The opportunity to review Lorelei’s Journey by Jessica Anderson came up last week and I thought it might be a fun diversion from other types of knitting. Full disclaimer here, this is never going on my needles, but I think it might be perfect for yours if you have a child, a grandchild, a niece or nephew, or know a child who would love a stuffed, knitted doll. This book is available for pre-order as a hard-copy (with digital pdf) and as a download now.
Lorelei’s Journey Explained
This pretty much gets you at the forward. Jessica’s writing about her daughter Addison’s pursuit of this dream doll is precious and will be all you need if you feel at all inspired to knit a doll, and all the clever pieces for her. Author Jessica Anderson has written a story called Tale of a Mermaid to set the stage.
Making Lorelei
There is an easy-to-follow pattern that you can knit in the round. There are instructions for making all the appendages, adding hair, and embroidering a simple face. Lorelei is made in worsted yarn, at 5 stitches to the inch. I do not see the instructions for stuffing her body, and there is no suggestion of what to use for stuffing except in the Note on Safety (page 7). If the instruction isn’t in there, I suggest stuffing the body and head before you add the legs.
Making Lorelei’s Wardrobe
For me this is where the fun would start! There are two paper dolls, and a paper wardrobe. Lots of opportunity for playing with colors before you start knitting, or while waiting for the knitting to be done. There are undergarments, then clothing, and a mermaid tail for Lorelei.
In addition to clothing there are shawl/blankets and a treasure bag, sized for carrying Lorelei.
A Child’s Wardrobe
There are a mermaid skirt, cardigan and a shawl in two sizes for the child-friend so that the tales of your Lorelei’s Journey will include both of them.
Lorelei Adult Shawl
Not to leave out the knitter, there is also a adult-sized shawl.
The result is a wonderful collection for a special child. I am somewhat mystified by the mini-bundle choices used in the shawls, but I am not a child, so we’ll leave that there.
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