The key here is the little dog being in a carrier purse of some sort. Although you can buy a basic one for about $30, you can add your own fashion touches to match you--and your dog--if you make your own.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Mesh
- Large zipper --- ideally a couple inches longer than the dog
- Scissors
- Thread
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Stiff cardboard or thin, rigid plastic
- Accessories--bows, ribbon (optional)
- Small hook, like from the end of a leash
- Small length of cord
- Iron
- Ironing board
Instructions
Choose your materials. You will need some sort of mesh or netting for the ends of the purse and vinyl or some tough fabric for the sides. Fortunately, most fabric stores, especially those that have a home decorating section, should have what you need in a variety of styles. Make sure to pick up matching thread and a extra-tough needle for your sewing machine while you're there.
Decide how big to make the purse. You will want it big enough for your dog to fit in comfortably and small enough that you can carry it comfortably. Measure your dog's height (including the top of its head) and length, and add 3 inches each way. That's the height and length of your purse. Now measure how much room your dog takes when he's lying down, and add a couple inches all around. That's how big the bottom or base rectangle of your purse will be.
Cut out the purse. You will need two pieces of material the size of the bottom of your purse. Take your cardboard or thin, rigid plastic and cut it so it is 1 inch smaller than the bottom of your purse.
Decide if you want the sides of your purse to be solid or have some mesh in them. At least one side should be solid; because this is a purse, you will need to add a pocket for wallet, keys and phone. Ideally, these pockets should be where your dog can't get to them when it's zipped up in your purse.
Cut out the sides. They should each be the length and height of your dog (plus the 3 inches) plus 1 inch for seam allowance. If you are going to add pockets to a side, now is the time. Cut out another piece as long as but slightly shorter (top to bottom) than the side piece. Fold over, press and hem one long edge. Baste the other long edge to the bottom of the side piece. Sew the side pieces to the bottom of the purse.
Add the ends. You will need two triangular pieces of mesh for the ends, as long as the end "floor" and as high as the side panels (include an inch for seam allowance). The triangles can have a flat top 1 to 2 inches across, rather than come to a point. Sew the mesh triangles to the bottom or "floor" and to the side pieces.
Add the finishing touches. Following the manufacturer's instructions, sew the zipper into the top of the sides. Take your short piece of cord, say 6 to 10 inches, and attach it to the inside of the purse. Attach the leash hook to it. You can attach the hook to your pet's collar to prevent escape and injury.
Take more of the fabric and make two shoulder straps. Sew them to the sides of the purse wherever they feel comfortable for you. Add ribbons, bows or other doggy-matching accessories, and then take your little pup on a shopping trip.
In order to keep your pup inside the purse no matter what, you will need a little hook or clasp, like the one on the end of his leash, to attach to the inside of the purse. You can pick this up for about $1 at any hardware store.