I’m joining Kate and a cadre of crafty makers this month for what Kate and her friend call ScrapHappy. Fellow bloggers create something functional or beautiful, perhaps even whimsical, made entirely from scraps.
My project this month is a small cushion for the cats. It’s designed to cover what’s left of a tattered cat condo. I merged two unlikely scraps: the former padding from an ironing board and a remnant of upholstery fabric that once graced our garden swing.
The padding is soft and easy to work with. Tessa came along to investigate.
We have what remains of a kitty perch sitting on the steps in the back garden. Unfortunately, the cat perch did not live up to its potential! The top-level broke after one of the cats jumped from the perch. I removed the top, leaving two levels, but the hardware poked through, making for what must have been an uncomfortable surface. I eventually moved it outside and removed the second level, placing the base on some pavers. This cushion hides the ugly surface and provides comfort for the four-legged royalty of the house.
I used two layers of the padding for the cushion, then shredded the rest to offer as nesting material to the squirrels.
I made a simple envelope style cover for easy washing. The cushion is more pleasing to the eye.
So far, the kitties aren’t impressed, but I enjoyed dusting off my sewing machine and using up some scraps. I had to resort to bribery to coax Mouse onto the cushion. He hasn’t been up there since.
Oh well.
The second make, also for the cats, is a hit. I used the last bit of green fabric to repair a beloved cat toy. The upholstery fabric is rugged enough for cat claws and teeth, and the fine stitching keeps the loose Nepeta contained.
It’s good to know I can still sew a couple of rectangles. (Ha!) Wait till you see what the other creative makers have been up to at the links below.
Interestingly, Kate’s scrappy project this month is for her four legged Mouse. Our Mouse is a feline and Kate’s Mouse is a pooch. Is anyone out there sewing for a real mouse?
Thank you, Kate! I hope you are feeling better soon.
Check out these creative blogs:
Kate, Gun,Eva, Sue, Lynda, Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Tracy, Jill, Jan, Moira, Sandra, Chris, Alys, Claire, Jean, Jon, Dawn, Jule, Gwen, Sunny, Kjerstin, Sue L, Vera, Nanette, Ann, Dawn 2,Bear, Carol, Preeti, Edith, Debbierose and Viv
Gardening Nirvana 
It’s funny that you and Kate have both made things for your respective Mouses. I hope your Mouse does come to appreciate your work on the cushion.
I have a friend who is restoring a dollhouse that she has named Ty Llygoden, which is welsh for Mouse House. I know of no makes for actual mice, though.
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Hi Jan. I’m happy to know the word for Mouse in welsh, and equally delighted to her about the Mouse House. What great fun.
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Thank you for the good wishes! I’m a couple of days off recovery, I fear, but Nurse Mouse has been supervising my bed rest and ensuring compliance…. I suspect your kitties will enjoy their new cushion more once they have decided that sitting on it is their own idea.
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I’m glad you have Mouse to keep you company as you rest and recover. You’re certainly right about cats deciding when, if ever, they might try something.
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50% success rate seems acceptable 🙂
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That’s a great attitude, Derrick.
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Anonymous is Derrick
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That kitty bed looks ever so much better. Now, if only the cats will take to it. But the new toy looks as though it’s a hit.
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Thank you, Laurie. I’ve decided that I like the way it looks, and it was fun to whip something up, so all is not lost. They do love a good catnip toy, and the nepeta plant growing in the garden nearby.
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You surely are the organizer extraordinaire! How you keep these bits and pieces at hand for these projects is quite the trick in deed. An ironing board cover?! That’s a bit of something I wouldn’t even think of storing 😃
Hooray for kitty projects! Our feline friends usually tend to be a bit aloof with any discernible thanks, but I’m certain, in their furry minds, they joyfully thought, “Hey! What’s this?” 💗xoK
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When I replaced the padding on the ironing board, the old one felt so soft. I always meant to make something for the cats. BTW, I tossed a full bag of scraps just before your visit. I know when to hold em, and I know when to fold em. I’ve decided that if nothing else, the cushion looks better than the old burlap top. It was 100F today so all they want to do is spread out on the cool stones. xo
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Clever! Maybe sprinkle some catnip on the new pad? That’ll make it more popular. 🙂
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Great idea. I have a nice specimen growing in the garden. Lindy is especially fond of the leaves.
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Catastic! What lucky cats.
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Our felines live the life of Riley. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Lovely idea for the cats! They just need time to figure that out 🙂
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Thank you! I’m sure you’re right.
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Sewing is like riding a bicycle. You never forget how completely. Good job with the scraps. Love the carrot toy. It is amazing that a dog and cat are named Mouse. 😉 Wonder what we’d name a mouse? 🙂
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It does come back that’s for sure. I realize, too, how I miss it. I think if we’re going to name a future mouse we should call him/her birdie, just to add to everyone’s confusion. Ha!
It was so good talking with you this morning.
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Thanks for the giggle this morning, Alys. Birdie would be perfect. I think sometimes it’s easier to express myself in writing than speaking. I wish we lived closer. I don’t like being so far away.
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I wish we lived closer, too. I think you express yourself beautifully in both ways.
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I’m sure the cats won’t take long to appreciate the new cushion. I think you did an excellent job and I am impressed that you thought you might use an old ironing board pad. It’s a lovely project. I think Mouse is very happy with the replacement to the old toy. Nice work.
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I meant to tell you that I looked at a few of the others who participate in Scrap Happy. WOW!! Some really lovely and ingenious things are being made. Thank you for sharing the links.
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Amy, I’m so glad you had a look around. I’ve met so many creative people in this blogging world.
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Thank you, Amy! The ironing board pad is so soft. I just couldn’t be to toss it when I bought a new one. It’s perfect for the cat bed (and future squirrel nests). Offering them material stops them from chewing my cushions. We all win!
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So resourceful and clever, as always, dear Alys! I love how you cut up the tiny scraps to share with the squirrels. You have such a kind heart for so many furry friends! You are such a JOY to know! 💗
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Dawn, you say the nicest things. Thank you. I broke my phone today (long story) so I missed the opportunity to photograph a squirrel hanging from his back legs on the tree, while holding and eating a nut. It was *adorable*. xo
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