Knitting Group Unveils Nude Christmas Window Display

A group of knitting enthusiasts has transformed a shop window into a festive Christmas scene featuring knitted nude local characters. This holiday display, located at the Carpet Gallery and Haberdashery store in Portchester precinct, Hampshire, aims to generate funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now and Prostate Cancer UK. Many of the characters were inspired by members of the Voice for Portchester Facebook group. The Nudi Knitters intended for these window figures to serve as a means to initiate conversations about intimate health issues. Sara Steele, who co-owns the independent flooring specialist and Haberdashery shop with her husband, observed, “People see it and start chatting about who they know with cancer.” She expressed her aspiration that the display could “stop people dying of embarrassment.” The concept originated from the yarn group that convenes monthly at her establishment. She recounted, “When they first opened the display, one of the knitters’ granddaughters thought the couple sitting at the table were the King and Queen.” She added, “As Charles has prostate cancer, it’s fine if they think that, but they are not.” Mrs Steele disclosed a personal motivation for her efforts to collect funds for the charities, stating that her husband, Simon, has prostate cancer. Tina Allingham coordinated the participants for the knitting project through Voice for Portchester; she previously had breast cancer but has since recovered. While the total sum of money collected will not be determined until after the festive period, Mrs Steele noted that numerous individuals have entered the shop to contribute donations after viewing the window display. “Even the vicar loved his character, he had a photo of it and showed his congregation,” she stated. Mrs Steele described the public’s response as wonderful, citing a customer who remarked, “Thank you for putting the heart back into the community.” The concept for the nude window display was inspired by the Nudinits brand, which is directed by Sarah Simi. Mrs Steele confirmed that preparations for the following year’s charity Christmas window display are already in progress. For updates, BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.