Preston yarnbombing group creates companion for Wallace and Gromit

Lots of children enjoyed meeting Wendolene Pic The Knit and Purl Jam — Lots of children enjoyed meeting Wendolene Pic: The Knit and Purl Jam

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

“We decided to make a friend to sit alongside Wallace and Gromit on the famous bench at our first meeting in July,” said Joey Afrin Black, organiser of the Knit and Purl Jam group. “She has been an ongoing project, alongside our poppy installation at The Larder, yarnbombing a bicycle and chairs and creating Christmas ornaments.

“She is knitted, crocheted and needle felted utilising all the skills of the various members of the group. We have used donated wool, granny squares, buttons and stuffing so she is not only beautiful but also zero waste.”

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 of a series of installations the group has planned for the city. As well as being lovely to look at Wendolene is helping to awareness and funds for The Larder’s community projects.

The character, who famously owns a knitting shop, had her first outing on a snowy December Saturday.

“We brought a lot of smiles to a lot of faces on a cold snowy morning,” said Joey. “Everybody loved her and people were enjoying sitting with her for selfies and photos and also taking pictures of her with Wallace and Gromit.”

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

“I never imagined a life size Wallace and Gromit in my home town,” said Nick Park. “Thank you to the Knit and Purl Jam Group for bringing Wendolene along to join the duo for a few days. What an incredible achievement and all for a good cause, it’s lovely that you are able to use your creativity to fundraise 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! Pic: The Knit and Purl Jam

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

“We meet on the second and fourth Sunday of the month between 1pm and 3.30pm,” said Joey. “We would welcome new knitters and crocheters when we meet on Sunday 22 January. We have lots of big plans and look forward to brightening up 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 10 January at 10am to 12.30pm. In addition we have the main large Knitting Cafe every Thursday from 10am to 12:30pm, open again on Thursday 12 January.”