Merv- the "reject" koala

I never thought I would make a koala. ( again*)

To be honest koalas are not by any means my favourite Australian animal- echinidas and possums- they might even be one of my least favourite ones. Not that i don't like them, or have a problem with them it's just well they don't do it for me as much as wombats, wallabies, bilbies and dingos as well as the two mentioned above.

I digress.

Merv here was the 3rd koala head attempt I made ( why is it the rule that the last few things you need to do for a deadline all turn out to be sagas?) and while he wasn't right for the show, i felt perhaps this head had something. I shared him on Instagram and got some very positive responses, and so Merv was born.

The Grey part of Merv is a new mohair I bought a Japanese distressed mohair ( most of the mohair I buy is German) and it is the most beautiful stuff. the colour is superb, I didn't even dye it, and didn't really age it as i felt it was appropriate here. He has a sculpted nose, that I bought, and it's my first time using such a thing.

Merv is your average Aussie bloke/koala. He at first gives off a very macho vibe, but really is a big softie once you get to know him. His favourite food is beer , beer and the occasional sausage roll.

Merv is a limited edition of three.

And yes in case your were wondering Merv is named after that unique Australian cricketer.

*I made a set of knitted koalas many moons ago, when I still knitted.