Busting out for a cure

Marie Williams with her Pinky and Perky breasts which will be on show at this week’s Craft Expo in Melbourne. 37184  Marie Williams with her Pinky and Perky breasts which will be on show at this week’s Craft Expo in Melbourne. 37184

THEY’RE pink and perky and are set to bust out in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Cockatoo woman Marie Williams is the creator of the piggy style bras, which will feature in a “knitted boob” competition, hosted by the Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild of Victoria (HWSGV) at Melbourne’s Craft Expo.
Mrs Williams, the competition organiser, has also made two other sets of breasts – one in St Kilda colours and another in those of Geelong – in the lead-up to the event.
When asked how she came up with the idea to knit the boobs, the experienced spinner and weaver said:
“Me … I’m mad, I have some crazy ideas.
“(But) a few years ago we had a lady come in and she submitted some in footy colours so I kind of stole it off her,” she said with a laugh.
“The pattern I’ve used I got off a website. It’s for people who have had breasts removed and it’s like prosthesis. I interpreted it a bit further and made them funny.”
Mrs Williams’ busty creations caught the eyes of those organising this week’s Craft Expo in Melbourne.
“When they saw it on our website they said ‘can we have a sneak peek at your boobs and your bras?’ ”
Members of the HWSGV have also been busy making pink scarves for the expo, at the Royal Exhibition Building.
Proceeds from the sale of the scarves will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Mrs Williams’ bras will be displayed in the Yarn Lounge at the Craft Expo where experienced knitters will be able to exchange ideas, while novices can get expert advice from the spinners and weavers.
The expo is running from 8 to 11 October, from 10am to 4.30pm daily at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton.