Francis House Children’s Hospice have announced the winners of their inaugural Virtual Knit Off contest, congratulations to all the winners:
The votes have been counted and the winners revealed in the first ever Francis House Children’s Hospice virtual Knit Off contest.
Approximately 80 knitters and crocheters submitted more than 140 fantastic photo entries in the hope of being crowned top of the knits. More than 6,800 votes were cast in the public voting round.
Every year Francis House organises the Easter knitted chick appeal, but this year was hit hard by Covid-19 restrictions and the sale of Easter chicks severely impacted by the lockdown.
The Knit Off contest was launched to invite supporters and crafters to take part in a virtual contest.
Winners in four categories received a £25 voucher kindly donated by Hobbycraft, in Altrincham.
Winners
Here’s the list of winners as voted for by the public…
Abigail Reece with Topsy the triceratops – Cutest soft toy category
Abigail said: “I crocheted this dinosaur for my little girl Bella as she wanted a yellow and green triceratops, which we could not find anywhere. It was exciting to enter the competition and I was thrilled to win. I’ll buy more wool and knit more things for Bella with my prize.”
Wendy Thompson with Mr and Mrs Claus – Colourful Story Character category
Wendy said: “A festive favourite.”
Pam Deeran with Twinkle Star little boys bunting – Adorable Baby Item
Pam said: “My daughter wanted me to knit something for a friend’s baby, she came up with the feet pattern and the idea of bunting, then left me to it. The friend was over the moon, or should I say star, and apparently, she loves the song twinkle twinkle little star. When I made it through to the final, my kids, grand kids, and everyone spread the word and voted for me – it was lovely.”
Angela Farrell with Animals and flowers native to England baby blanket – Most original design
Angela said: “My daughter wanted to make a blanket for her friend’s baby. She could not crochet so I taught her. Her friend works in conservation, so she chose animals and plants native to England and sourced patterns individually online. She made the squares and I did the motives. A joint effort and learning experience we both enjoyed immensely. I knit Easter chicks for Francis House and thought why not enter the contest with a photograph of the blanket. It was a lovely surprise to win.”
Overall winner – Pam Deeran
Pam’s entry had the most votes overall, so she wins an additional prize of a £30 Hobbycraft voucher plus a Knitting Bag and Accessories from Crookilley Crafts Emporium in Bramhall.
Karen Flower of Francis House said: “Our Virtual Knit Off contest offered the perfect activity for anyone wanting something crafty and creative to do during lockdown or to simply showcase their proudest project piece.
“We were thrilled with the number of great entries, our judging panel narrowed it down to 24 finalists and the public voted for their favourites. Congratulations to Abigail, Wendy, Angela and Pam.”
Entry fees and donations have so far helped to raise more than £500 for the Manchester based children’s hospice.
For more information on the Easter chick knit or to make a donation to the hospice visit www.francishouse.org.uk
