Preston yarnbombing group creates companion for Wallace and Gromit

Lots of kids were happy to meet Wendolene Pic The Knit and Purl Jam — Many children were happy to meet Wendolene Pic: The Knit and Purl Jam

A six foot tall companion for Wallace and Gromit from the popular Nick Park animated films was made by a Yarn Bomb Group in Preston. A life-size replica of Wendolene Ramsbottom, the object of Wallace’s desires in A Close Shave, has been created by the Knit and Purl Jam group, which meets twice a month at The Larder. We went to find out more.

“We decided to get a friend to sit next to Wallace and Gromit on the famous bench for our first meeting in July,” said Knit and Purl Jam group organizer Joey Afrin Black. “She has been an ongoing project alongside our poppy installation at The Larder, bombarding a bike and chairs with yarn and creating Christmas decorations.

“She is knitted, crocheted and needle felted, using all the skills of the different members of the group. We’ve used donated yarn, granny squares, buttons and stuffing so it’s not only beautiful but also waste-free.”

Wendolene was serenaded by the Salvation Army Brass Band Pic The Knit and Purl Jam — Wendolene was serenaded by The Salvation Army Brass Band Pic: The Knit and Purl Jam

Wendolene is the first in a series of installations the group has planned for the city. Not only is Wendolene beautiful to look at, but she also helps raise awareness and fund The Larder’s community projects.

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The character, who is known to own a knitting shop, had her first outing on a snowy Saturday in December.

“We put smiles on a lot of faces on a cold, snowy morning,” said Joey. “Everyone loved her and people enjoyed sitting with her for selfies and photos and taking pictures of her with Wallace and Gromit.”

Wendolene even caught the attention of her famous creator, Nick Park.

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“I never imagined life-size Wallace and Gromit in my hometown,” said Nick Park. “Thanks to the Knit and Purl Jam Group for bringing Wendolene to join the duo for a few days. What an incredible achievement and all for a good cause, it’s nice that you can use your creativity to raise funds for the Larder Café.”

Wendolene was swept off her feet by a member of the public! Pic The Knit and Purl Jam — Wendolene was swept off her feet by a member of the public! Image: The Knit and Purl Jam

The Knit and Purl Jam group has some exciting plans for the new year and members are looking for more people to join them.

“We meet on the second and fourth Sunday of the month between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.,” Joey said. “We would welcome new knitters and crocheters when we meet on Sunday 22nd January. We have big plans and look forward to beautifying the city even more in 2023.

“The Knitting Cafe also meets every other Tuesday for new and improving knitters and crocheters – starting in the New Year from Tuesday 10th January from 10am to 12.30pm. In addition, we have the big knitting café every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., which will be open again on Thursday 12 January.”

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