Hi everyone it’s Cindy here. I know it’s been a couple weeks since my last post so I thought I would start with a little health update. If you missed out on what is going on you can check out my previous post to learn about my surgery. I am recovering well and had my stitches out this past Monday. I’m now cleared to drive although the nerve discomfort (from the surgery) makes walking painful so I have only ventured out when absolutely necessary. I see the neurologist this coming Monday and expect to get the results from my biopsy. Please keep all the Power of the Paw and Good Thoughts coming so that hopefully I can get some relief soon.
Okay now on to the reason for this post. If you remember I crocheted Millie & Walter costumes for this past Halloween.

Walter & Millie as
Stan Marsh & Wendy Testaburger
Of course they were thrilled with their sweaters and hats as you can see above (really what dog is?) but they indulged me enough to get a picture. When I set out to make the sweaters I searched the internet for a pattern but couldn’t find one that was exactly what I wanted. I finally decided to use this dog sweater pattern I found on the Lion Brand site as a guide and started out creating my pieces. I used the pattern to determine the dimensions of the back piece and the chest piece and just used single crochet.
I decided to add buttons to the pattern instead of trying to squeeze their legs into the holes if I had sewn the sweater completely closed. Millie & Walter are both very good about not fidgeting and let me put them on and button them up easily. My two pups both weigh 50 pounds but are built slightly differently. Walter has a larger chest and after sewing together the back and chest pieces as described in the pattern it didn’t fit. I made the chest piece bigger and it still didn’t fit across Walter’s chest so I added a few rows at the neck line to give him some more room. You can see the extra rows, that go crosswise in the picture below, at the top of the triangle where the leg hole is.
I liked the idea of these fairly simple costumes for this year since I was really just creating basic sweaters. Neither Millie or Walter have had the need for a sweater to keep warm while outside but this way we will have them if needed.
For the neck I made a ribbed collar by using a technique I learned from making baby booties. To complete the sweaters I covered buttons to match the sweaters.
I found a few patterns for covered buttons online and improvised from them based on the weight of the yarn I was using and the size of my buttons. I have a large collection of buttons and figured instead of buying buttons to match the yarn I would just cover what I had and use them. I was able to pull out of my button stash enough buttons of the same size for both sweaters. To close the sweaters I created chain stitch eyelets.
The hats were also a bit of improvisation. For Walter’s hat I started with the pattern from the Stan Marsh Amigurumi I made. When it got to the ear holes I just created the holes with some chain stitches. I fit the spacing for the holes by marking them to where Walter’s ears actually fit on the hat.
I added an elastic strap to hold it on. Even though the elastic is a little thick you can’t really see it when it is on. It is just tight enough to keep the hat on his head without pulling the hat down too much.
Millie’s hat was also improvised. I started with the same pattern for Walter’s hat but then had to figure out how to make the beret shape. I again found a few patterns on the internet and used them as a guide for the shaping. I’m really pleased with how it came out and hope she will let me put it on her again some time. I topped the hat off with another covered button.
To get the hat to stay on this time I used thinner elastic that I hand sewed it as seen above.
As always I had fun creating these outfits for the pups. I used worsted weight yarn and an “I-9” (5.5mm) hook for all the pieces.
We sure wish our Mommy could crotchet. Healing purrs and paws crossed your test results are good. ~Tuiren & Family
We hope you heal up furry furry well! Pawesome costume toowooowooo, but I hope my Mama doesn’t get any ideas! WOL!
Wow! That is some great improvising and of course they both look gorgeous in them. I sure hope my mom doesn’t get any ideas for next year. She has tried a few strange things since teaching herself to crochet a couple years ago.
The costumes are fantastic! Really made me smile… thank you. 🙂
OMD! Those are just FANGTASTIC!! Mom is slowly (VERY slowly) teaching herself different crochet stitches. So far she has managed to make little two little scottie dogs that are about 5cm x 3cm in size BOL!
Wally & Sammy
You are so into your crocheting now Cindy. It makes me smile with joy every time I see something you have made. Love the dog coat pattern and brilliant idea to put buttons instead of sewing it up. Much easier to get on and off, especially with bigger dogs.
You poor thing, I hope your leg is less painful soon and you can get around without discomfort.
Hugs from everyone here.
Lynne Dip and Elliot (and Ming < : ) x
The costumes are absolutely gorgeous! Our paws are crossed for good test results, Miss Cindy!
Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
Cindy thank you for the update. My goodness I do hope and pray your visit on Monday will render a wealth of information and something you can take/do so that there is no pain when walking.
I hope you aren’t getting any of that horrible snow. do you ever remember that much snow falling in one day? I just heard another 2′ is expected today!
Walter and Millie are the most fashionable pups in Blogville. I love the colors and pattern you used.
Hugs Cecilia and Madi
Wow, those are beautiful costumes and you look fab in them!
I send you tons of Weim-power and I hope you will get only good news. I love Walters and Millie’s outfits, I think they look toooo good to wear them only for howl-o-ween, they are perfect for all special days :o) it’s like magic how great the Stan-hat fits to Walter :o)
Keeping you in our prayers for good test results and pain relief!! Just love these sweaters/costumes….I really need to branch out beyond the blanket making!!
Absolutely live the pink beret
Lily & Edward
Those are beautiful…even if the pups weren’t too thrilled.
Hope you’re back running around soon. We’ll keep our paws crossed.
That picture! I kept looking at it and laughing. 🙂 Sam
You did a very good job.. the sweaters are beautiful. We have our paws crossed for you too.
love
tweedles
All paws crossed for good test results! Your crochet work is AMAZING!! Absolutely awesome! Hope you are feeling better too. xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug
hello millie and walter its dennis the vizsla dog hay yoo guys luk verry stylish in yore kroshayd owtfits!!! not to menshun nice and warm!!! we ar stil sending tail wags to yore mama that she feels better!!! ok bye
That is impressive! BUTT we are lucky our mom has ZERO skills cuz we like naked best.
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Don’t give our mom any ideas….just sayin’
Wyatt and Stanzie