Dog clothes are probably not something necessary, except maybe in cold weather. But I’ve got to admit that dog in clothes are probably one of the cutest things in the world. At first, I just tried my hand on recycling Sidra’s old T-shirts into Duff’s t-shirt using this free pattern from Free Dog Clothes Pattern blog. They were finished crudely so I won’t post them here.
But then I found this: MillaMilla, an online dog PDF pattern shop that features the cutest and most adorable dogwear, and suddenly I have a new hobby. MillaMilla offers several free pattern that can be downloaded here. Right now they have a tanktop and hood pattern, but more free patterns will be added soon. This online shop is actually a Japanese pattern shop that has recently developed its English site. The Japanese site features more cute patterns and even a pattern book! They also have an etsy shop.
I ordered the book and it is delivered in just a couple of days. The book features patterns for small-sized dogs only (chihuahua to poodles and slightly differently drafted pattern for small dachshund), but the website has bigger sizes. There are 45 different variations of tank top, T-shirt, raglan sleeves T-shirt, camisoles, shirt, coat, bandana, and belly band patterns in this book. As usual with Japanese pattern books, there are no seam allowances but the drawings show how much and where to add the allowances.
It is a great thing that I can recycle old clothes to make new ones for Duff! The blue tank top is recycled from an old T-shirt. The beetle patch is from Sidra’s shirt that I made five years ago. The shirt is torn in places, I saved the patch and applied heat and bond iron on adhesive. I use size DS (Dachshund small) for this t-shirt, it is a bit too fitted but still okay.
The camouflage pattern T-shirt is from another t-shirt that I made for Sidra a couple of years ago. This time I use MillaMilla free tank top pattern in size DM (Dachshund medium). You can see that it has more ease than the blue one.
Here’s a striped hoodie, recycled from a top I made two years ago. I think he looks like a seal in the first picture!
This one might be totally unnecessary. A dog wearing a shirt in woven fabric? Also, a batik shirt? It is sort of Indonesian personal joke, as batik shirt is considered a formal wear for Indonesian men. The batik fabric was once a part of Sidra’s Javanese costume that he wore for a photoshoot for Sesame, a kids’ fashion magazine. I think Duff looks pretty comfortable in it!
Pattern is from MillaMilla: free tank top pattern, Dog clothes for small dogs pattern book.
It has only been three weeks since Duff came, but it sure feels like a long time! He has learned several commands like sit, stay, and down. He still doesn’t like to play with toys, but Sidra made him a cardboard house and Duff really loves it! He can spend quite a long time in it, digging on the bottom or ripping the wall.
He sleeps on his bed in our bedroom at night, and sometimes in the morning he would crawl inside my blanket to sleep. It is so cute. He loves following me, sometimes when we came home, he ignores my husband and Sidra and goes greeting me first. I think I’ve grown quite attached to this little guy.
Now for the bittersweet part. Duff is sweet and cute so it is no wonder that he has found a loving family already. He will leave this week on the 21st to meet them, along with his bed and clothes. He really likes the bed that I made for him, so it is better if he can take it to his new home. I will surely miss him, but it is part of being a foster parent. Congratulations Duff and good luck on the new journey in your life!
Great job on Duff’s clothes. They’re so cute! Especially the kemeja batik. It complements Duff’s hair color.
Ahhh!!! So friggin’ cute. I have a sphynx cat that tolerates clothes. I’ve bought a few hoodies for her, but now I guess I’m going to make her an entire wardrobe. Thanks for the links!
Animals in clothes are so cute (as long as they’re happy) but I’ll have to live through other peoples pictures. The only pets I’ve had are rodents and they just turn cloth into bedding.
Are you going to foster another dog or wait a bit?
Aww too bad! A mouse in clothes would be so cute!
We will take a break for summer vacation and are ready for fostering again after that
OMG the red stripe one is ADORABLE! I actually really liked that as your T-shirt, but i have to admit i like it even better as his hoodie. fostering dogs sounds so fun (and a lot of work too)!
It is both fun and a lot of works! We have to keep adapting with each foster pet. I think it is also a way to learn about impermanence
You are such a caring foster parent! I am sure that Duff will miss you too. I wanted to share about my sister’s dog Twooey, a Boston terrier. We used to tease my sister about all the clothes she has for Twooey, but then we realized how excited she became every time she saw my sister hold up a sweater or a dress for her to put on. And then, once she’s dressed, she’ll walk around in little circles to show off how pretty she is! (And besides, her sweaters are very practical for winter since her fur is short.).
Thank you again for sharing such cute pictures of Duff!
Awww that is so cute!! I imagined how proud she must have!
Duff is so super cute! He’s such a sweet little boy! Love his little face! I’m glad that he’s found a happy new family, but I’m sad for you guys.
Oh, these are ALL so cute! Duff is just adorable. I’m going to have to use the patterns you’ve suggested for my Westie.
These outfits are cute! Novita, this is 1st time for me to see a dog wearing “kemeja batik”, the photos cracked me up! 😀
He’s ready to attend an Indonesian wedding party! 😀
I just love Duff’s sweet face, and I’m so glad he has found a good permanent home! I can’t imagine how hard it is for you to say goodbye, though. Dog’s in clothes are so cute, but our dogs always felt so uncomfortable! Duff looks super cute, especially in that hoodie.
Duff looks happy! It’s sad to see him go, but it’s clear that you did a really great job as a foster mom. Also, the hoodie and javanese shirt are the cutest things ever…!
Dog clothes are just so cute! I also love it when they wear bow ties and things. So dapper!
My pups are not good sports at wearing clothes, although I have to wrestle my little on into a jacket in the winter.
I have a dog… I swore I’d never be one of those persons who makes their dog dress up… but after reading this… i might cross over…! Buying clothes for a dog and sewing for a dog from scraps is not the same, right? Duff looks great!
Totally not the same! I can imagine Bosco prancing around in a Hawaiian shirt 😛