Maker Martha - DIY pet shop: Craftily ever after, 5

Bella Diaz was in the craft clubhouseformerly known as the old shack in her backyardwaiting for her three best friends to arrive. It was Saturday afternoon. As often as possible, and especially on weekends, the foursome met up at the clubhouse to do craft projects together.

Knock, knock-knock, knock!

Bella jumped to her feet at the sound of the familiar knock. But when she opened the door, she did not see a familiar face. All she could see were sequined sneakers, bright purple leggings, and two hands carrying a towering pile of fabric pieces.

Maddie? Bella guessed.

Howd you know? The sneakers shuffled forward, and the giant pile of material landed with a soft thump on the big worktable. Maddie Wilsons trademark grin came into view.

Lucky guess, said Bella, smiling back. Maddie was the stylish seamstress of the bunch, and since her mother was a fashion designer, she often got her moms leftover scraps.

Very cool, Bella added. But what are all these scraps for?

My mom just finished creating an entire line of fleece jackets, so she gave me the leftover material. Its so cuddly and soft. I thought we could make knotted blankets.

Whats a knotted blanket? asked Emily Adams as she and Sam Sharma entered the clubhouse. Now all four friends were there.

This! Maddie showed them a pattern. See? You cut out a square at each corner, and then you cut fringe all the way around. After that you line up the two pieces of cloth and knot the fringe together. Or braid them, if you prefer. There are lots of ways to do it.

The four friends were game, so they each selected fabric pieces and quickly got to work.

Or tried to.

This is harder than it looks, said Emily.

Sam nodded. My knots are not holding.

Bella came over to take a look. Do either of you know how to make a square knot?

They didnt, but they learned quickly when Bella showed them a how-to video on her computer. See? Knot a problem, she joked.

Everyone laughed.

Before long, all four friends were working away, knotting and braiding the fringes on their blankets in different patterns.

These are cool, said Sam. What are we going to do with them when were done?

Im not sure, admitted Maddie. Theyre pretty small. I guess we could leave an opening and put stuffing between the two layers? That would make them into pillows.

Theyd make cute dog beds, too, said Emily.

Ohh, that reminds me... , said Sam. Its my turn to take Bibi out. If Im late, it will be trouble.

Sam, you are so lucky, said Emily. I wish I could have a dog, but my parents think its too much work.

Well, theyre kind of right, said Sam.

Hey, whose side are you on? said Emily, jabbing Sams arm playfully.

Im just saying, its totally worth it, but it is a lot of responsibility and a lot of work, Sam said with a smile.

Emily nodded, but the only part she heard loud and clear was: totally worth it.

The next day Emily woke up still thinking about dogs. She really wanted one. But how could she convince her parents? She remembered what Sam said about it being a big responsibility. What if... ? That was it! She had an idea!

Later that morning, Emily called Sam and excitedly explained her plan.

If I pitch in more at home, my parents will see how responsible I am, she said. Then they couldnt possibly say no to a dog. Ill take out the garbage and unload the dishwasher without being asked, set the table, and

Okay, but how will you show them you know how to care for a dog? asked Sam.

Well, I could... Emily hadnt thought about that.

You could practice by helping me with Bibi, suggested Sam.

Would your parents let me?

Of course!

On Monday, Emily went to Sams house after school. Bibi met them at the door, jumping around and barking excitedly.

Hand me the leash, quick! said Sam.

Whats the rush? asked Emily.

Shes still a puppy, said Sam, trying to grab Bibi while she wiggled just out of reach. So, when she gets excited, she

Oops! said Emily, noticing a puddle.

Aw, Bibi, said Sam.

You take her out. Ill wipe it up, offered Emily.

While Sam took Bibi around the block, Emily wiped up the mess. It wasnt fun, but it made her feel like a real dog owner. And when Sam got back, Emily got to do the really fun part: playing with Bibi and teaching her tricks.

That night Emily set and cleared the table, loaded the dishwasher, and took out the trash and the recycling. The next morning she set her alarm for a half hour before she usually got up, to practice for when she had a dog of her own to walk. Since she was up early anyway, she decided to make coffee for her parents. Shed seen her dad do it enough times, though she still sort of had to wing it.