Is there a way to de-lump padded dog beds when they've been washed, and make the stuffing nice and comfy again? Or is it a lesson learned not to buy cheap in the marketplace? :-D

> Or is it a lesson learned not to buy cheap in the marketplace? :-D

Probably, or it depends upon what the original filling was? and how good you are with a needle and thread. You could replace the filling with new wadding or foam filling. And put poppas on the cover so you can take the filling out each time you want to wash it.

Ooh, I like that idea. I've just been out buying new zips for the other dog bed which puppy chewed, also replacing a cushion zip where the cushion had been left on the floor.... I could definitely get some new filling or a little quilt type thing and turn it into a similar thing. Thanks!

Strangely my hounds seem to like lumpy beds, nothing better than a screwed up vet bed on which you place your head and one elbow leaving the rest of yourself on the cool tiles.

might be a bit late now but for future reference; put tennis balls (4ish) in the tumble dryer and it bashes it around as it tumbles. supposed to help and I think it does.
I have resolved not to buy any more lovely squishy beds that are stuffed with hollow fibre polyester (duvet stuffing) as they are great for a short time, then go wafer thin,flat and/or lumpy ! not designed for lying on top of at all I think but we all buy them cos they look so comfy in the shop

OT but can anyone tell me how to add smilys to a message? thanks

> OT but can anyone tell me how to add smilys to a message? thanks

For happy press space bar after the end of your sentence and then press Semi colon Key = : and then the closed bracket key above number 0 = )  = :)

For sad just use opposite closed bracket above number 9 = ( = :(

The zip up cushions from old sofas make good beds, and when the padding/stuffing has had it you can fold duvets and pop them inside, both the cover and duvet can then be washed.

Gosh, everyone's house sounds like a room from Steptoe and Sons, old cushions, beding, sofa cushions strewn around everywhere. Mix and match designs, nothing matching, old and worn, my idea of decor hell. At least they'll be clean though eh. :)

> my idea of decor hell.

what's decor ;) ????

> The zip up cushions from old sofas make good beds, and when the padding/stuffing has had it you can fold duvets and pop them inside, both the cover and duvet can then be washed.

Well it's not this that's for sure. :)

Thrift recycling and practicality :)

More money left to spend on dogs, and less regret if they damage anything.

Isn't the distressed look in anymore?? ;0

I hope your not one of them you see loitering around the recycle park at the weekend, taking out more than you throw in. :)

Oh dear, you spotted us.

I thought it was your Discovery I saw, piled high with junk, speeding off before anyone seen ya. Just remind me to bring me own chair next time I visit, you never know where yours has bin. :)

I know slightly off topic but.. this reminds me of when we had amber, she did love her beds and she used to re- arrange them all the time, and one day me and mum decided to make her a special bean bag bed, so off we went to the market to buy the little beans and spent all afternoon stuffing and sewing it together (as well as some unfortunate sleeves that got in the way of the needle). After a long afternoon it was finished, though it resembled something akin to a Dr Frankenstein creation we didn't care.

As we proudly set down the lumpy bumpy bed and stepped back to admire it (hair slightly dishevelled), amber comes rushing in with great delight launching herself towards the bed..... it explodes everywhere and I swear we are still finding those little balls around the house, LOL killed in 0.0002 seconds poor bed. 

> it explodes everywhere and I swear we are still finding those little balls around the house, LOL killed in 0.0002 seconds poor bed.

Ah I see the problem, you need to remember to tie off the ends of your threads. LOL

Perhaps you would be better with the glue gun next time, and leave the sewing to Kirstie Allsopp. :)

To be honest I think we got a bit excited and overstuffed it, forgetting the dog weighed in at about 12 stone.

Little Mia has a lovely bean bag bed that she just uses for resting and playing not sleeping. She often does a run up to it and jumps on it with great delight. Fortunately Ros the lady from the bedding box who made it made it very strongly and the beans are still in place.

Please beware that bean bags can be a danger to dogs should they split of be chewed - a few of the poly beans swallowed does not matter but breathing in does.

what's decor  ????

I thinks it's the mound of fluff and dog hair that you find in de corner of the room

Blast, she's just chewed up the new zip, I thought she'd stopped doing that. Looks like the next handicraft project will have to wait a little longer.....

In the past I've made beds with covers that are like giant pillowcases (with a bigger overlap) - no poppers or zips to chew, although the bed itself can still be chewed. I have one at the moment with velcro fastenings.

A friend of mine makes her own beds, she puts a cheap duvet inside the casing she has made and uses velcro fastenings, makes it much more difficult for the dogs to open up.
Unless they are my dogs and they will shred the cover to release the duvet - we've had fillings flying around our gardens a lot recently, including what they've never touched before a superking size 13.5 tog goose feather duvet     Oh my days, never seen soo many feathers and they are a b****r to clear up...

I have those eco balls that go in the tumble drier because I cant use a fabric conditioner, I only have to replace them when Whistler knicks them when I leave the door open!! same idea it works as well.

Hmm, I wonder if I could add extra material on to make an overlap.... Or maybe I'll just wait until she stops chewing!

Buy a packet of plastic sew on snap fasteners. 6 across the top should suffice for an average cushion cover you can buy quite strong ones from any decent haberdasher. These are good -

http://www.jay-trim.co.uk/detail.asp?stockid=LDS&ref=search%2Easp%3Ft%3D%26qfcode%3D%26catid%3D%26manuid%3D%26keywords%3Dsnap+fasteners%26minprice%3D%26maxprice%3D

or may be not if she's chewing still.

> or may be not if she's chewing still.

mmmmmm..... damage limitation - Will a swallowed popper be more dangerous than a length of gnawed Velcro? Discuss! [or ask Braniac.]

Best thing to do throw the dammed thing out and give your dog a rug to lie on. :)