It’s pretty handy, with working pockets and a velcro closure. 

To make it, I started out by cutting some Kunin felt with the wraparound journal die. 

Then I folded it into thirds and sewed the sides to make a pocket and added some velcro tabs. The wrap journal die cuts holes to help with binding. I left these holes rather than covering them up because I liked the detail. 

I made two of them, and glued a felt bone on the front flaps. The bone also helped to cover up the stitching from the velcro underneath. I then measured a strap that would fit around Gershwin’s chest and sewed the two backpacks on the strap. (Gershwin modeled for me as I was making it so I got the measurements right. He was very cooperative and curious.) I also sewed velcro tabs to the strap.

I decided to sew on a chest and neck strap to keep the main strap from moving around.

Now it looks legit, and Gershwin is styling with it.

To make the bandana, I used the Mustache Design Wheel Stamp by Jen Goode for Clearsnap, an ink pad, a fat quarter of cotton fabric, and Thermoweb Heat n Bond. I had never used a roller-type stamp before, so I was very excited to use this.

Step 1: After ironing the fabric, roll the stamp on an ink pad so that every part of the design is inked. Then roll the stamp on the fabric, re-inking after every row. How did I line the rows up so well? Gershwin gave me a great tip. Use a guide that you can run the roller against, so it’s always straight. I used my Sizzix Essentials Platform, but books or shoe boxes would also work. 

Step 2: Mark off the pattern for the bandana. I notice on Project Runway that they use tape on their mannequins to create patterns, so as Tim Gunn would say, I made it work. I basically taped off a six-sided shape with two parallel sides and triangles on either side. You can use the pattern with the dimensions I’ve shown here. It was kind of big for Gershwin, but my parents used to buy me big clothes that I could grow into to save money.

Step 3: Cut along the tape guide and fold over to make sure it’s even on both sides.

Step 4: I did not want to sew this piece because my sewing machine only has black thread right now, and the thought of changing the bobbin made me break out into a cold sweat. Instead, I used Thermoweb Heat n Bond fusible web tape to hem all the sides. I also added one final strip of Heat n Bond in the place indicated in the photo so that when both sides are folded together, there’s a pocket that the dog collar could slide through. With the dog collar slipped through the opening, it kind of looks like a thong here, but that’s another project for another website. Like Jonathan Thong Style. (Better buy that domain name.)

Gershwin loves his bandana. He has so much facial hair, it’s the only way he can wear a mustache.

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