# Knitted Science Experiments PETA-Friendly Lab Rats by Crafty Hedgehog By Elsa Blaine | Published 2008-12-20 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knitted-science-experiments-lab-rats-by-crafty-hedgehog References: [stylehive](http://www.stylehive.com/bookmark/Etsy--CraftyHedgehog--Lab-Rat-PDF-knitting-pattern-535212) & [etsy](http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5197504) Knitted lab mice and dissected frogs displayed in an authentic body fluid holding tray--what a conversation-starting piece of art these would be! It was a grim day in high school when I had to do the deed of cutting open a frog, but these guys almost look cute, in an odd way. Maybe it’s the [fluffy wool](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-knitting-machine1). The Crafty Hedgehog is a fantastic [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etsy-1) shop run by Emily Stoneking. She handcrafts each one of these [gruesomely adorable gutted critters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deddy-bears), but you can also buy the patterns so you can make your own, if you are so inclined. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Knitted Taxidermy:** Opportunity for artists and taxidermy businesses to offer a unique, cruelty-free alternative to traditional taxidermy - **Humane Education:** Opportunity for animal rights organizations or educational institutions to use knitted animals as teaching aids for dissection and anatomy lessons - **DIY Craft Patterns:** Opportunity for online crafting marketplaces to provide new and unique DIY patterns for craft enthusiasts ### Sectors Adopting This - **Taxidermy:** Taxidermy businesses can explore new opportunities by incorporating knitted animals as a cruelty-free option for clients - **Animal Rights:** Animal rights organizations can use knitted animals as a teaching aid for humane education and advocacy - **Crafting and DIY:** Crafting and DIY marketplaces can expand their offerings by providing new and unique patterns and kits for knitted animals ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hand-Knit Finger Puppets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/finger-puppet-mushrooms.md) - [Anatomical Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-skull-with-hidden-organs.md) - [Felt-Made Novelty Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bourdon-street-chippy.md) - [Gritty Rodent-Inspired Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ratboot.md) - [Knitted New York Subways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straphangers-lounge.md) - [Sculptural Knitted Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-knitted-objects.md) - [Charming Creepy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deddy-bears.md) - [Intricately Handcrafted Animal Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lulu-the-lamb.md) - [Tiny Pet Habitat Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-animals.md)