Paw Paw's Yarn
On today’s television program, I will show a very special skein of yarn. It’s special because it was spun from Paw Paw’s fur! Victoria Pettigrew runs a business called VIP Fibers www.vipfibers.com located in Morgan Hill, CA. Victoria started spinning wool because she just hated the idea of throwing away the fluffy hair that came from her own chow chows after brushing and grooming. So instead, she kept storing it away and explained to her questioning husband that she wanted to spin it into soft yarn and knit something as a keepsake. He went right out and bought her a spinning wheel. Victoria became totally hooked on spinning and that’s how her business was born. And VIP Fibers would be very happy to spin yarn collected from the fur of your beloved pet.
The big question now is what special keepsake shall I knit from Paw Paw’s lovely yarn? Any suggestions?
This is Paw Paw yesterday after his grooming, doesn't he look great!
Paw Paw's Hair collected from brushing and the groomer
Here is the step by step process as taken from VIPfibers.com
4.1 Weigh raw fiber 5. Upon receipt of payment in full, fiber is assigned a Lot # and goes in queue for
1. Collect your pet hair How to Collect Fur
2. Complete our on-line Work Order Request Form Work Order Request Form
3. Send your pet hair to VIP Fibers Shipping to VIP Fibers
4. When VIP Fibers receives your fur we:
4.2 Assess the fiber
4.3 Assign a Fiber #
4.5 Log it in our system
4.6 Each Fiber goes into it's own labeled box
4.6 Prepare a Work Order Form
4.7 Scan the photo of your pet
4.8 Post your invoice on our website
4.9 Mail you a copy of the Work Order
4.10 Email you a copy of the Work Order
processing.
6. Fiber is carded in preparation of spinning
7. Fiber is spun & plied into yarn 8
9. Yarn is the put through our washing process.
9.1 Washing . Yarn is hung to dry and set the twist in our special drying room
11. Yarn is then re-skeined or ball wound and custom labels (with your pet's photo) are
12. If a custom keepsake is ordered, the yarn then goes into queue for creation.
13. Yarn or keepsake is packaged for shipment
9.2 De-Enzyming Odor & Allergies
9.3 Conditioned
10
applied
14. A shipping notice is emailed to you with the tracking number. Shipping
How about Paw Paw's picture cross stitch?
Posted by: Purli | February 14th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Martha:)
How absolutely fantastic. I've seen this before but didn't know that there was anyone still doing this. I think a lovely throw or small blanket would be great as something you could knit from Paw Paw's yarn. Or maybe you could do some beautiful Christmas ornaments with the yarn. Of course it all depends on how much yarn you have as to the exact type of keepsake you knit. But what ever you knit will be beautiful. Please share it with us when you have finished.
Much Love and Happy Thoughts
Linda Gail
Posted by: Linda Gail | February 14th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Hi Martha, What a fascinating blog about handsome Paw Paw! He looks absolutely fantastic after his grooming. How about doing something like a needlepoint portrait of Paw Paw using his fur and framing the portrait to hang in your office or above a fireplace. I would love to see whatever you decide to do with his beautiful fur. Good luck on your project. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 14th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Hi Martha,
I think you should knitt it into something you can take with you when you travel and cannot take Paw Paw with you. Something nice and soft that you can hold onto when your lonely for him. Take care,
Angelica
Posted by: Angelica | February 14th, 2008 at 1:29 am
Definitely a scarf if you have enough yarn.
Posted by: Sue B | February 14th, 2008 at 4:49 am
What a neat idea! I would have appreciated having yarn made of my late Stella's fur! I think Paw Paw's beloved friend Sharkey would really appreciate a sweater made from his Buddie's warm coat for them cold winter months. I also wonder if a pair of warm house slippers/socks for yourself might be fun. I know I love to tuck my feet under my dogs to warm them up.
Whatever you make I'm sure it will be special to you. TY for sharing.
Posted by: Sarah | February 14th, 2008 at 6:20 am
I too have knitted with my dog's hair. I have an Old English Sheepdog, Noah. What to do with all of that hair after grooming? Knit a sweater. I was explained how to prepare the hair but I was told after the long process of cleaning the hair, it then had to go to leprechuns in Jersey. I found out that was not true and followed the correct process. Anyway, I knitted a sweater and if you would like to see it I would be happy to send a picture. Geez, I'm sorry I didn't know about this show. I love to knit. I'll be in Manhattan next Thursday and Friday and hoped to get tickets to your show. I haven't heard from anyone yet if I am accepted. Oh, well, next dog hair show.....
Posted by: Sue Russell Glover | February 14th, 2008 at 7:07 am
That is just so darn cool!!! I think you should have a little sweater made for Paw Paw, what do you think? how fun, all the possibilites, your blog is so fun to read Martha
deezie
Posted by: deezie | February 14th, 2008 at 7:29 am
How about making coats for Sharky and Francesca. What could keep them warmer than Paw Paw's own fur!
Posted by: Dianne Gavula | February 14th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Hi, Martha,
What a wonderful idea! I would have loved to have been able to make a warm sweater out of the fur of my first dog.
Whatever you decide to make will be a extra special keepsake.
Paw Paw is so handsome!
Thanks for letting us know about Victoria Pettigrew's VIP Fibers.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | February 14th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I'd knit a blanket I could cozy under while watching tv, knitting, or reading! I LOVE MY DOG TOO!
Posted by: Jane M | February 14th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Hi Martha,
How wonderful for you to have this marvelous keepsake. Several years ago my dad took brushed fur from my Godmother's dog, spun it, and knit a tam for her that she still wears to this day! She loves the fact that she has a rememberance from one of her favorite pets.
Posted by: Shannon | February 14th, 2008 at 7:57 am
How interesting.
I've knitted with my dog's hair too, but not intentionally
Posted by: Carol | February 14th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Incredible!!! Finally, a reward for the pet owners who have to clean up tons of hair every day!!!!
Posted by: sally | February 14th, 2008 at 8:56 am
My best friend has a Malamute and spins yarn from his fur. A nice keepsake. LOVE your Frenchies. See my Pipi on Living Tastefully/Passions to Pastry.
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen | February 14th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Hi Martha,
My suggestion would be a scraf.
Something that you could wrap around you to take the chill away, easy to travel with on all those plane rides, and best of all Paw Paw would always be close to your heart.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Pauline Mucciaccio
Posted by: PAULINE MUCCIACCIO | February 14th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Oh,knit a hat and gloves! Maybe with a little chowchow doggie on them. Then when you take the dogs walking you can be toasty warm too!
Posted by: olga | February 14th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I would make a large, decorative wall hanging out of it, with other materials included, like bamboo for the frame. People will wonder where it came from!
Posted by: Erica Woronko | February 14th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I have yarn from my beloved departed dog Ute. I have not yet done anything with it, but it is very comforting to me that I can still have her near in an appropriate way.
I think you should make a scarf that can always be with you when you need a special snuggle.
Posted by: Sid Simpson | February 14th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I don't think I have ever seen Paw Paw after a fresh hair cut. He is gorgeous either way, with long or short fur but now he looks cold! I think you should make him his very own blanket with his own fur. Maybe after his next clipping you could have twin sweaters made for Sharky and Fransceca. I wish I had known about this process when our poodles were getting their hair cuts. Thanks for a most interesting blog! Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 14th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Now, you are making me think. I have a Lhasa apso. He has gorgeous hair and he gets it cut every six weeks....
Posted by: Rhea | February 14th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I am really enjoying your blogs, thank you so much for sharing your life and ideas with us!
I would knit a lap blanket, even if it's a very small one. Then I would display it by folding it over the back of a chair or draped on an ottoman so all your guests (and of course yourself) can enjoy it.
Happy Valentine's Day, Joan
Posted by: Joan | February 14th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Hi Martha,
How about a cozy hat from the yarn?
I was just checking out your pictures from last weekend at your farm, and I was SO surprised to see NO SNOW? Wow! I am in Vermont ( not far away) and I have 3 feet in the front yard! You are so lucky! I like winter, but sometimes up here it IS too long! But spring is around the corner!
Have a good day!
Posted by: Heather | February 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I like the idea of a scarf as well. A tam would also be very nice on you. The colors are your colors. You would look so smashing riding your horses or walking the farm.
As always thank you for the interested blog.
Posted by: Margie | February 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Martha,
I loved the piece and your groomer seems to be on top of it. I would reccomend you do some research on the effects of brushing dirty dogs and also using those "mat breakers" The issue is damage to teh top coat leading to FUTURE more mats. Many of us (groomers) were trained to do alot of prebath brushing but have really changed our ways. I speak at grooming seminars and we talk alot mroe now about maintaing coat integrity so that you don't get damaged coat and MORE mats later.
COnsider FELTING the remaining hair into a 'model' of Paw Paw...you will find alot about Felt 'dolls' online.
I am glad you have such a well-mannered chow chow! Kudos to you!
Posted by: Cheryl Russell-Miller | February 14th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hi Martha!
I know what you ought to do with the yarn, and it was the first thing that popped into my head. Depending on the amount of fur, you hsould knit either a scarf or a shoulder wrap. That way it's as if Paw Paw is giving you a big puppy-hug every time you wear it!
Posted by: Kim Wylie | February 14th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Dear Martha,
I had a German Shepherd and he shed very much due to the two layers coat like Paw-Paw's. I used the hair to make bird nests. The cavity nest birds like : Sparrows, Tree Swallows, Bluebirds, Caroline Han and Chickadees use the dog hair to make their nest. So place the hair in the yard inside a bird box, inside a spiral cone made with chicken wire (hang in the tree), in a small basket or by the bird feeder. The birds will come and take some.
Maria Quadrino
Posted by: Maria Quadrino | February 14th, 2008 at 11:11 am
HI Martha!! I LOVE that you will always have a piece of Paw Paw to keep with you. Wouldn't a little change purse be fun to knit with a silver clasp and pretty lining?
I'm home on vacation the week before I start my new job and the best part is being able to watch your show every day! Happy Valentine's Day!!
-Laura P.
Posted by: Laura | February 14th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Martha, I think the best idea for Paw Paw's yarn is some old fashioned mittens. New York, as well as the surrounding states are freezing durring the winter, and mittens would be a great little project.
Posted by: Audrey | February 14th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Hi Martha!
To be honest, at first I was a little turned off by the idea of using dog hair to make yarn. But as I thought about it more, and read how the hair is processed, it really is an amazing and special way to always have your pet with you. Now, I am envious that I can not use the millions of one-inch hairs that come off my Black Lab to do the same.
Martha, my suggestion is like the very first on the blog, have a cross-stitch or needlepoint portrait made of Paw Paw. Maybe have it done in the fashion of an 1800s sampler with Paw Paw's name, birthday etc. It would look great in the Bedford Summer House!
Can not wait to see what you do with the yarn.
Happy Saint Valentine's Day!
Jon
Posted by: Jon | February 14th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Martha, I have searched everywhere for your scalloped heart punch. I must get my hands on one. I can not sleep until I have one in my hands. Michaels does not have them, ebay no luck, your online craft store does not. Where or Where Martha must I go?
Posted by: jennifer shabro | February 14th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Martha,
I have a standard poodle and a friend of ours makes the most beautiful purses out of his hair. I had never heard of any one doing this before until your show. I love my purse so much, I always have my pet "Jet" with me.
Caren from Buffalo
Posted by: caren licata | February 14th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Martha-
What a wonderful idea! Using pet hair and creating a handmade item is a great way to 'recycle' pet hair.
Another way to 'recycle' pet hair is to put it out in a suet feeder in the spring. Birds will use to build their nests. My husband and I put out cat hair and it gets "grabbed up" right away!
Posted by: Mary Kay Ball | February 14th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Why not send the yarn to http://www.cattyshackcreations.com and have one of their creations made. They are beautiful and make a great keepsake that is actually usable. I have one and LOVE it. My pet passed away last year, but I still have my treasured handbag.
Posted by: D. Sue | February 14th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Hey Martha
I love Paw Paw but my heart belongs to Chow Chows anyway. I think you should knit something you would either wear or use frequently that way he will always be with you. I'm sure if you don't have enough yet with a chow chow you will be able to get enough soon. I have a 5 year old female and I wish I had known about this sooner I had kept a bag of her fur for over a year becuase it was soft and I thought it would be neat to do something with. Chow Chows Rule!
Posted by: Michelle | February 14th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
A friend of mine has an beautiful dog that a neighbor asked them for the fur that they got after grooming. Without telling them what she wanted the fur for, she spun the yarn and made the cutest stuffed bear and gave it to them as an Anniversary gift.
Posted by: Kathy Allen | February 14th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Hi Martha:
Better to make a wall hanging that does not require laundering as I understand once it gets wet it has an oder of "wet dog". Beautiful hair though...
Posted by: Diane Pruitt | February 14th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Hi Martha....make a "dreamcatcher" from the yarn. It can be a very interesting sculptural form and may even include items from other pets.... the chickens feathers for example...perhaps some long hairs from donkeys and so on. Your creative exploration will be delightful to see.
Posted by: Linda Keyes | February 14th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
How about crocheting a lacy table runner or a piano shawl? I was going to suggest a tea cozy, but then your pot of tea might smell like a doggie!
Posted by: Hooligan | February 14th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I saw this being done outside of The Roycroft Inn, in East Aurora, NY. I think you should make a lovely scarf with Paw Paw's fur. Or you can line the inside of a pair of gloves with it or slippers.
Posted by: Katie Pawlowski | February 14th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
How about a collar or collars for the Frenchies ? I am an ex dog groomer and have a lot of experience with pet hair!
It would be very easy to make collars out of the yarned fur, with leather or fabric as the base.
I did something similar for my clients at the grooming shop in the place of hair ribbons (cause hair matting when tied into fur).
My clients loved it !!!
Posted by: Brenda Bartlett | February 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Paw Paw is adorable! I've spun fur from two rescue cats - a Persian and a Himalayan. I mixed their black & white fibers together for a wonderful yarn which became a scarf. I also knit a pair of mittens from just Persian cat fur. Gloves really don't take a lot of yarn - even less if you do some sort of fingerless gloves.
Posted by: Nanette | February 14th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
What a truly unique and interesting idea. Recycling at it's best.
I think cozy slipper socks would be wonderful to make.
Take care
Doreen, Vermont Harvest Bears & Primitives
Posted by: Doreen Frost | February 14th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Dear Paw Paw
You look so handsome after your bath and grooming would you like to go out with me for Valentine's Day? I am 12 years old like you and I am the same color. My name is Mrs. Bosley Chow and I have a crush on you.
Suggestions-
If I was your "Mama" I would save all your beautiful fur and either make a little stuffed animal bear or a set of ear muffs. Best of all a treasured and wonderful keepsake to have forever would be a small selection of fur placed in a chow chow shaped locket for " Mama" to wear or a heart shaped locket with a piece of your fur on one side and your beautful face/ photo on the other side. Maybe your "Mama" could have herself some chow chow ear rings made to match with her birthstone or yours or diamonds whatever to wear sometimes.
My " Mama " has some of my hair in her locket and she wears it sometimes close to her heart it's a tiny one but she carries me along with her in this special way every day.
I love you Paw Paw be mine!
Happy Valentine's Day
Your's always,
Mrs. Bosley Chow Chow
From California(P.S I am single)
Posted by: Pam From California | February 14th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I never knew this was possible! Thank you for explaining the process.
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | February 14th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Hi Martha, Victoria from VIP fibers is wonderful. I have a 150# Newfoundland named Big Jake and his fur is saved after each grooming and it goes to VIP fibers to be spun a couple times a year. I have had a beautiful afgan, a scarf and several skeins of yarn left over from his fur. We even had some spun into items auctioned at a raffle last year that benefitted animal rescue. As Paw Paw is a double coated pooch like my boy Jake, they leave behind so much fur that can be saved up and sent in to make a lovely scarf or afgan for yourself. Wouldn't you love to be drapped in a afgan with his double coat in the winter to keep you warm while your on the couch reading a book. No mater what you make from Paw Paw's yarn it will be a great keepsake for you in the years to come.
Jen from Elk Grove, CA
Posted by: Jen Ellis-Garcia | February 14th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I'm a spinner and knitter and I have spun dog hair before. Great idea! It's got to be a wrap - wider than a scraf if possible - so you can wear it anytime - alfresco dinners or whatever.
Martha, we're expecting our first cria (baby) in April!
Posted by: Llama mama - N.C. | February 14th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I remember seing something like this before. Someone made gloves out of the hair of their dogs.
Posted by: Monika | February 14th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
i was so excited to see pawpaw's segment today... i'm a spinner and you see years ago, when you lost your old chow (was it wu?)i hoped some day you'd mention your dog's groomer so i could contact them and make you some suprise yarn from her puppymate pawpaw..as the segment continued i wrote down all the groomers and borders you mentioned thinking, ha now's my chance! imagine my face as i realized you were leaps and bounds ahead of me!!! enjoy your yarn(maybe i'll find out the name of your cat groomer;)thanks for years of teaching and good things! kath
Posted by: kathy | February 14th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Enjoyed your show about spinning dog hair. This is something I've always wanted to do ever since I had my Samoyed about 30 years ago. I collected it in pillowcases for the 15 years that he lived with me, still have it but have never had time to figure out how to do it in the 19 years that he has been deceased. I might be encouraged to actually do something with it now. I think a throw would look lovely over a couch. Esther
Posted by: Esther Hiuser | February 14th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
OK, first, thankfully, I don't have a husband anymore.
Second, I've said for all the 14 years I've had my cats that I have enough to make myself another cat, all I need is a cloning lab.
Now this lady can take the cat hair and turn it into yarn. I'm not sure I want this. . .but on the other hand, I don't knit!!
Posted by: Amy | February 14th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I just saw today's show and this is such a unique idea. Would this work on short-haired dogs? Paw Paw is such a beautiful dog. Surely his fur knit into any item would be beautiful. I suggest a shawl. Great for use when traveling or in cold temperatures. Good luck Martha.
Posted by: Joseph | February 14th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Well Martha, I think you should make something that's uniquely PawPaw to you. I myself would have loved to have known about this before because I would have made mittens or gloves from my little Tina's hair. Why? Cause of all the dogs I ever had, she was the one who fit me like a glove. Now the shetland sheepdog I have now would be a pair of slipper socks (kneehigh?) because he snuggles behind my knees and keeps my feet so warm on cold winter nights. Pick something that reminds you of something about him that he does that warms your heart.
Posted by: theresa | February 15th, 2008 at 12:01 am
A friend of mine sent me the link to this delightful entry this morning. I've been spinning our dog fuzzies for years now, and have been knitting, crocheting, spool knitting and weaving teddy bears. I also sculpt small fuzzy puppy dog portraits. And... I crochet 'eco'hats that I combine dog fuzz with eco fibre (ground up pop bottles). I posted pics of some of the treasures from our beloved dogs who have passed on, but who still warm our hearts and souls:
) Noreen Crone-Findlay
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/puppy-fuzz
Thank you so much for a great entry!
I think PawPaw's fur would look great as a miniature soft sculpture of her!
She looks so elegant with her new hairdo.
Posted by: Noreen Crone-Findlay | February 15th, 2008 at 12:12 am
I am glad you had the show about how to groom an undercoated dog. I was combing my dog after I gave him a bath. oops! I use a real good conditioner that has avocado oil in it and boy it makes his hair so shiny and soft. I cant wait to see all the cool stuff you will have in your book. My dog is allergic to so many things and it is really rough for a dog with much hair to have diarrhea. I kept buying and trying and finally I found out there were special tests to check what the dog was allergic to. He cannot eat dairy, eggs, yeast, peas, carrots, pork. They do not sell too much without at least 1 of these ingredients but I finally found something and the problems are gone. I bet there are dogs in the pound for this reason alone.
Posted by: theresa | February 15th, 2008 at 12:18 am
for his yarn, you could make doggie mittens or a doggie blanket for the other dogs
Posted by: Angela | February 15th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Paw Paw, we see the king being given his due today. Only the king of all chows is worthy of such high treatment. Your human woman should be honored to wear your fur as a reminder of your nobility. Bookmarks made of your outstanding mane to be given at you next birthday celebration would be our most humble suggestion. Ever you faithfull canine guards, the Montana dachunds.
Posted by: robin ball | February 15th, 2008 at 10:13 am
He looks so happy! I'm sure it must be just like when we have a major hair cut, like weight being lifted off our shoulders
Posted by: Benita | February 15th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I brushed my dog today and have a baggie of hair already! I am going to brush him more often and then wash him like your groomer does. As I am posting this, your donkies are on tv!!! I love them!! I wish I could get one but I live in the city and am lucky I am getting away with keepin my peking duck Quincey.
Posted by: theresa | February 15th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
OMGosh Paw Paw is so gorgeous! My Chihuahua Pomeranians are only 4 and 6 pounds. I have purchased that toothpaste from the Veterinarian but I cannot find a brush small enough to get into their mouths, especially the back. Would your pet experts have any suggestions on a small enough brush?
Posted by: Charlene Austin (Willow01) | February 15th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Dear Martha
Loved the piece on grooming PawPaw. Have you tried using deshedding tool "Furminator"? I work at a veterinary hospital in NW Ohio. I also own a rough coated collie, a pug and 5 cats. I have found the Furminator makes quick work of removing undercoat-my dogs enjoy having their coats brushed two to three times a week. When I get out the Furminator (medium size) my cats line up drooling in anticipation of being brushed out. It is excellent and gentle on the skin and coat of the pet. Please consider gifting PawPaw with a Furminator-even your Frenchies will benefit from this tool - useful on smooth coated dogs (my Pug loves it). Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Staczek | February 15th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
You should make something and have an auction or raffle and donate the proceeds to a shelter to help other animals that need homes. PS Paw Paw looks so handsome!
Posted by: Jennifer H. | February 15th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Martha...How about a gorerous picture of you on one of your horses. The pictures I've seen of the barn are incredible. Thanks...
Posted by: Craig Graham | February 15th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Martha and Paw Paw,
Wow!! You look great Paw Paw after your treat groom day!
Knitting something special like an afghan or scarf would be extra special and close to your heart! Or how about this...I've even seen pictures of the dog silhouettes (say your Chow Chow) and the fur is either needlepointed in or punched to look like his coat! Really neat!
Loved seeing Paw Paw getting some pampering at the SPA! Interesting story and to see his double coat!
We have Yorkshire Terriers. They have hair rather than fur and I must admit, they sit on my lap when I knit so I know pieces of their hair get incorporated in my work! LOL
To the blogger (Willow01- Charlene) who wanted to know what to use for a doggie toothbrush...I use the cat toothbrush on my Yorkshire Terriers, that are made by CET...they have smaller heads to get back into their little mouths. Good luck!
Thanks Martha and Happy Valentine's Day (a little late!) to you and Paw Paw!!
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. | February 15th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Hi Martha !
The yarn looks beautiful .
There is a tool called "Clover felting needle "
http://www.clover-usa.com
How about using this needle to do a felt photo of Paw Paw ?
Posted by: melissa | February 15th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Hello Martha,
Just last week I met a woman in a yarn shop in Saratoga Springs NY who had The MOST BEAUTIFUL scarf. It was made from the fur of one of her most beloved Golden Retrievers. The dog had died a few years ago but, she had this lovely reminder of him.
I wish I had thought of that before my little Pekingese died. What a wonderful reminder it would have been.
I think it would be SO much nicer then something for the 2 Frenchies.
Posted by: Cretta Burchard | February 16th, 2008 at 5:40 am
What a gorgeous dog. He looked like he was really enjoying his day at the spa and what a sweet disposition.
Posted by: Ann B | February 16th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Hello! Your dog is absolutely beautiful. How about a pillow top or throw made from his fur? Of course what ever one makes it would depend on how much fur Paw Paw makes. Thank you for the opportunity to write to you. I love your show. Nancy Lee
Posted by: Nancy Lee | February 16th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Oh my goodness...that video was absolutely adorable! What a great break in my afternoon.
Posted by: Candice Carpenter | February 16th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Scarves are soooooo popular now and so comforting close to your heart. I vote for making or having a scarf made with Paw Paw's yarn. What a special keepsake.
Posted by: Nancy R. | February 16th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
It would be a great idea to auction the yarn or whatever you make with the yarn and use the money to help animals in need!
you have MY bid!!
--Terry
Lafayette La
Posted by: Terry rudolph | February 16th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
What a wonderful idea. I would choose a small blanket which could lay over a chair. A scarf is nice but the blanket could be seen all the time. I wish I knew about this when I had my old 3 dogs. Now I have 2 more and am thrilled to be informed on this.
I also love the idea of the cross stitch. I plan on doing one with my 2 dogs and small pictures in the corners of my 3 old ones. It's on my to do list. I purchased software so I download the pictures I want and it creates it to stitch. I use a MAC so only know of one program to utilize for this.
Great idea Martha!
Debby
Baldwinisville NY
Posted by: dpinker1 | February 17th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Dear Martha,
I think you should make something that is cozy and loving. If you do not have much yarn, make a scarf. If you have more, make a lap blanket. In either case you will wrap yourself with your beloved Paw Paw.
Posted by: Sue Kinney | February 17th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
i don't have a suggestion, but i just wanted to say that i love Paw Paw and i hope you have him on the show more often...especially since you said he's 12 and he won't be around forever...he's beautiful...
Posted by: Janie | February 17th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Hi Martha,
Paw Paw is a very handsome guy. I would love to see what you make out of his yarn!
Posted by: Jenny | February 18th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Admire it in a beautiful basket!!! I store my handspun in several of my Longaberger baskets. I am happy to look at all of the handspun, it is good for the soul.
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | February 19th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
An 18th century French silk needlework picture that I happen to own, and others I have seen, often have a woman embroidered with her dog. How precious it would be to have something similiar designed using some of Paw Paw's fur and preserving it under glass as a keepsake long after he is gone. I saved some fur of my first beloved dog and it's kept in an antique box. My little Italian Greyhound's coat is too short and silky to make into yarn, but I wear her hair on all my clothes especially BLACK! LOL
Posted by: Lisa | February 20th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
How wonderfully fascinating, Martha. I have Llama's and I am looking for a spinnung wheel for myself. Where can I find them?
You are so creative and I really enjoy your blog. I look forward to see what you decide to do with Paw Paw's fiber. Possible a scarf?
Posted by: Carolyn | February 20th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
MARTHA, I DID NOT READ ALL THE COMMENTS, BUT THEY ALL SEEM TO REQUIRE "YARN". OUR MAGGIE, NOW DECEASED, HAD HER PORTRAIT DONE WITH HER OWN FUR. A FRIEND OF MY MOTHER-IN-LAW THOUGHT OF THE IDEA IN A DREAM. SHE WOKE UP AND STARTED IN WITH HER OWN PETS. MY MOTHER-IN-LAW SAW IT AND CALLED ME RIGHT AWAY AND WE BROUGHT MAGGIE OVER TO MEET HER. SHE STARTED TAKING LITTLE SNIPS AND SOME PICTURES OF HER AND TOLD US TO BRING HER FUR BACK TO HER AFTER HER NEXT GROOMING. WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE OUR MAGGIE WITH US. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SEND A PICTURE, BUT MY DAUGHTER IS HELPING SO MAYBE YOU'LL GET ONE. IT REALLY IS AMAZING!! ALL YOUR PETS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL, I LOVE HIMILAYANS!!! WE HAVE 6 CATS AND A DOG SO WE HAVE A HOUSEFUL. WENDY
Posted by: WENDY CORKILL | February 22nd, 2008 at 7:49 pm
What a wonderful day for PawPaw! The idea of spinning the coat hair is wonderful! I have a 3 year old black American Cocker and the undercoat comes out in goobs. Now I know what to do with all his soft, lofty hair! Thanks Martha for sharing this idea, it's a Good Thing! As for an idea of what to do with PawPaw's yarn, just keep it and someday if you ever find the time, make something wonderful for your Frenchies!
Posted by: Campi | February 23rd, 2008 at 12:33 am
Dear Martha!
Love your show. I didn't expect to see this idea! Big surprise! I am from Ukraine and know that people in north Russia use dog's wool/yarn to knit scarves, socks, shoes inserts, mittens, hats, even wide waist belts to help with arthritis, back pain, and cold winters. It's like your pet pays you back for the love you give her!
Wonderful idea! I wish I had a dog...
Irina
Posted by: Iryna Boehland | February 26th, 2008 at 3:04 am
I too have Chow Chows. I saved my Dustin's fur for years from grooming, much to the chagrin of my son who questioned me all the time about what was I going to do with it, there certainly wasn't enough to do anything. I rescued two other Chows and saved their fur as well. I knew my Dustin's time was short (he passed away when he was 13) and found a woman who works for the same company as I who spins! She made my yarn 50% fur, 50% wool. It's glorious! She pulled the fur from each so I could have a ball of each of their own fur. Dustin was Paw Paw's color, Patience is a lighter red, and Paddington Bear is a rusty blue. I crocheted a blanket using granny squares. I have three squares where the center is each of their own fur. It's very special, beautiful, and toasty. I especially treasure it since my Dustin isn't with me anymore.
I was so excited to see your show when you had Paw Paw's ball of yarn.
A house is not a home without a Chow Chow!
Posted by: Christine Grande | February 27th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I think a nice sweater for your French Bulldogs would be very special from Paw Paw's fur.
Posted by: Sherry | February 29th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
i just signed up and did so because i to had a beagle years ago that i named Paw Paw...on the way home from our honeymoon in washington dc we where on the penn turnpike and right ahead of us was a truck from paw paw michigan. right then and there i told my husband that is the name of the dog we left at home nameless....what a truly wonderful pet and will always be in my memories.
Posted by: judi rockwell | March 11th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Hi Martha- This is the basket I would put Paw Paw's spun fur in...it has a cute buckle on the front and is a rich brown color. The weaves are both thick and thin. All these details would compliment the beautiful handspun. This basket is featured on my website for sale at this time only $35.00. (called t.v. time basket). Just ordered one and am waiting in anticipation to receive it. Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | March 26th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Martha- I would be glad to knit a hat for you with the yarn. What style Martha?
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | April 9th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Tears welled up my eyes when i read yr blog rdg paw2. Last year , I too have lost two of my pet dogs - girl2 - silky terrier ( feb 2007 )and bear2 - shar pei ( april 2007. Till now I yearn for their presence and I have "rested" them inside my garden. THe saying "time will heal" holds not much for me cos silent tear do occur occasionally . Anyway, both of us are lucky to have pets like paw2, girl2 and bear2 with us for so many good years and they are watching from above.
Your show was aired twice a day ( morning/past midnight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( different episode ) I , like many others will miss seeing Paw2 on the show.
Take care
mei
Take care
mei
Posted by: mei | April 16th, 2008 at 5:21 am
I'm so sorry about paw paw. I have a cat and I love her very much. I had put a cat to sleep about 7 yrs ago and it was so hard to lose her, so I know what you're going through. Paw Paw was a beautiful dog and I know loved very much. So sorry Eileen
Posted by: Eileen | April 16th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I say a scarf - it will be an especially precious momento now that Paw Paw has passed away.
Posted by: heidi | April 19th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I'm wondering if you've decided on what to make out of Paw-Paw's fur. There's so many good suggestions. I hope you post it on your blog as I seldom get a chance to catch your show during the day.
Posted by: Sherry | May 14th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
This in my first time leaving a comment I was actually looking for a place where I could send Martha a picture of my new puppy..Im sure that no one else would find her as precious or unique as I, but who knows..Her name is Shami K Labowsky LOL..Shami because of her coloring.K because my daughters name is Kami Chey and it sounded cute...and Labowsky because she is LAB, chOW.huSKY...lol...Her mother is a black chow chow and her father is a black lab husky mix and somehow they only made one pup and she was born nearly white..now at twelve weeks she is a creamy (shami) off white color with light brown ears and the same color on the tips of her toes and tail...she is simply beautiful and for some reason I just wanted to share her unique beauty with Martha Stewart
Posted by: valerie miller | September 15th, 2008 at 5:18 am
This is cool! Are there any similar places in Toronto, Ontario?
Posted by: Michelle Poon | February 15th, 2009 at 7:45 am