Knit Pillow for Fox Love

 'Fox Love' is a hand-knit bolster-style pillow, knit with 100% wool for the cover and stuffed with acrylic fluff. The design is inspired by the wildlife that frequents our property, particularly our favorite fox, and our affection for these creatures. This pillow is the latest folk art creation by Minaz Jantz, a tribute to the beauty of nature.

Our property is located at the edge of the lake, so all the wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, skunks, & our favorite fox, will come for a drink, a dip, and possibly a bird snack. Living around wildlife is a reminder that all critters are part of the food chain.

The cable stitch, a fun knit stitch, leaves a wonderful rope texture on the surface. But it wasn't enough to just have the cable stitch pattern. I wanted to embellish the cable with PINK wool in an embroidery stitch called duplicate hand stitching for knitting, adding a touch of creativity to the process. 

Using the embroidery duplicate stitch allows for creative embellishments AFTER the cover is completed. I can use various types of wool and tapestry yarns to ensure the stitch design remains flat and even. Below is an excellent video on how to do this stitch on any knitted item.

The first step in identifying duplicate embroidery stitches is to roughly draw graph lines on scrap paper to create simple shapes for a pattern. I love to use the duplicate embroidery stitch when done right, but ripping out the stitches when done wrong reminds one to get the pattern right the first time, as it is unpleasant to undo the stitches.

For the 'Fox Love' pillow, I chose two shades of blue (denim & bright blue) in the Patons Bulky classic % 100% wool. I used knitting needles and a crochet needle size smaller than recommended to create a tighter surface for the pillow cover. The ends of the bolster pillow are crocheted circles made with bright blue wool, featuring pink chain stitches in three circles at the end of each bolster, adding a unique touch to the design. 

For bouncy pom-pom tassels, it was irresistible to use a brilliant pink (medium 4 worsted) acrylic yarn. The pom-poms were attached to the inside circle before stuffing with a button to tie the tassels tightly, holding them more securely without stretching the crochet ends and providing support to keep them upright. 

This funky, cute pillow, 'Fox Love', is a unique piece that could be showcased cheerfully on any chair or bed. It's a joy to create and will certainly be a keepsake for years to come, making it the perfect gift for a foxy lady or young person.

Be wise as a fox! Minaz