Rainbow Lou and May B Lou

Discover a delightful piece of Kiwiana with our charming knitting pattern inspired by the iconic Marylou doll, a beloved toy that has been part of New Zealand’s culture since 1941. The original Marylou was crafted by H (Hec) E Ramsey Limited in Auckland, a company renowned for creating treasured Kiwi icons such as BuzzyBee™.

Introducing Rainbow Lou, a modern tribute that celebrates diversity and inclusion in New Zealand today. This doll is not just a toy; it's a representation of our vibrant community. Alongside Rainbow Lou, we present May B Lou, a nostalgic homage to the original Marylou dolls, which were traditionally available in red and blue bodies. The modern interpretation features a lovely pink body, adding a contemporary twist to a classic design.

This knitting pattern is perfect for stash busting, as it utilizes very small quantities of yarn, allowing you to turn leftover yarn into something special. Whether you're an experienced knitter or a beginner looking to create something fun and meaningful, these dolls make great projects.

Please note a few important updates to ensure your crafting experience is smooth! The original pattern had two errors in the body section of the May B Lou doll, but these have been corrected in the newly uploaded version of the pattern. The correct increase row (transitioning from 30 sts to 35 sts) should now read K3, incr, (k5, incr) x 4, k2 (35 sts). Similarly, the first decrease row (from 50 sts to 45 sts) should be updated to K2tog, (k8, k2tog) x 4, k8. Rest assured, the instructions for Rainbow Lou were accurate in the original pattern.

Join us in celebrating New Zealand's rich heritage through knitting with these adorable dolls. Whether you keep them for yourself, gift them, or use them as a learning tool for young knitters, Rainbow Lou and May B Lou are sure to capture hearts and spark creativity. Happy knitting!