Eurovision fan Nina Dodd is on a mission to pap her knitted creations with as many of this year's acts as possible.
The 56-year-old first learned to knit when she was a child but soon threw caution, and patterns, to the wind in favour of creating her own designs. After mastering the craft, Nina decided to blend her talents with another passion, Eurovision.
She's gone on to create some remarkable pieces including themed undergarments, a striking international flag dress and most recently, an eye-catching "Wooly Graham" - an adorable, knitted replica of this year's host.
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She was one of the unlucky few who didn't manage to bag herself arena tickets but it hasn't dampened her spirit. The Brighton resident intends to venture to Liverpool regardless in order to cash in on what might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Getting this year's lineup to pose with Wooly Graham.
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Discussing the item, she told the ECHO: "I found a vintage knitted doll a few years ago in a junk shop with a sewn-on face. It's pretty terrifying and several of my friends have to turn it to the wall when they visit. I was clearly influenced by this when the Graham-doll idea was born.
"As he is now Eurovision personified what better way to sprinkle some Eurovision luck on the contestants than having them pose with little woolly Graham? I'd love to get as many of the contestants as possible to have a photo with him. It may make all the difference to their fortunes. In fact, where is Mae Muller right now?"
Her plans may not be out of reach as a couple of Eurovision icons have already been papped with her range. 2015 champion Mans Zelmerlow and comedian Mel Giedroyc are fans of the flag dress in particular.
Nina added: "Mel and Mans were at the local radio station and I was there as the knitting/Eurovision correspondent. Happily, we crossed paths in the lobby, they took one look at the dress and had to try it on."
The 2023 lineup boasts some of the most sociable and approachable contestants we've had in years so no one is out of reach for Nina. She said: "Wouldn't it just be great to get as many as possible to pose with knitted Graham and/or pop on the dress? I think it's so in keeping with the fun, joyous nature of Eurovision, so come on folks, let's get woolly.
"Oh, and with Sam Ryder being a big fan of knitwear, he's very welcome to join in too!"
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