Skein Passion

Luscious 'fioro' hand died merino-silk yarn skeins from The Yarn Bowl in the shades sepia rose, abalone and plum purple As Valentines day approaches sprinklings of pink hearts and cutesy romance sayings start popping up all over the place. Yarn sales are overflowing with red and pink colourways and patterns are dotted with love knots.  But I want to talk about Passion. That deep intense desire you experience when you touch that divine squishy yarn skein, you know the one I'm talking about, that skein that makes your heart sing. It's a magic colour, squishing it is like touching a cloud with the lustre of angels. The yarn of your dreams. Where were you when you had that experience the first time? In a specialty yarn store looking at the silk-alpaca blends? I'm willing to bet it wasn't, more likely it was at the discount store passing the bargain aisle and this little ball of fluff caught your eye and you sighed and squished it and wished you had the skill to turn

Upcycle Dog Toy

Geri playing tug of war with her rope toy

Tug-of-war is Geri The Wonder Dog's favourite game. When I saw the Dog Rope Toy tutorial  I just had to make it for Geri The Wonder Dog. Tug-of-war is her favourite game. 

Geri the wonder dog with her rope toy

I used sleeves left over from some rag rug upcycle projects.

tug of war is the best game ever

The rope toy was an instant hit.

Geri tugging on her rope toy

Freki however prefers playing ball.

Freki waiting for the ball to be thrown

Of course, I consider all fabric scrap upcycle projects as decluttering. Don't you? 

note: 17 Feb 2015 - This is still Geri The Wonder Dog's favourite toy

over a year later this upcycle dog toy has outlasted all the commercial toys

note: 21 April 2016 - Geri still loves her toy, although I really should throw it out. I've had to make her several more and they have been the only toy that has lasted her more then a few weeks. I make them a little differently now and I promise to bring you a tutorial soon.

note: 5 August 2016 - I had to make her more new tug-of-war toys.

over a year later this upcycle dog toy has outlasted all the commercial toys