Snowshoe Hare

The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), also called the varying hare, or snowshoe rabbit, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because of the large size of its hind feet and the marks its tail leaves. The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks...but sometimes the snow is so deep that it has to wear extra foot apparatus...ironically, called snowshoes...to prevent it from sinking even further. Its feet also have fur on the soles to protect it from freezing temperatures.

For camouflage, its fur turns to grey or white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer. Its flanks are white year-round. Its ears are shorter than those of most other hares. In rare cases it may also be seen wearing a black wool coat which adds an extra layer of warmth.

In summer, it feeds on plants such as, grass, ferns, leaves and carrots; in winter, it eats twigs, the bark from trees, and buds from flowers and plants and carrots, along with the Arctic Hare, it has been known to steal vegetables from gardens. This animal is mainly active at night and does not hibernate.

 

The snowshoe hare may have up to four litters in a year which average 3 to 8 young. Males compete for females and females may breed with several males(Naughty).

This particular Snowshoe Hare is of the miniature wool felt variety with a painted head, black glass bead eyes, embroidered nose and a needle felted sheep's wool tail. Braving winter conditions, and donning his cross stitch snowshoes, he has walked to his outdoor larder to retrieve a (wool-felt)carrot for his supper.

This little fellow is about 5.5 inches tall from the tip of his ears to his chenille stem feet. The entire piece is almost 8 inches tall by 6 inches wide. 

Just wanted to share my very latest creation with you...it has been a long time since I've sat down and made something...feeling pretty rusty...trying to get my sewing mojo back again. Overall I am happy with how this pieces turned out...first time I have cross stitched snowshoes onto fabric and then placed a character on top of the snowshoes...I think it worked out as he does look like he's wearing them. 

Back to work...

 Merry Christmas my Friends!

Susan

PS...thank-you for your kind comments...I have really enjoyed hearing from you!