Needlework Tuesday - Preparing a polar bear skin for stuffing

 It's a scorcher here today.  We don't get all that many days where the mercury tops 30C. Today is certainly one of them, we reached at least 32C. This might not seem hot to some who live closer to the equator, but for us more northern people, remember that for a large part of the year, the thermometer doesn't climb over the freezing year.

I have been hiding inside in the air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.  This week I have been working on a polar bear skin.  I know I can't fool my readers, it's a knit pelt.  The pattern is from the book Faux Taxidermy Knits: 15 Wild Animal Knitting Patterns by Louise Walker.  She is a very talented designer.  I first learned about her when i saw photos of the knit wigs that she had made.  They were so life like at first glance. When this book came along, I ordered it immediately.  I really want to make the tiger skin rug even though hubby is not all that keen on having it in our living room.  To view more of Louise's work, click on her name to be taken to her website, or click on this link to her Facebook photo page.

Back to the polar bear.  I am knitting him of a fuzzy yarn.  I need to knit the second skin, then they are sewn together, the head is stuffed and then the paws are lightly stuffed.  It's a coaster.  I'll have a picture in the next week or two.

Needlework Tuesday is a regular weekly post where I share the progress of my various needlework projects over the past week. I enjoy the encouragement that I receive from my readers and in return visit their blogs and cheer them on with theirs. You are welcome to grab the cute little mouse and create your own Needlework Tuesday post. Leave a comment with a link and I'll be sure to visit with you.

 Even though it's sweltering outside, I realise that knitters are already thinking of scarves, mitts and hats.  If you are looking for a fun and easy scarf, the Amazing Brilliant Zig Zag Scarf from  Lion Brand is worth considering.  You either increase at the end of every row, or you decrease at the end of every row.  Simple.  For a thicker yarn, your maximum row only needs 20 stitches.

All this scarf needs yet are some eyes and a red tongue (not specified in the pattern).  I used Bernat Softee Chunky Twists in colour Tropic Twists.  Too bad this has been discontinued.

 I used the same yarn in a different colour for the rug for daughter.  I found it very easy to knit with.  There are two colours, grey ragg and teal twists still available.  I think either would make a great hoodie. 

I hope that you are having more favourable weather where ever you may be living. Not that I'm complaining. After such a bitter cold winter, warm is welcome.

Mister Linky is waiting below to see what you've been working on currently.