Helen Firing is a Canadian designer who needs no introduction. With a prolific presence on Ravelry, Helen has been published in Vogue Knitting Magazine, Knit Simple and in Cascade Yarns’ 60 More Quick Baby Knits. Helen has also been a regular contributor to the Estelle Yarns Free Patterns Collection since day one. How she manages to find time to work in a local yarn shop AND get her own knitting done is beyond us!
If you live in or near Bowmanville, ON chances are you have taken a knitting class or needle felting workshop with Helen, or you may have even run into her in the yarn shop where she works part time. Always working with fibres, Helen managed to pry the needles out of her hands long enough to answer a few questions for us.
How long have you been knitting?
On and off since I was a teenager, more “seriously” for about 15-20 years
Who taught you to knit?
Originally my mum, who was left-handed, so it was a bit awkward. I remember my knitting in the beginning being sort of “backwards”. I sorted myself out eventually and now knit like a regular right-handed person should!
When did you start designing your own patterns?
I worked for Lewiscraft in the late eighties and started designing stuffed animal patterns inspired by ones I saw knitted by Debbie Bliss. I had the great pleasure of meeting her at a book signing once and she is just as nice as you would imagine from her sweet children’s designs.
Do you have a favourite designer?
I love Justyna Lorkowska (Lete’s Knits) and Martina Behm.
Is there a designer who has inspired your work?
Besides my early inspiration from Debbie Bliss, I have to say it is ever changing depending on what catches my eye on Ravelry.
What inspires your work?
The ways that colours and textures play together. I love earth tones. Working in a yarn store (Soper Creek Yarn, recently moved from Bowmanville to Orono, Ontario) provides endless inspiration but wreaks havoc on my ability to bank a whole paycheck!
Helen’s love for earth tones is evident in her Llama Drama Fade Wrap. Knit with three neutral shades of Estelle Llama Natural Worsted, we just love the way the colours blend beautifully from light to dark and then back again.
What has your work as a designer changed in your life?
I’ve become much better at math! And it frees up my knitterly imagination to answer the question: what would happen if I..? It’s also strange to make the switch from knitting other people’s patterns to designing your own. Suddenly your leisurely pastime becomes a job. You realize how much work goes into writing a pattern, even the simplest ones. I have immense respect for all designers and love to see those who can earn a living doing that exclusively.
What are your favourite types of items to knit?
Any accessory, really. Although I’ve gotten better at math, I don’t love it and the thought of writing patterns for garments with multiple sizes gives me a headache!
If you’re looking for the ultimate accessory, Helen’s Gemstones Reversible Bandana Cowl ticks all the boxes. Knit with one ball of Estelle DK and one ball of Estelle Lumiere, this rhythmic pattern is fun and addictive. Full of colourful garter stitches that light up the solid slip stitches like a never ending net of precious gems, this fully reversible treasure can also be worn inside out to reveal its flashier side.
What’s your current favourite colour?
Right now, rusty brown.
Do you have a favourite weight of yarn to work with?
Fingering gives a lot of bang for your buck without sending me cross eyed like lace (though I do admit I have to wear “cheater” eyeglasses when working with it!). I think that DK/Sport offers good yardage per ball to do something nice with a special single skein. But I do like a nice super bulky for a quick hat knit.
What is your preferred fibre?
Definitely wool. It’s so versatile, natural and basic. I seem to be knitting a lot of non-superwash sweaters for myself lately.
What other hobbies do you have?
I do 3D needle felting and I spin too.
Do you have a favourite technique or tip you would like to share with us?
I love using the cable cast on method in most of my projects and designs. It’s stretchy and it gives a nice edge to things. If I could only knit in one type of stitch it would be Garter stitch. I have absolutely no problem working endless rows of knit stitches.
If you love endless rows of knit stitches too, then you will love Helen’s Correct Shawl. Knit in three colours of Estelle Alpaca Merino DK, this entire project is worked in garter stitch. The centered double decrease and short row shaping provide an attractive visual detail to this gorgeous shawl.
How did you come to design knitting patterns for Estelle Yarns?
Marsha “discovered” me and my work when she started calling on the yarn store I worked at and saw some of my design samples there.
How do you connect to or are involved with the knitting community?
I am on Ravelry, posting projects and selling my own designs. I work part time four days a week at the yarn store.
Check out all of Helen’s patterns on our Free Patterns page and let us know in the comments section below which one you’ll be starting next!
Thank you Helen, for all of your gorgeous designs for Estelle Yarns, we can’t wait to see what you come up with next!