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.
jon wanted you to knit syphilis? typical.
;-)
Posted by: maria | August 24, 2008 at 08:21 PM
AWESOME. Love the beard!
Posted by: Mary | August 25, 2008 at 05:49 AM
a) I love your work
b) I love Boone
c) I love the history of Henry VIII
Well, that about sums it up! :)
Posted by: Kristena | August 25, 2008 at 11:58 AM
These mini royals make my day every time I see a new one! I also love the song reference; my mom and I used to sing it when I was little.
Posted by: RebeccaD | September 15, 2008 at 02:56 PM