Beyond Knitting
When Canines Get Cozy
Sometimes the most meaningful creative projects begin with a simple need for joy. That’s exactly what happened when I reached out to my community this past January with an unusual request: photos of pets wearing sweaters.
I was traveling in Italy, surrounded by elegantly dressed dogs at every turn. Each sighting brought an unexpected smile to my face—a small but powerful antidote to the heavy feelings weighing on my heart. Reflecting on it now, I realize I was mourning American democracy that January.
Though I was physically away from America, the uncertainty of what my country would become cast a long shadow over my travels.
So I turned to my mailing list with a heartfelt appeal: share pictures of your pets in their cozy knits. I had an idea brewing for a textile design, and I wanted them to be part of it.
The response was overwhelming. Pet parents sent photos of their beloved dogs (and one sly cat) sporting everything from cable-knit sweaters to bow ties and hoodies. What started as a quest for cheerfulness quickly evolved into something much more meaningful—a true collaboration between me and my customers.
From Photos to Fabric Art
The resulting “Cozy Canines” print features more than thirty furry friends, each one lovingly transformed into my signature textile style. Among the adorable faces are Jellybean and Kiwi, the beloved pups of Dana Williams-Johnson, who many knitters know from her “Dana’s Edit” column here at Modern Daily Knitting.
My visit to the Sistine Chapel found its way into the design in the most delightful way. As silly as it sounds, I decided to pose Kiwi and Jellybean reminiscent of Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam.” Only instead of Adam and God reaching out to each other, Kiwi and Jellybean are reaching out for a dog toy. The result never fails to make me chuckle.
The person who sent a photo of her cat, Walnut, in a hoodie is the real hero. Walnut is cooly walking out from behind a dog in the hoodie as if nonchalantly trying to fit in unnoticed.
But this wasn’t just about capturing cute pet photos. Each dog in the design is filled with one of my unique textures, created through a combination of collage, painting, and mark-making techniques.
The collaboration even extended to color choice—through an Instagram poll, my community selected “Mauve Dust” as the background, a rich shade of gray with purple undertones that perfectly complements the playful pet portraits. My visit to the Premiere Vision tradeshow in Paris informed what colors the dogs would wear. I took some license with that but mostly stuck with what the colors the dogs were wearing in their original photos.
The Perfect Canvas: An Upgraded Satchel
The “Cozy Canines” design debuts on my popular Satchel bag, which has received some thoughtful updates.
The new and improved Satchel retains its sturdy canvas construction but now features a boxier bottom that allows the bag to stand independently—perfect for knitters who need their project bags to stay upright. A handle and two interior pockets add functionality, while the drawstring closure ensures no runaway notions escape.
As always, the bags are fully lined with my logo fabric in a neutral tone, and customers can opt for a crossbody style. Each bag is made to order, ensuring quality and attention to detail.
The Joy of Giving Back
I treasured the entire process of creating this design. I fell in love with every dog as I looked into their eyes while drawing them.
But the most rewarding part was creating thank-you gifts for my collaborators. Every person whose pet appeared in the final design received a personalized, framed piece of fabric featuring their furry friend—a gesture that sparked joy across social media as grateful pet parents shared their special gifts.
The bags have been such a hit that there’s already a waiting list, but more importantly, the project succeeded in its original mission: bringing happiness to both me and my community. I can’t count how many times I’ve caught myself wearing a goofy grin while working with this fabric. My customers’ pets are simply irresistible.
The Deeper Meaning
The “Cozy Canines” design represents something beautiful about the fiber arts community—how creativity can emerge from connection, how art can be a collaborative act, and how sometimes the best way to process difficult times is to focus on the simple joy of beloved pets in cozy sweaters, bow ties, and hoodies.
For knitters who understand the comfort found in both our craft and our four-legged companions, “Cozy Canines” feels like a perfect intersection of two great loves: meaningful textiles and the pets who keep us company while we knit.
Adorable-love the cat!
What a wonderful example of a positive way to process difficult times! I feel like we’re all seeking pockets of joy amidst the dread and fear. Thank you for the smile this morning.
Wonderful art, wonderful fabric, wonderful bag. Sadly, I cannot use it because my dog (who is so curly he seldom wears clothes) can nose open a drawstring to nibble my directions. Zippers only for me
Tammi what awesome fabric you designed! Just checked out your website too, all of your bags look wonderful, artsy and unique to anything else out there! Loved your crossbody with zipper. This is going on my Christmas list!
“I was mourning American democracy” – yes, yes, the daily news dose robs so much joy. You have offered yourself, and others, an opportunity to take a turn to joy to help maintain our mental health. What a joy! You can not help but smile. And the cat is such a hoot! I am anxious to gift myself and my sister with the joy of using this gorgeous bag. THANK YOU
Love this so, so much. I especially love reading thoughts from people whose words echo my own. Your prints are lovely, Tammi, alive and charming !
I love everything about this post! What could be better than dogs? (and cats!) Thank you for this – and for your incredible artwork. Just fabulous.
I love this SO much!!!! Your work is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing the story behind your design!
AND I just HAD to order a bag!!! I’m so excited!
FABULOUS! Amazing creative artistry – fun and beauty in contemporary colors and design. KUDOS and Thank you
Nothing says love and comfort like dogs and knitting. Thank you for reminding us to continue to look for the glimmers.
I really didn’t need another project bag but I like sweaters and dogs and dogs in sweaters, so I ordered one. It looks so fun and creative and I know I’ll love it.
AND I just HAD to order a bag!!! I’m so excited!
You are not alone in your feelings! Knitting has brought me solace as well. Celebrating creation and creativity in times of dread and fear and not giving up!
Absolutely love this bag!
Thank you for this post. Amazing the expression in these pets’ faces and the smile they bring to me. Also uplifting to hear a sense of hope and faith in the future.
where can I get one. They are so much fun. Thanks, Carrie
I absolutely love this project and was delighted to see you put it all together! Your bags are the best in my collection. And I hope you’ll consider doing a cat version someday.
Love it!
Hope they will become available again! Really brought a smile to my face in these insane times!
I see my dog in her hoodie on the bag, but I didn’t receive a framed piece of fabric. I want a bag. How do I get on a wait list or order now in anticipation of more bags coming in?
LOVE!!!!