Easter Kitty Bow Tie

Wow, maybe it's just me, but the Easter Season is whizzing past (but it could be that 10 seconds after Valentines Day ended the chicks and bunnies went out in stores). Anyways, Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is great (usually) and you get to go shopping for your Easter best. The whole family gets decked out, so why shouldn't your cat? I suppose this could work for a dog too! A spiffy kitty bow tie should do the trick! My cat Mosie is my model. He looks adorable in his bow tie, so ready for Easter.

Unfortunately, I was once again reminded how difficult it is to take pictures of cats! They seem to know when you're about to take their picture, and they'll do anything in their power to be moving right as you're trying to get the shot. After several treats (and several sore fingers- he was too eager for treats. Ouch.) I finally got some good ones. Cat bow ties are just the CUTEST! To all you pet photographers out there, you have earned my respect! And now, to the project!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
You will need:
     - Your cat's collar
     - Enough fabric to cover the collar and make a bow
     - Needle and thread, or a sewing machine, or both

----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Measure around the thickest part of your cat's collar (probably around the adjustable part) add a half inch to this measurement. This will give you a quarter inch of seam allowance on each side. 

2. Measure the length of the collar, at least to the start of the clips on the ends. Add an inch to this measurement, so you can finish the edges with a simple hemline. This collar will only go overtop of the existing collar, so you can easily put it on kitty for Easter, and take it off afterwards. Your cat will thank me later. A cat can only be dapper for so long before they need a break :)

3. Cut a strip of fabric from those measurements. Turn your strip so the wrong side (the backside of the fabric) is facing up. Either by using a sewing machine or by hand sewing, fold over the two short edges a couple times and sew. This will make sure the ends don't ravel. Fold the strip horizontally and sew a quarter inch from the edge. Now you have a long skinny tube. Fold it inside out so the right side (pretty side) is showing. 

4. Now for the bow, cut a square of fabric, maybe 5 by 4 inches, I didn't actually measure mine. Fold it in half so then it's around 2 1/2 by 4 inches. Sew the edges so it won't ravel. Scrunch up the center and sew. This makes it a bow shape, since the edges will be full, and the center will have the ruffly-scrunchy part. 

5. Take another small rectangle of fabric, fold it in half and sew so its a small tube. Wrap the tube around the center of the bow, covering the middle where you sewed before. Sew the back to secure. 

6. Sew the back of the bow to the front of the first long, skinny tube. DO NOT go through both layers, otherwise your collar can't get through! Once the bowtie is secured, thread your collar through the tube. 

7. Fasten around your cat's neck (please make sure it's not too tight, and if your cat objects, do not force him to wear it. He won't thank you for it.) and enjoy your dapper, debonair, and just plain adorable cat!

Here is Mosie modeling the bow tie from all sides. 

And here he is, in motion. In the last one he was licking his lips after eating a treat, so it looks like he's sticking his tongue out at me!

I hope you guys liked this tutorial, I have several more planned. Happy Easter everyone!

See you soon!

Christina