Safe and Warm: Project 1 Animal Hammocks






                                      Image result for animal rescue hammock
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Animal Hammocks

I love hammocks. To lay outside, all snug and safe, with the slight swaying in the sunshine.  But, it's winter and it's cold.  Until summer, my beloved hammock. 

The hammocks we are going to be making aren't for people. They are for wildlife. The feral cat rescue groups, the wildlife groups who rescue possums and other wildlife. Side note: I am not a fan of possums (or opossums, either way you say it or spell it) but they are needed in our ecosystems. They are needed and the more I learn, the more I respect them.  Whether or not you are a fan, each creature has a place in our ecosystem. God created them for a purpose. When one species is gone, the entire ecosystem is thrown out of wack and then it is too late. 
Environmental speech is done. 
Off my salt box and back to the blog. 


Here it is. Very simple. A great beginner project.



Materials:
Fabrics you can use: Think warm
terry cloth (aka an old towel)
fleece
flannel
cotton
** Really important: towels are needed in general. If that is all you have, cut 1 up and make a few hammocks and maybe a pouch (another pattern) , but they really need the towels as a whole. **

We found these packs at our local Wal-Mart in the fabric section. We got 2 yards for 2 bucks each!!  The two on the ends are stretchy jersey type material and the grey one is like sweatshirt material. There was different types of fabric in the boxes. Some were 2 yards for $4; 2 yards for $3, it just depends on the fabric.


Sturdy material for loops ( we used 3/4: knit elastic)
This is from Wal-Mart. The price is right around 2 dollars for 1 yard. To make a lot of hammocks, I would recommended the larger packages. 1 yards makes about 2 hammocks. 

Sewing materials:
sewing machine (optional)
thread, needles, scissors, and pins 

One thing that is nice about this project is it is versatile. You can make the hammocks small or large. Once you have the pattern down, the sky is the limit.
My 13 year old daughter has already made a few and they have been approved by our friend who is a wildlife rehab specialist.



Pattern: finished project to be approx 16" x 16"




  1. Cut 2 pieces of fabric measuring 17" x 17"
  2. Cut 4 pieces of elastic (or sturdy materal for loops) 3" long 
  3. Fold your elastic in half to form a loop (will have 4)
  4. putting fabric pieces face side together, at the corners place your loops facing inside the pouch. 


Placing the loop to the inside of the "pouch" either on a diagonal (left pic) or parallel with the edge of the fabric (right pic). Either way will work, just stay consistent. 

5. leaving an opening about 3" way, sew all the way around with an 1/4" seam. 
This is Angel, sewing a hammock made out of an old towel. 

6. reach in the pouch and pull through so right sides are out. make sure all 4 corners are pulled completely so the loops are extended. 

7. The 3" opening needs to be closed. Fold edge in and sew closed. 

8. examine for loose threads or edges that didn't sewn completely.  

And that's it, friends!  
Your hammock is done and ready for a new home.





Show me your hammocks! If you need a rescuer to send or give your hammocks to, let me know. 



Next project: Crochet recover nests



Keep Your Hands Busy!

Wendy





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