When I saw the Annelli Doll, pictured below, I immediately thought, "I'm going to knit her and name her Estelle." She can sit on my bookshelf and watch over my knitting library. I just love her!!
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| Annelli Doll, Estonia
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Annelli is the creation of designer Lucinda Guy, from her wonderful book,
Northern Knits Gifts. Lucinda wrote this book to celebrate the handknitting traditions of Shetland Islands,
Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, and Denmark. Annelli is inspired by the traditional folk costumes of Estonia.
Here's what Lucinda says about Annelli:
"Traditional folk costumes of Estonia are exceptionally varied and beautiful,
and they can range from simple gray felted jackets and long coats from Hargla,
to elaborately patterned and ribboned headdresses from Kadrina, to
astonishingly brightly colored and embroidered knitted festive stockings from
Muhu Island.
However, it is the traditional summer costume for a young girl
from Hargla that was the particular inspiration for this little toy doll. A summer
costume would consist of a blue, red, and white striped skirt, an embroidered
belt, a simple embroidered blouse, and a garland of summer flowers to decorate
her hair. Annelli is knitted in two flat pieces, with separate arms and legs
that are stitched to the body.
The details on her blouse, skirt, and boots as
well as her eyes, cheeks, and mouth are simple embroidery stitches. Annelli
also has little knitted flowers stitched onto her hair. I would recommend using
a fine pure wool yarn that will felt slightly once washed, creating a nice firm
fabric ideal for toys, and a pure wool fleece toy filler."
Another project that I can't keep my eyes off of is the Oluffa Doorstop. Here's what inspired Lucina to design this darling, unique doorstop:
"Oluffa will make a wonderful gift at any time of
the year, but perhaps especially so in the early months as we look forward to
the lengthening, lighter days.
Chickens and cockerels were considered to be
symbols of protection and good luck; in folklore, they were particularly
associated with the sunrise, daylight, and spring. Consequently, they were
considered potent protection against the dangers that came with darkness and
winter.
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Oluffa Doorstop, Faroe Islands
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Oluffa is knitted in the round using a selection of traditional Faroese
patterns and Nordic eight-point stars that are highlighted with simple French
knots. I would recommend filling it with natural sheep's fleece and a strategically
placed rock or other weighty object in the base."
I actually do need a doorstop, but even if you don't, the Oluffa is a wonderful addition to any decor. Picture it in a child's room, or in your craft room. I love it.
Each of these projects would make a wonderful gift, right? And giving knitting gifts is so special. Lucinda says, "When knitting these
projects you are effectively creating gifts that encapsulate traditions and
heritage. Gifts connect us with our past and our ancestors, and gifts celebrate
the here and now."
I couldn't agree more.
Get your self a copy of Northern Knits Gifts today and start knitting these fabulous, whimsical projects.
Cheers,
P.S. What's the most special gift you've ever knitted? Let us know in the comments!