A MAGNIFICENT tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has won much acclaim.
Holmes Chapel Community Yarn Bombers have painstakingly created a seven-foot figure of Her Majesty.
Every part of this unique sculpture has been lovingly made from wool by knitters and crocheters.
The white dress, blue cape, gold crown, red carpet, black handbag, red carpet, and even the corgi have been weaved together from six-inch squares.
Crafters have also adorned post boxes, traffic lights and the entire village with knitted bunting, soldiers and a miniature Queen.
READ > Knutsford artist's design for Queen's Platinum Jubilee on national display
Their labour of love started a year ago but the royal centre piece has been shrouded in secrecy.
“We didn’t tell any of our knitting group because we wanted it to be a surprise,” said Anita Armitt, who co-ordinated the project with Naomi Sumpter and Nicola Swinnerton.
“And they have all been blown away.
“The Queen has lived in my dining room since last July. She spent Christmas with us and has been a big part of my family.
“When we unveiled her there was a lump in my throat. She is amazing.
"We meant her to be life-sized but with the crown, she kept getting bigger.
"I think she deserves to be large."
Her Majesty takes pride of place beside the cenotaph in the grounds of St Luke’s Church.
A shop fitter kindly donated a mannequin and 41 women have spent a year turning red, white and blue wool into figures and bunting.
Some famous names contributed six-inch squares including Emmerdale stars Karen Blick who plays Lydia Heart, Susan Cookson who plays Wendy Porter and viral sensation Jackie Weaver.
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, sent a letter of support from Kensington Palace.
“It has been a fun challenge and given us something to focus on, especially through the pandemic,” said Anita, who has lived in the village for more than 50 years.
“I am very proud of what our ladies have achieved. There are a lot of talented people out there.
“I can’t stress enough that it has been a team effort. It couldn’t have been done without the six-inch squares that everyone made.
“People are already coming from miles around to see our Queen.
“Just the pure joy to see the look on people’s faces is brilliant.
“I am chuffed to bits with it.
“It has all been done for no other reason than to make people happy.
The yarn bombers include Lorraine Barnard, Sue Blanten Wendy Bond, Sheila Blomley, Una Cottrell, Cate Coughlan, Kate Davies Chris Didlock, Sharon Dunne, Sue Edwards , Carole Elliot, Judith Foster, Shona Gladwyn Kaya Smith,Joyce Hambeton, Beryl Hatton Faye Harrison, Stephanie Helm, Janet Jackson, Margaret Kelly, Dawn Lahey, Jo Lawton, Pat MacMaster, Judith Martin, Nancy May, Martine Nicholson, Alison Player, Pat Pye, Judith Power, Vicky Smith, Mary Shaw, Sue Shorrock, Naomi Sumpter, Nicola Swinnerton, Diane Tams, Karen Vercoe, Philippa Whiers, Emma Whitehurst Sue Whitaker and Jayne Wiggett
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