We were over at our favourite cat blog, Moderncat when we noticed these beautiful bird mobiles from Spool Sewing. Our youth demographic decor site Ohdeedoh was already on top of these last year, but we think these are worth revisiting not just as a decorative mobile, but also as a stylish DIY catnip toy for your favourite feline. Learn how to make your own below...
Michael Fulkerson's pattern for "Mr. Blue Bird" is available for download and requires:
Materials: 10" x 10" square (each) of 2 fabrics, scissors, marking pencil, thread
Directions:
1. Cut out your feathered friend from 2 contrasting pieces of fabric.
2. Pin 1 edge of the belly to the body, right sides together starting at the tail.
3. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew the 2 pieces together using a straight stitch from dot to dot. Be sure to leave the tail end open.
4. Pin other edge and sew together the same way.
5. Sew head seam together to dot.
6. Turn bird right side out and stuff.
7. Sew tail closed.
Fill these up with a thin stuff of catnip, and you're sure to have a toy that not only gets the attention of your feline, but also looks good around the house as he/she carries it around in crazed pride! More great stuff over at Spool Sewing here!
Jonya & Brad's Modern A–Frame 
Quick Cleaning Tip: Keep Baseboards Cleaner With Fabric Softner
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Profile Chair by Ma...
15 Essential Building Blocks for Quick Weeknight Meals
Summer Recipe: No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake
Comments (9)
Cute--and my cat would destroy them...
Ashley
rainycitystyle.blogspot.com
My friend made me one of these for my fireplace/birdcage:
http://lalaloveliza.blogspot.com/2009/03/birdie.html
I love the fireplace/birdcage idea...our cats would have a fun time trying to reach for it.
I made these last year! I still haven't put them on a mobile yet though... have to find the perfect twigs.
I was really taken with these when they first hit the blogosphere last year and even more excited when I discovered that the great shop that features them is right in Philly, my adopted home. I love Spool. It's really expanded the fabric I can lay my eyes (and hands) on before buying.
I loved these and made a few, but they are a total pain to make because the opening in the tail is very tiny, so it's annoying to A) invert after sewing and B) stuff
@CrazyLady, you could try sewing the bottom on while right side out and ladder stitching so it won't show.
I might have to make some of these. I love mobiles. and the cats would have a heyday.
I am making a mobile for my new niece, and I know they make great cat toys... one went missing and was found with many puncture marks!
Too pretty for cats! (Cats always prefer things like paper wads and milk bottle rings anyhow -- perverse in their eco-friendly choices!)