caffaknitted

I'm Henry VIII I am

Well, I finished just in time.  Technically, I believe I finished less than 10 minutes before the Ravelympics were done.  But here he is...Henry VIII!  He is my entry into the toy event in Ravelry's knitting Olympics.

Henry was actually easier than I predicted.  I think when I go back and test the pattern before I publish it, I'll be able to whip up a second version very quickly.  In terms of historical accuracy I definitely exercised some artistic license....especially in the weight department.  The real Henry VIII weighed well over 300 lbs.   But after all, this is ultimately an art project more than a history project.  A lot of the choices I make while knitting the dolls are aesthetic ones, and I'm not sure many people want to have a doll who's grotesquely overweight and suffering from gout...but I could be wrong.  And to answer Jon's question in regards to syphilis...it is in my favor that the regions affected are generally covered by clothing, and therefore not necessary to replicate in knit form.  Also, it is not known for certain that Henry did suffer from syphilis.  More recent theories suggest that the symptoms he suffered were more likely caused by advanced diabetes.  

So now I'm off to finish Ann of Cleves, and to do some long overdue laundry.

Progress Report

I've been very busy.  My momentum is up, and fingers are nearly always in motion this week.  Just wanted to pop in to note that King Henry VIII is nearly finished, and Ann of Cleves should follow next week.  Henry has created his full share of challenges.  I had to devise a way to knit little fancy britches.  Creating a tiny pair of men's shoes is also proving to be more difficult than I had hoped.

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words and compliments.  It means a lot to know so many people are following this project.  

Meet David and Steven

This past weekend we celebrated Drew's 11th birthday!  We had a cookout at the lake, and surprised Drew by renting a boat, and driving it up to the beach carrying the party guests.  He was really surprised.  Uijin had a difficult time finding the beach by boat, and Drew was nearly convinced no one was coming to his party.  But after the boat arrived, he deemed it the "best birthday ever"!  We spent several hours swimming, eating, and boating.  Drew also  beat the bejesus out of the most awesome cowboy boot pinata I've ever seen.  Well done Drew.

At the ripe old age of 11, Drew decided to ask for some very mature birthday gifts...such as a cellphone, new shoes, and a new duvet for his bed.  Probably the only child-like gift on his birthday list was a new pet.  At the top of the list was a Siberian Husky, but we decided the one dog we already have is enough and opted for to give him baby turtles, which were third on the list, just below "snakes".  Our new babies arrived yesterday, and they are so cute I can hardly stand it.  They're each about the size of a half-dollar.  Drew has named them Stephen Gerrard and David Beckham, but I've taken to calling them "Steven and David".  They seem very happy in their new home.

I haven't accomplished much knitting this week.  My brother was here for a final visit before moving to W. Virginia to begin his new career as a rocket scientist.  Seriously, that's what he is.  It makes my "professional knitter" business cards look pretty lame in comparison.  

Tomorrow I cast onto the Ravelympics, which are the "knitting Olympics" sponsored by Ravelry.  I'm competing in the toy event.  Wish me luck!