Beautiful Bird Mobile...and Possible Cat Toy

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!

Comments (9)

Cute--and my cat would destroy them...

Ashley
rainycitystyle.blogspot.com

posted by RainyCityStyle on March 18th 2009 at 2:18pm
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My friend made me one of these for my fireplace/birdcage:

http://lalaloveliza.blogspot.com/2009/03/birdie.html

posted by jenc on March 18th 2009 at 2:21pm
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I love the fireplace/birdcage idea...our cats would have a fun time trying to reach for it.

posted by gregory on March 18th 2009 at 2:33pm
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I made these last year! I still haven't put them on a mobile yet though... have to find the perfect twigs.

posted by laura123 on March 18th 2009 at 2:51pm
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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.

posted by angie19130 on March 18th 2009 at 3:14pm
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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

posted by CrazyLady on March 18th 2009 at 4:38pm
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@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.

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on March 18th 2009 at 4:42pm
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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!

posted by Hollie on March 18th 2009 at 5:10pm
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Too pretty for cats! (Cats always prefer things like paper wads and milk bottle rings anyhow -- perverse in their eco-friendly choices!)

posted by SherryBinNH on March 18th 2009 at 7:10pm
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