Kitten, Fangs and Halloween

First of all, apologies for no post last week. Storm Ophelia (was hurricane downgraded to tropical storm) followed by Storm Brian meant there was no internet - landline or mobile - for most of the week.
This week I decided that as halloween is approaching I would make a couple of pet costumes, one for our cat and one for the dog next door.  In true halloween fashion I decided that as they both have sharp fangs a vampire outfit would be perfect. I purchased a yard each of 44" wide cotton poplin. While this is an outfit you can adapt and make for any pet you do need to measure the recipient to ensure you purchase the right amount of fabric. I buy mine from Vibes and Scribes in Cork, Republic of Ireland, and they sell cotton poplin by the 1/4 meter.

The measurements you need are A) from the nape of the neck to where the tail begins at the base of the spine, B) their waist measurement, C) the measurement from the nape of their neck to the mid-point on their chest, half way from side to side and also from their throat to the shoulder as the  front fastening is shaped instead of going straight round like a collar. The measurements I used for the cat were A = 11", B = 24" divided by 2 = 12" - this measurement was loose around her midsection to allow for the straps to fasten, C = 18 " divided by 2 = 9" and D = 6" divided by 2 = 3". I then got a piece of paper and drew a line along one straight edge of 11" with a 90 degree line at either end, one measuring 3" and the other roughly 10". This last measurement allows the cape to fall halfway down her hind legs. I then marked the center of the long line and measured a quarter of her waist measurement at right angles, in this case I used 6". I then joined all the short lines using a curve and also slightly curved the hem line to make it flow better. I then drew the waist strap which is 6.5" to allow for seaming allowances and a joining overlap. I then taped the pieces to my pet 'mannequin' who is the right size neck to hip and from nape to mid-chest, and also stands still. I then roughly cut a shape with a slight curve and taped it down before refining the shape to get the final design for the neck band. Finally I made a collar which fans outwards from the top of the cape to allow it to stand upright behind her head.  I also cut a piece of stiff interfacing the same size as the collar piece. All pieces were then named, marked with notches and lines showing where they are to be cut on the fold of the fabric and with a 0.5" seaming allowance.

I then laid the 2 pieces of fabric one on top of the other (one black, one red), folded them with the top piece being 12" from fold to selve edge and pinned the pattern onto the fabric and cut it out making sure to show all the notches where the straps join (I transferred these to the right side of the red fabric using tailors chalk for sewing purposes). The remainder of the fabric will then be used to make a matching outfit for the neighbour's dog who is slightly larger than the cat.
I then pinned the pieces together and sewed them along the marked seam lines making sure to leave the neck part of the cape open to allow it to be turned the right way out after clipping the curves, the same with a narrow end on each of the 4 straps. I then ironed the fabric to ensure a crisp seam. I ironed the interfacing onto the black collar piece then sewed along 3 sides leaving the neck edge open and turned it inside out as well. I then made sure to turn in a half inch seam allowance and iron it ready for assembly.

 Below you will see the finished article being modeled for you by Princess Kitty Bisley, to give her her full name. The bling on the back and front was put there by my daughter just to pretty things up for her. This was an easy outfit to make and, will modifications, I will use the pattern again in the future for more clothing items. I hasten to add that apar  t from modeling for the camera I don't dress Kitten up on a daily basis like some do, she will tolerate clothing for a short while but when the camera goes away the clothing comes off.           

 

    

Take care, happy halloween and keep all pets inside on Tuesday.