Easy Homemade Gifts

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Two Easy Homemade Dog Toys

Make your dog a toss ball toy, or gutless fleece toys, using these free patterns provided by Greyhound Manor Crafts.

Toss Ball Toy:

Some hounds love chasing after items tossed for them. Here's one that's easy on your throwing arm and a blast for a hound. They take just a few minutes to make and are very inexpensive.

Materials Needed for 3 Toss Ball Toys:

• 9 feet of rope
• Can of 3 tennis balls

Instructions:

-- Place one tennis ball in a clamp or vise.

-- Use a drill with a large drill bit to drill a hole through the tennis ball (one hole on each side).

-- Thread the rope through the holes.

-- Tie a simple knot very near the ball.

-- Knot or burn the ends of the rope to prevent fraying.

-- Tie a second knot near the ends of the rope.

Gutless Fleece Toys

It seems like every hound loves those faux fleece toys. You know, the ones shaped like little people. The first problem with those is that they can cost $8-$12 each. Yikes! A yard of faux fleece at a fabric store is around $8. With that yard, you can make 10-20 toys, depending upon the shape you choose. The second problem is that the manufacturers put stuffing in them. We have one hound who can remove all stuffing within 30 seconds. What a mess! The hounds have just as much fun with the "gutless" version.

Supplies Needed for 10-20 Toys:

• 1 yard of faux fleece (I like the color oatmeal, but any color will work)

Instructions

For the maximum number of toys per yard and the quickest production time, cut the fleece into 12" x 20" rectangles. Fold each piece with right sides together and sew as indicated below. Cut between the stitch lines that run diagonally across the piece. Turn right side out and stitch the hole shut.

The hounds are happy with the triangles. However, sometimes you want something special, perhaps as a gift. I've done hearts, initials, bones and gingerbread men. Place two pieces of fleece with right sides together. With a marker or pencil, draw the shape on the wrong side of the fleece (if you're doing initials, be sure the mirror the letter so it will be correct when you turn it inside out. Stitch along the pencil line, leaving a small hole to turn the toy right side out. Turn right side out and stitch the hole closed.

Permission to Copy provided by Greyhound Manor Crafts

We encourage you to use these patterns to help your local greyhound adoption group. Donate a few to your local group. You'll feel good about yourself and you'll be helping the hounds.

Copyright 2000, Greyhound Manor Crafts, Jack & Amy Corrigan, P.O. Box 206
New Berlinville, PA 19545, (610) 367 - 9551