AN 80-year-old self-taught knitter has turned her hand to something ceremonial for her latest project – a wedding dress.
Great-grandmother Shirley Ellicott, from Whitsbury, has knitted a beautiful wedding gown using pure cotton and knitting needles.
It took creative Shirley three weeks to make – her first wedding dress.
Shirley – who has mastered the art of embroidery, sewing, knitting and crochet – has previously created prom dresses, christening gowns, shawls and many more bespoke items over the years.
She also runs a Knit and Natter sessions at the Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) charity shop, in Fordingbridge High Street, from 10am on Friday mornings.
“It’s amazing what two needles can do,” she said. “I’ve sewn a wedding dress before, but have always wanted to knit one. I wanted to do it properly so I found a pattern and off I went.
“I just get a bee in my bonnet sometimes and just go for it.”
Knitter Shirley Ellicott with her amazing wedding dress creation. Picture: Laura Cowdery
The result is an elegant, size 12-14, 1930s vintage-style cotton gown with a wide train at the bass and pearl-effect button detail.
People interested in purchasing the dress can now book a time to view it – and try it on – at the AVCM shop. Call 01425 653258, or email avcommunitymatters@gmail.com, for more details, with a portion of any sale proceeds going towards AVCM’s community outreach projects.
In the meantime, Shirley is working on her next project alongside several other commissions – a unique knitted jacket.
Meanwhile, AVCM runs an inclusive Superstars Playgroup from 9.30am each term-time Friday morning at St Mary’s Church Hall in Fordingbridge and, during the holidays, staff and volunteers continue their family work by offering free holiday activities, including picnics, building and Christmas Together events.
The charity also offers bereavement support, runs a friendship group, a miscarriage support group and more.
For more information on the charity’s community outreach projects, or if you would like to get involved and join the volunteer team, visit www.avcmatters.org, email avcommunitymatters@gmail.com, or call 01425 653258.
The dress is Shirley’s first venture into wedding attire. Picture: Laura Cowdery
Shirley also runs Knit and Natter sessions at the AVCM shop in Fordingbridge. Picture: Laura Cowdrey
Oh Shirley Its just beautiful! Thanks for sharing this photo of your work! Just exquisite! I’m a Canadian living in SC but my Nana knitted,from Ikeston,taught me when I was 9