I saw a pattern for making a tartan dachshund in a German women’s magazine called ‘Brigitte’. As I admire my friend of the same name for her sewing skills, I took this pattern as a hint. I asked her for help making the dachshund and here is the result – diligently guarding our door against drafts.

On the day, I found a fabric I fancied among Brigitte’s vast collection of African prints. Rather an African than a Scot, I thought, for that special touch.  We started measuring, used tailor’s chalk and cut out the individual parts.

The first lesson I had to learn: be patient, the second: don’t despair about enigmatic instructions, apply your new-found patience and intellect to translate gobbledygook into ordinary language.

Brigitte showed me how to use the sewing machine slowly and at a steady pace and step by step we to put together our dachshund. Finally, I stuffed it with cotton and added the tail, did not forget the eyes and here it is: a perfect and unique dachshund, perfect for never needing to be taken for a walk.