Knitted corgis are being hidden around the UK by members of the Women's Institute (WI), to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Initially started by the London WI, the project is supported by the Big Jubilee Lunch and sees WI members hide lovely knitted corgis in their local communities. The handmade dogs, all named 'WInnie,' include a special tag to allow members of the public to map where they have been found. There is also one special corgi for people to look out for in London, which will invite the finder to attend the official Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5th June.
"To celebrate The Queen's momentous anniversary of 70 years on the throne, we wanted to launch a fun and engaging community project that would share the WI's love of knitting and craft," Ann Jones, Chair of the NFWI, says.
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"Knitters of all skill levels are encouraged to join in, with the pattern designed for those at a relatively beginner level. For those who find the corgis, they can visit the WI website to map where they have found her and also post on social media using hashtag #WheresWInnie. We hope that WInnie the corgi will brighten the day of anyone who finds her."
The corgi pattern was designed by Woolwich and Plumstead Roses WI member Hannah Joyce (pictured above), who created the pup with sustainability in mind. WI members are encourage to knit the corgi pattern, which feature in the March issue of WI Life, and use up their fabric stash and other recycled materials to make the corgi.
Lindsey Brummitt, Programme Director of The Big Jubilee Lunch, adds: "This kind of unique community activity is a lovely way to honour The Queen's incredible achievement, so we want to invite the finder of the special WInnie to our flagship Big Jubilee Lunch in London on the Platinum Jubilee celebration weekend!"
Anyone can participate in the search and add more knitted corgis to the nationwide hunt. Want to get involved and make your own corgi? For more information, head over the the WI's March issue. It's a great way to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign.
Platinum Jubilee souvenirs and gifts to celebrate the Queen
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee God Save The Queen Mug
This historic jubilee makes a great excuse to add another Emma Bridgewater mug to your collection! This one features our national anthem in EB's signature script on a proud red background.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Here's a more subtle design from Emma Bridgewater.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee 70 Glorious Years Mug
Lastly, the potter has this vibrant green option. Which will you choose?
Harrods Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Harrods has released its own commemorative mug, too. This fine bone china option features the dates of the Queen's reign in shining gold and finished with the royal crests.
Sandie Burton Designs Queen's Platinum Jubilee Cushion Cover
Particularly dedicated royalists will be pleased with this lovely handmade cushion cover; it's thoroughly celebratory without being garish. It'd fit right in with a country cottage scheme while adding a cheerful flash of colour.
Platinum Jubilee Tea Towel
This design is also available as a tea towel, if you prefer – in a good range of colours.
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Plate
This makes a fun memento – use it to display your scones or sandwiches for your Jubilee garden party over the bank holiday weekend, then display it on the wall or your cabinet after the festivities are done.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting
Hang this suitably British bunting around your garden fence, conservatory or the front of your property to show your appreciation for our longest-reigning monarch. It comes in either two or five metre lengths, or you can ask for your specific requirements.
Historic Royal Palaces 2022 Platinum Jubilee Imperial State Crown Decoration
Made from gold-plated pewter and studded with glittering crystals, this ornate decoration is exclusive to the Historic Royal Palaces shop. Keep it proudly on display in a cabinet, or you could even use the hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas tree ornament, if you like.
Rice Paper Cake Toppers
No garden party is complete without cake. These rice paper toppers will ensure your offerings are less Victoria sponge and more Elizabeth II – much more appropriate, in this instance!
Cheviot Ceramics Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
A subtle design finished with traditional royal purple crowns; these are lovingly hand-painted to order, so you know you're getting something thoughtful to commemorate this special occasion.
Royal Collection Shop Longest Reigning Monarch Commemorative Oval Charger
Okay, this charger plate is expensive, but it is handmade from fine bone china and finished with burnished 22-carat gold detailing, so it is a really exquisite piece. Plus, we're sure you agree that a Platinum jubilee party deserves something extra special to celebrate properly. Put this plate pride of place on your table to show off your afternoon tea spread for your do.
Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Tea Towel
With its ornate crown, orb and sceptre design, this lovely Emma Bridgewater design will pay homage to our queen while brightening up your kitchen (and helping with the washing up!).
Traditional tones in white, blue and red here for this tea towel – and there's some matching bunting available, too.
More tea towels here – choose your favourite design, or collect all three!
Harrods HM Queen Elizabeth II Teapot
To match the charger plate above, this charming teapot will finish off your royal scheme perfectly. We just love the little crown on the lid.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
