The Fabric Fox Creatives is our way of collaborating and sharing the work of talented, crafty writers. Every few weeks we will share a guest blog from someone who has made something using our range of fabrics. Attention all dog lovers - Claire Eggleton has made the cutest dog coat for an ever cuter Yorkshire Terrier using some Cotton + Steel Basics.

I know a little Yorkshire Terrier who, like a number of us, struggles with the colder months. We all wrap up warm during this season and it seemed only fair to share the comfort of cosy coats. Simplicity 2393 offered the chance to do this. It's "designed for dinky dogs" and therefore perfect for this little dog with a large personality.

I'm a big fan of colour and believe it is an essential part of winter bringing some light and fun to the long days. It seems that this extends to animal clothes too. Using Cotton + Steel's XOXO in Dandelion as the base, I asked for a recommendation of a blue to use as the trim. Kirsty recommended Sprinkle in Counting Stars and it works brilliantly. As you would expect the quality of this cotton is superb and will be able to withstand the outdoors well. It was an absolute dream to work with - it glides through the machine and presses incredibly well.

Dismissing many of the suggested embellishments in the pattern (this dog doesn't take kindly to frills) I chose to quilt the main body. The lines are 2.5cm apart and make some very neat diamonds. They are stitched in yellow to avoid a bumble bee vibe (again, not a look this dog likes). A single layer of fleece sits between the cotton for warmth. The edges are finished with self made bias tape. To get a neat finish, careful clipping and notching is needed at the corners and around the curves. I'd advise basting before committing to edge stitching to avoid any puckers and an even width. The lead is attached to the main body. I rather like the design as you can have fun with contrasting colours and the straight lines give crisp and pleasing lines of stitching.

If you chose to make this coat for a little dog that you know, I have two pieces of advice. Pay attention to the instructions on which way to add the velcro. I didn't and had to re-stitch. Also, I wouldn't bother with the leash. I made it as it looked fun. The one in the photos is actually the second one I cut - the original was so narrow that it was impossible to turn the loop out and this is without any form of interfacing for strength. While the cotton is fabulous in the coat, it really isn't strong enough for a leash especially with a seam in the middle. Having said that, I'm glad I made it for the photos as it finishes off the look.

Click photos to enlarge...

This little Yorkshire Terrier is in love with her coat and has worn it almost daily since receiving it. I personally think that this is because she knows she can rock the colours.

Claire Eggleton has a blog where she explores the world of sewing. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter for all the latest on her sewing adventures.

We've also done a fun Q&A with her so you can find out why she loves sewing and what inspires her to sew.