Dogs and Fleece...What a Combination!

I just love this picture of our dogs, Muffin and Bingo. They are such sweet dogs! This picture was taken about a year ago on our old couch that has since gone on to its greater reward (it was worn in so many places we lost count!).

The blanket they are laying on is a fleece blanket I made Nick for Christmas a few years ago. Fleece blankets have become my go-to gift; they are easy to make, and seem to be very much appreciated. And if you can catch fleece on sale, a nice bargain to boot! For the average sized adult, I buy 2 1/2 yards of patterned fleece in something I think the recipient will like (Nick likes orange) and the same measure of a coordinating backing fleece. Lay them wrong sides together and trim all the way around so that all sides are even. Then I cut 4 square inches off each of the four corners, and then make 4-inch cuts all the way around the blanket--through both layers at once. Take one set of fleece strips (1 pattern and the underlying backing) and tie in a double overhand knot. Do this all the way around and in about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, you'll have a fleece blanket to keep you warm on the coldest winter night! (As will sleeping with dogs!)