Stitch London supremo, Deadly Knitshade, shares workspace with three of those responsible for the book at the Fleece Station in Depford. She kindly filled us in on the story:
It's about a gal growing up in London. Her dad was inspired to name her Nel after she was conceived under a billiards table in a London pub.
The book features the Notting Hill Carnival, Dagenham (you can even see the Ford factory in the background of one pic), a lovely London bus garage, St Pauls, some peeks at 60s London shops and styles, and a scene set in the chaos of the July 7th bombings. It's also a glimpse into the suburbs of London's past and present with old school corner shops, Wimpy, cinemas, school playgrounds, and greasy spoons. The ever-present double decker bus trundles through many of the stories too.
All the profits from sales of the book go to housing charity Shelter and to get the money rolling in, Ms Knitshade has created Little Knitted Nel, who will be auctioned off at the public launch party at Gosh! Comics tomorrow night.
Knitted Nel is a one-of-a-kind, complete with purple pants (apparently folk are always asking if Knitshade's knitty characters have knickers and this one does). She's the Nel of 2012 - a year after the novel's close - and so a very special continuation of the story. If you want to bid for lovely Little Knitted Nel, email Gosh [email protected] with the subject heading “I want to bid on Knitted Nel!” and your bid and contact details in the body of the email.
Nelson the graphic novel is available to buy at £18.99 and would make a rather lovely Londony gift. Join the party at Gosh, Berwick Street, Soho on Friday 25 November from 6pm.
