thirdly, you have to hand stitch a sodding zip to it.
And you all know how I feel about zips.
Can you tell Puppy was terrified by my swearing whilst making this project ?
Never mind, it's done now, and this was made at the special request of my little nephew Harvey who is quite certain that I can stitch anything in the world . Happy Birthday Harve !
I'm sure there must be a much easier way of making something like this, but if there's an arse-about-way of doing things - then I'm your girl.
I think I can safely say this is on my list of things I'm never going to make again, and thinking about it, I'd love to hear what you will never ever be attempting again.
(Unless you are emotionally blackmailed by a sweet 5 yr old of course).
Have a happy weekend all !
Never mind... it's absollutelly dellitefull!!
Posted by: penelope | February 27, 2009 at 03:09 PM
It is really, really cute though!!
You do amazing work!
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Wescott | February 27, 2009 at 03:13 PM
It turned out adorable!
Posted by: Jen | February 27, 2009 at 03:16 PM
that is so completely adorable. There are many things i "won't make again" but, i always do...
barbara brown
Posted by: barbara brown | February 27, 2009 at 03:35 PM
oh sweetie!!!! two words: fusible web! and stiff interfacing(like timtex!!!! then all you have to do is serge the edges after ironing it all together (i still managed to break needles!)
It looks great. i'm sure Harve with love it.
Posted by: coryy | February 27, 2009 at 03:44 PM
But it is very, very cute. And Harvey will love it and he will be very proud of you, although he will say to you: I told you so :o)))
Posted by: Marie-Thérèse | February 27, 2009 at 03:45 PM
But it's sooo cute at the end...never mind the trouble bet Harve will love it !
Posted by: Miss Butterfly | February 27, 2009 at 04:21 PM
It is very adorable. Have you seen the tutorial for a fabric dollhouse? i bet you could modify that for something similar. it was fairly easy, with minimal swearing.
but anyway, the doghouse is very, very cute.
Posted by: bec | February 27, 2009 at 04:28 PM
But where's the zipper? This is just so cute. For a project that required cursing, it came out great.
Posted by: Chris | February 27, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Well, I don't blame you, but it surely did turn out beautifully! He will be so thrilled.
Posted by: Elaine/MuddlingThrough | February 27, 2009 at 04:32 PM
But it does look rather wonderful and I'm sure Harvey will be absolutely delighted.
Posted by: Gina | February 27, 2009 at 04:42 PM
so ein süßes hündchen!!!!
wunderbar!!!!
liebe grüße von EMMA
Posted by: EMMA | February 27, 2009 at 06:31 PM
How absolutely adorable! But, I expect nothing less from you! Love your blogs!
Posted by: Sandy Shirley | February 27, 2009 at 07:08 PM
It is quite the best kennel I've ever seen ! Congratulations !! What won't I ever attempt again ? Anything crocheted ..... there is a limit to how many weird little wooly cones anyone can use .
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | February 27, 2009 at 07:15 PM
that is amazing even if it was so sucky to make
i love how the handle looks like a bone.
Posted by: Nancy | February 27, 2009 at 07:26 PM
That photo story is FANTASTIC. It could be a little book all by itself.
Posted by: Kathi D | February 27, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Isn't it wonderful to have someone with such utter confidence in your skills? My nephew still thinks that I can make anything, so of course I always go the extra mile to prove that I can...
The doghouse looks wonderful though, with it's bone handle and all. It was well worth the effort I'm sure! I love it's polka- dotted exterior and the sweet little doggy too.
Posted by: mathea | February 27, 2009 at 08:39 PM
wowzers! worth it just for that bone handle. you must be the favourite auntie : ) good work mrs!
Posted by: kelly | February 27, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Never again will I hand roll and stitch a hem on a sheer poly fabric. Good thing it was a gift for a dear friend, otherwise I'd have chucked it out the window.
In the end it turned out great, just like your kennel.
Posted by: Wendy | February 27, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I don't know if you've seen this: http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html
I'm not sure if you just made this up as you went, and I've never done this one before, but it's on my list of things to make. I've seen it on a lot of blogs, and no one has complained as much as you! Check it out, and maybe give it a try. The dog house you made turned out super cute, so maybe it was worth it!
Posted by: Kim | February 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM
OH and wasn't it worth it in the end! beautiful! and when he's all grown up, he will still think your the best aunty and dog house maker!xx
Posted by: cluckingabout | February 27, 2009 at 11:31 PM
I thought I heard distant swearing the other day. Now I know who it was. This. Is. Adorable.
Lucky Harvey.
Posted by: larissa | February 28, 2009 at 01:43 AM
That is very very cute and worth the effort. Don't you find the things you had the most trouble with making are what everyone then wants you to make?
Posted by: Caroline B | February 28, 2009 at 07:24 AM
very cute! I have a little nephew named Harvey too! I be your Harvey loves it!
Posted by: Leah | February 28, 2009 at 08:39 AM
why is it that everything you do is brilliant? are you a creative genius? i love what i see!
%*_*% rosey
Posted by: i cant sew | February 28, 2009 at 10:24 AM
You must admit, it does look good though! Children can be 'very' persuasive and I'm sure he is really chuffed!
Have a good one,
Nina x
ps. I made one of your fabric pom pom's in the week, it turn out beautifully, Thank you x
Posted by: Nina - Tabiboo | February 28, 2009 at 12:10 PM
This is so darn cute! My daughter has a similar doggie, and she would die for a house like that!! ;0) LOVE IT!
Posted by: Kristal | February 28, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Ok, first of all...I was so excited to see a new post! Thank you. What will I never attempt again? Just about anything I make once...really, hardly ever make the same thing twice.
I loved everything about this...the colors, the bone handle, polka dots, the blue pom pom, the so-cute-you-could-eat-him-with-a-spoon doggie and your commentary. Your comments are one of my favorite things about your blog (besides your artistic genius!).
I read a lot of blogs and it's so refreshing to see some original ideas and genuine commentary!
Just adorable!
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn from the East Coast of the US | February 28, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Well that puppy does look a little scared but it is really amazing and well worth a bit of swearing. You know, these things are always hardest the first time, I bet you could manage another.....
Posted by: Rebecca | February 28, 2009 at 07:15 PM
I would have died for a doggy purse like this when I was five. Actually, I'd die for one now at age 39.
What I'd never make/do again...lots of things come to mind...but the big one has to be painting a wall a dark colour OR covering the dark colour to go light. I'm doing beige walls for the rest of my life.
Posted by: Susan | February 28, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Lovely !! :-)
Posted by: Villblomsten | March 01, 2009 at 12:34 AM
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo cute!!!!!
Posted by: Kristin | March 01, 2009 at 04:12 AM
Honey, I suspect your swearing would have had even ME cowering in the doghouse.
And that's Really Saying Something.
Posted by: shula | March 01, 2009 at 06:38 AM
It's beautiful well worth all your hard work. I bet Harvey loves it.
Posted by: angela | March 01, 2009 at 12:00 PM
oh that is so sweet! but oh, all that hand sewing! your poor hands must have ached when you were finished. i hate hand sewing through thick and / or stiff fabric! fabulous work though!!
hugs,
puglette
Posted by: Puglette | March 01, 2009 at 09:00 PM
At least whatever you choose to do next will seem easy! Some of these patterns should come with stress warnings, eg. do not attempt without industrial machinery!
Posted by: aneela | March 01, 2009 at 10:18 PM
But it is so stinking cute! Love the handle especially!
Posted by: michelle | March 02, 2009 at 03:21 AM
It was well worth it, the house turned out beautifully! I wish I had an auntie like you!
Posted by: Christine | March 02, 2009 at 09:58 AM
It looks great - what a lucky nephew :-)
Posted by: HildeC | March 02, 2009 at 10:44 AM
It is so adorable I can think of way over 3 reasons why you should make one of these!
Posted by: Rachael Rabbit | March 02, 2009 at 07:51 PM
so stinkin' cute! i'm sure harvey will LOVE it.
Posted by: amandajean | March 03, 2009 at 12:41 AM
But it looks sooo good, I'm sure she will love it (I would and God I'm over 30).
I can tell that the puppy is a little scared of you but still he managed to get into the house.
PS Actually don't know if I'm over 30, I stopped counting at 27 because I like that number.
Posted by: Marta | March 03, 2009 at 04:19 PM
but...it did turn out adorable...isnt it impossible to turn down a little one that is positive that you can make absolutely anything? (my 5 year old is totally convinced i can make anything)
Posted by: elizabeth | March 03, 2009 at 06:16 PM
AW BUT IT'S FLAMIN' GORGEOUS. Especially the pompom on the little zip, like a doorbell-pull, and Mr Puppy too!
Hahaha, number one on my list of things to never make again is: a baby. My Wilf is lovely but I'm buggered if I'm doing this twice. XD
Posted by: KittyJJ | March 03, 2009 at 08:57 PM
That's amazing! 5 yr olds inspire great ideas. Did you make the puppy too, he's lovely with that great big nose :) I have a long list of never agains but a fake fur panda suit is tops. Fake fur in every orifice and stuck to every surface, not fun, still gives me bad dreams.
Posted by: joanie | March 04, 2009 at 09:57 AM
This is adorable! The puppy looks very happy with his new home, and I can't see any signs of you struggling (which I count as a good thing!)
Posted by: Sarah | March 04, 2009 at 05:11 PM
Thank you for the idea!
My daugher has a big box of these dogs with big nose
Posted by: Giuli | March 04, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Harvey does love it. Thank you Auntie Linnie xxx
Posted by: Kay | March 05, 2009 at 08:34 PM
It may have been difficult but it is definitely adorable. Great job.
Posted by: Pam | March 05, 2009 at 09:19 PM
It's really cute! But i can see why you wouldn't want to do it again. Protesting from my machine is enough to make me want to quit!
Posted by: Tiff@Three Peas | March 06, 2009 at 01:09 AM
So cute! What a great idea!
Posted by: Heather | March 06, 2009 at 02:25 AM
its great
poor puppy - if you think that makes you swear you should try making one of these buggers !
http://raggyrat.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-first-fursuit-here-he-is.html
Posted by: raggyrat | March 06, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Oh, but it's so so nice!!
Posted by: Silvia | March 06, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Positively cute !
I love it !
Posted by: damocamelia | March 06, 2009 at 01:40 PM
it's so cute !!!
Posted by: anaxel | March 06, 2009 at 08:46 PM
may have been a pain to make, but so much cuter and magical than a plastic one from target!! You did an awesome job.
Posted by: Tiff | March 06, 2009 at 10:44 PM
This is the sweetest little doggy house, I love it.
Posted by: Natasha | March 08, 2009 at 03:47 AM
it is SOOOO cute. as for what I won't do again? cross stitch and embroidery. only b/c I can't see to do it anymore.
Posted by: val | March 09, 2009 at 12:50 AM
You really make me laugh (hope you don't take that the wrong way). I have so enjoyed giggling over your posts and am so inspired to make things. I agree with everyone else you are a creative (and comic) genious :o)
xx
Sumea
Posted by: graceful mice and gentle moons | March 09, 2009 at 11:22 AM
It turned out beautifully, though.
I've used that plastic canvas stuff when I've made the wee fabric dollhouses - that keeps things from sagging. Um, probably a bit late to be telling you that, huh? Sorry.
Posted by: UK lass in US | March 09, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Gorgeous! I loved reading this post, you are too funny. I'm glad I'm not the only one who swears and curses when I sew, at least your project is something to brag about, I swear and curse when trying to bind blasted bibs! :-)
Posted by: Kelly Fiedler | March 11, 2009 at 05:34 AM
I just came across your blog and the dog house is adorable, as is everything else!
Posted by: Golden Egg | March 12, 2009 at 01:20 AM
fantastic!
Posted by: charlotte | March 12, 2009 at 12:30 PM
I think it was well worth it. Its fab! I'm sure he will love it.
B x
Posted by: bonita @ Beaky | March 13, 2009 at 09:57 PM
you made me laugh out loud with this post!! I know what it is like to promise something to a little one though....
Posted by: Beth | March 14, 2009 at 04:54 AM
That is so, so cute, and well worth the undoubted struggle. I love it. x
Posted by: Lace hearts | March 14, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Oh I wish I was Harvey - that is too cute. Please don't say NEVER.
Posted by: KatherineB | March 15, 2009 at 01:17 AM
The dog house is absolutely adorable, and you are very funny. I am assuming you are in England? I too am the favorite aunt, it's a fun place to be !! I will have to add you to my blogs to follow !!
Posted by: Robin | March 16, 2009 at 05:42 PM
I once agreed to hem a skirt for someone and it was a slippery gauzy thin fabric which moved and slipped and changed so much, I just about cried. *shudder*
Posted by: Lulu | March 17, 2009 at 01:13 PM
Oh wow, I really need to make one of these. I will have to figure out how! Cute as anything. I have lots of dog fabric I could put to good use. Cute! Great job even if you didn't like doing it. Lucky kid!
Posted by: Mandy | March 18, 2009 at 07:13 AM
I would never again get conned into making a king sized dinosaur quilt for someone who didn't give me anything for doing it (so I was very glad that I had kept all the left-over bits of fabric!!)
Posted by: Anne Donald | March 18, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Oh, but it is super cute!!!
~Emily
Posted by: Ravenhill | March 18, 2009 at 07:36 PM
So talented! Very very cute!! I'm going to start learning how to sew!
Just wanted to let you know that I've got 2 awards for your blog (because I love it so much!). Feel free to grab them from my blog when you've got the chance.
Posted by: Melissa | March 18, 2009 at 11:19 PM
This is a cute craft! I love all that you have posted!
come visit my blog! I am new, and only have about 2 posts, but i am adding more!
Posted by: Anna | March 20, 2009 at 11:12 PM
So so cute! Well worth the cursing and broken needles - easy for me to say, eh? I'll never sew a velvet dress again, what a slippery mess!
Posted by: Wendy | March 29, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Oh, but so worth it. I love it all...New to blogs and blogging and arrived here as my daughters name is Molly but often Chicken! Love your stuff - so beautiful.
Posted by: amy | March 30, 2009 at 08:43 PM
I know that you're not going to make another one of these but I gotta tell you...I LOVE IT ANYWAY!!!!
Cherry x
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | March 31, 2009 at 08:37 AM
But it's oh so cute!
Suzanne in CT
Posted by: Suzanne Urban | April 01, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Oh, but it's so stinkin' cute!!!
Posted by: Julie (Knitsational) | April 01, 2009 at 07:51 PM
I thought that puppers was Clover Meadow, who pretty much looks just like that whenever I start swearing like a sailor. Adorable doghouse should go a long way toward pacifying, should think. . . .
Posted by: Alicia P. | April 03, 2009 at 03:57 AM
Oh,so cute.What beautiful makes!Have a happy weekend.
Posted by: Mr Lee | April 03, 2009 at 09:01 AM
But it's so cute!!!!
and I can't think of anyting i wouldn't make again, I'm just always struck by how simple and quick I think things will be only to be swiftly kicked right out of that delusion.
Posted by: Passions & Distractions | April 04, 2009 at 01:31 AM
Please, can I borrow your pattern,please, please,please,pretty please ?
I just love the puppy,he looks so sad.
Greetings from Belgium,Martine
Posted by: Martine | April 05, 2009 at 10:38 AM
This is FABULOUS! sweet, funny, creative, everything
Posted by: heleen | April 05, 2009 at 09:00 PM
just thought I'd say hi, your post made me smile, the finshed item looked great!
: )
Posted by: picciolo | April 07, 2009 at 07:26 PM
It must have taken a lot out of you making it. Where are you?
Posted by: gayle | April 07, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Well, you had me convinced after the first reason. This is a good thing, given your house looks beautiful (and as a result, effortless). I suspect my sewing machine would have ended up hurtling at speed, out the nearest window.
Posted by: Tania | April 08, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Absolutely gorgeous! I want one :-) but haven't the patience to even attempt making it!
Posted by: Gemma Johnson | May 11, 2009 at 02:14 PM
hahhahaa you're so funny :) I love how it turned out :)
Posted by: Lia | May 26, 2009 at 05:03 AM
It's wondeful !
Posted by: isastuce | June 01, 2009 at 02:13 PM
"...needle breakingly..." that made me laugh. I totally know what you mean.
Posted by: Rachel | June 13, 2009 at 02:31 AM
Very cute, the house, of course and the dog!!!
I won't show it to my children or I'm certain, they will ask for an identical one.
Posted by: magou17 | June 18, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Any crochet with thread... never, ever again (I may have said that to myself the last two times but I really mean it now)
Posted by: Jessica | June 18, 2009 at 08:48 PM
You are one of my favorite people. Your photas are sweet and charismatic and not dull as some how to photos tend to be. Your writing is funny AND personal. I just wanted you to know that a complete stranger in Tennessee appreciates you.
Posted by: Kitty | August 16, 2009 at 08:00 PM
Have you tried using leather needles for thiss kind of thing with them having a more triangular shape they go through almost anything! let me know! I dont do facebook or twitter but you can email me at [email protected]
Liesl
Posted by: Liesl | August 03, 2010 at 05:09 PM