Chic on the Cheap: Pet Bed Step by Step

Maybe it was all the adorable puppies on other peoples blogs? Maybe I just didn't want to tackle a drugery project like closet cleaning? Whatever it was, I spent the better part of Sunday on a pet bed for Brooklyn Limestone's very own mascot, Big Cat.

I started off with this vintage suitcase I bought for $3.


Our cat seems to just love to sleep in our suitcases, so I figured it would make a perfect place to sleep. Since Big Cat has discriminating tastes, some upgrades were in order. First off, he needed a cushion.



I used some fabric pieces I bought at Micheals. I just happened to be shopping there for another project so these jumped right out of me. For a more wallet friendly alternative, use leftover fabric or old clothing.



I cut a template of the interior shape and size out of newspaper.


Cut to size. Washed, dried and ironed.


I didn't have a pattern but using my experience making a box pin cushion, I winged it. Its essentially the same concept but larger.


Sew. Sew. Sew. (Don't forget pin, iron, futz with machine, iron, pin, etc..)


I made the pillow using three different fabrics but you could easily make it out of one or two.


Thats right, its reversible!! For a cat of many moods.


I handed the empty pillow to Mr. L to stuff and fluff while I worked on other embelishments.

I've often mentioned how I love photo gallery walls but I don't have the cajones to make so many holes in my plaster. So who better to give one to than our feline friend?



If you are pressed for time, try to resist the urge from spending way too much time pouring over cat photos and retelling cat history with your husband.



I clearly violated this tip. Do you see its dark out in the next photo?



Here is where I really blew the budget by committing a mortal sin of cheap chic projects. I paid retail for 4 squat wooden legs at Home Depot. At nearly $6 each, they were a splurge. Rest assured, you can find these for much less by scavenging furniture or improvising with other bits that work just as well.



I glued my legs to the bottom with gorilla glue because thats what I had on hand.

Finally, it was time for the unveiling.



Yea, thats right. You see a tiny reversible pillow there. I had the fabric and the machine was already warm - who can you blame me?

I was so pleased with how it turned out. If I could fit, I would have curled in there myself. Down it went on the living floor for his majesty's inspection. Turns out, Mr. Cat wasn't so happy with my upgrades. Do you see what is missing?


Thats right - the cushy pillow I spent most of my time on!

Surely if that suitcase would have been fitted with a black sweater that he wasn't supposed to lay on, he would be rolling around on it happily. All I can do is shake my fist as the pet gods and confirm that we have the world's most ingrateful cat. At least he liked the itty bitty pillow I made.

In the expectation you have more appreciative characters in your house, hope you found this tutorial helpful.