Diane’s delight at Knit Off win

Sale resident Diane’s winning knit of a Fair Isle cardigan, was inspired by the ‘wonderful colours of the garden’ and took her two months to complete.

In a public voting round on the hospice website, Diane’s efforts came out on top with 41% of the votes in the Natural World category.

Diane who has been knitting since she was eight-years-old and was taught by her mum said: “I am delighted to have won the Knit Off contest. It’s been a horrible 18 months and to win something is really lovely.

“It took me a couple of months to knit the cardigan, I modified a pattern and there is some artistic license involved, but I was extremely pleased with the result.

“It’s Fair Isle and very warm. You have to keep your wits about you when you’re knitting it, but I loved making it.”

More than 85 photographic entries from 40 participants were uploaded to the website of the Didsbury based children’s hospice that provides care and support to the families of children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Categories in the contest included the Natural World, Attractive Accessory, Beautiful Baby Item, Cuddly Soft Toy, and Novice Knitter. Each of the five winners will receive a £25 gift card donated by Hobbycraft in Altrincham.

Public voting round

More than 2,700 votes were cast, with Diane’s entry receiving the most votes at 398, winning her an additional prize of a yarn bundle valued at £50 donated by Let’s Knit magazine.

Diane said: “I’m always knitting something and still knit for my daughters Georgina and Christina. They shared my entry on social media and asked all their friends to vote. It feels good to have done something worthwhile and to help publicise the work of Francis House. It’s been a great experience.”

Diane is now looking forward to knitting chicks as part of the Francis House Easter chick knit. The annual appeal sees thousands of hand-knitted chicks, each stuffed with a crème egg, sold to local schools and businesses to raise vital hospice funds.

Karen Flower of Francis House said: “Skill and originality was on show in this years’ virtual Knit Off contest. We were wowed by the quality of the entries as well as the variety of styles and ideas. Congratulations to Diane and all our category winners. Thank you to everyone for entering, voting, and helping to raise more than £430 for the hospice.”

Anyone interested in supporting the hospice chick knit appeal can visit www.francishouse.org.uk/easter-knit-a-chick-appeal