A Tale of Two Tunnels

My most recent sewing projects have been geared toward our two new kittens, Rosie and Angus.
They are so playful together, love to hide and spring out at each other, and often
chase each other at breakneck speed.
I thought a tunnel would be a fun for them.

My first effort was a tube made from outdoor canvas, with embroidery hoops sewn into each end.

To keep the tube open, I sewed dowels along the long sides.

The kitties loved it, made it roll around the floor and had a few comical encounters inside.

But Rosie, I swear, is part flying squirrel, and she became infatuated with leaping from

the table onto the tube, breaking the dowels and squashing the tunnel.

Before too long it was totally demolished!

I think I have a bit of my father in me, because I then became determined to make a durable tunnel!

Dad was forever "inventing" things around the house, and making existing things even better!

 

This time I started with a fleece covered pad, wrapped with some strong corrugated cardboard.

I decided to use large pieces of plastic canvas, reinforced with felt, to cover the top. All of this was 

held together with hot glue and duct tape. Does it sound like I have too much time on my hands?

Here is Rosie inspecting the finished result.

Why go inside when you can squash the top?

C'mon, Angus, let's play ON TOP of the tunnel!!

Oh, look! I just discovered that there is an INSIDE to this thing!
If I lie on my back I can pull myself along the tunnel by clawing the plastic canvas!

We'll see how long this one lasts!!!