Ever heard of someone knitting a wedding dress in just three weeks? Well, meet Shirley Ellicott, an 80-year-old dynamo from Whitsbury, England, who's done just that. With a lifetime love for crafting, Shirley, who's a great-grandmother, has stitched and knitted her way through everything from cozy scarves to fancy prom dresses. But this time, she set her sights even higher – a wedding dress!
Shirley's journey with needles and yarn began when she was a mere 5-year-old. Since then, she's mastered the art of sewing, knitting, and crochet, all self-taught. Her latest feat? A stunning, hand-knitted wedding dress that's a nod to the chic styles of the 1930s.
This isn't just any dress. It's a white, long-sleeved cotton beauty, adorned with rose-shaped pearl-effect buttons and sporting a wide train. And guess what? You can wear it with the buttons either in the front or the back. Talk about versatile! The dress, with over 1,000 stitches, is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Shirley's inspiration came from her husband, Ken, who nudged her to finally knit the wedding dress she'd always talked about. “OK,” she said, and the rest is history. This marvel of a dress is currently gracing the display window of a local charity shop in Fordingbridge. And the cherry on top? Part of the sale proceeds will help fund the charity's community outreach efforts.
So, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Shirley's proving that age is just a number and that with two needles in hand, the possibilities are endless. She's already onto her next project – a knitted jacket, and who knows what's next?
For those in Fordingbridge, you can catch Shirley hosting knit and natter sessions at the charity shop. It's not just about knitting; it's about community, sharing skills, and making a difference, one stitch at a time.
To all the brides, grooms, and wedding pros out there, Shirley's story is a testament to creativity, skill, and the love poured into every handmade piece. Whether you're planning a wedding or just love a good yarn (pun intended!), Shirley's story is sure to inspire. After all, if you can dream it, you can knit it!
