Tutorial: How to make a simple and cute dog bed in 10 minutes

Have you shopped around for a cute dog bed lately? Well, don't bother if you want to find one that is both inexpensive and easy on the eyes. The trouble I've always had is finding one that fits in with my home decor.

I think the companies that make these dog beds are attempting to pick colors and patterns that will go with any decor, but herein lies the problem. These round, frumpy dog beds are usually an atrocious mix of pattern on top of pattern and clashing colors, which I guess is supposed to go with the color and style of any room...? Umm...fail! You probably know what I'm talking about if you have seen these generic dog beds at your local pet store.

So, for the people out there who want their dog to have his/her own comfortable space but who refuse to sacrifice style and a bunch of dough, I think I have a really simple solution. 

Materials - 1.5 yards of fabric of your choice ($5 for mine); standard pillow (used is preferable, new is $6); sewing machine (mine was $22) (or plain old needle and thread will work); measuring tape ($1); scissors ($2)

Time - approximately 10 minutes

Sew many possibilities with my mini sewing machine!

First of all, sorry for the cheesy title. Couldn't help myself. Too excited. 

Just wanted to share how thrilled I am with my new mini sewing machine! I'm dreaming of all of the projects that I will now be able to do with the help of this little guy. 

Specifically, I need to make curtains soon, and I would also like to make a tote. I think it can hold up to the challenge, too, because I have already used it to make one project - a dog bed. The little purple machine did a nice job. I pulled at the seems and the stitches seem quite strong, perhaps even strong enough to withstand the havoc my two little doggers will inevitably wreak on it. :)

Anyway, if you're looking for a starter sewing machine, as I was since I had not sewn in years, then you might want to look into this one. I got mine from HSN for $22 last week, which I thought was a bargain until I just found out that they're now selling it   for $17. Oh well...I'm still super pumped about all of the DIY possibilities!

UPDATE: In the last couple of weeks, my mini sewer stopped working. :( It's possible that I'm doing something wrong or messed it up in some way, but it's probably just that this inexpensive machine was not built to last. Sorry I suggested it before!