With the temperatures hovering near zero degrees at night around here, I’m motivated to keep working with greyhound coats. I thought I’d let you know some of my thinking about why the coats are made the way they are and where I get my supplies. When making one of something, it’s easy to source materials from the local fabric store. When making four of something a week, every week, it’s annoying to pay retail prices.
The Design of the Pattern
The coat is designed to use as little Velcro as possible, especially at the neck area. I don’t want the Velcro to touch their skin and cause irritation. The dogs have long necks and need the benefit of a “snood” or turtle-neck shape that could even cover their ears if necessary. The coat also needs to cover their rear end. This helps keep the coat positioned on their bodies and helps to keep them warm.
When you look at the coat flat, you can see the basic shape, including the long neck and the darts at the back end to give it shape. Finally, the strap needs to be adjustable, because these coats are made for an unknown dog, not a specific dog. If it were my dog, I could make the strap and Velcro the right length.
The Fabric
Each pair of greyhound coats (1 large and 1 small) takes 1 1/2 yards of fleece for the outside; another 1 1/2 yards for the lining. Most of the time, fleece is on sale at Joann Fabrics. If I pay attention, I can use a coupon that gives me an additional 20% off so I don’t feel so bad shopping there. I try to coordinate colors for the outside and lining. With three yards of each, I can make 4 coats (2 large and 2 small). I bring it all home and begin!
The Velcro
The Velcro is the weak link in supplies. It is hard to find 2″ Velcro, and I need twice as much loop version as hook version. Years ago, I found a wholesale company where I could buy it online from California. I believe their materials are all made in the USA. You can buy Velcro (1/2″ to 6″ wide), elastic, thread and more at their site. It’s a great resource if you are involved in any kind of bulk sewing, like for a scout troop or a church group. Their website is: https://www.calthread.com.
The Labels
I also want to identify that I made the coat and how to contact me in case it needs a repair. To do this, I’ve begun using cloth labels from a site in New Jersey (https://heirloomlabels.com). It’s easy to order, affordable and doesn’t take long to receive. This last time, I didn’t get my order quite right…but I think it’s OK. People should still be able to find me. When I got my new order, I realized I had forgotten to make the text all lower case! So, of course, they did exactly what I asked for! Proofread carefully!
I attach the label to the base of the strap.
In case you were wondering what I was doing between making stuff with essential oils and beeswax, this is it! Got to keep those dogs warm this winter! Enjoy!
Please comment or email me directly at maryjkisner@gmail.com.