We had a little time to chat with Elizabeth Helmich – the designer of the Sidhe Pullover and Beret in this issue. Enjoy getting to know her a bit better. We did!
What made you interested in knitwear design?
I started designing in 2008, when I was working at my LYS. The owner was always looking for ways to showcase new yarns, and my very first designs were for the shop only. My pattern line expanded when I couldn’t find things I wanted to make, and I became fascinated with the process and enjoy challenging the norm.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My goal is always to make items that are fun to create, never boring, but within reach of the skills of most knitters. What I would like to be known for some day, would be making flattering looks for women of all sizes that accentuate their natural beauty. I’m still pushing for more knitted corsets and skirts!
You do a lot with wearable lace. Would you consider that one of your trademarks?
Wearable lace, I never heard it described that way. Yes, I would say that I enjoy it, because to me these designs are more flexible. I like that you can wear them in any season, they are more fluid, and I think the lighter weight sweater is more flattering to larger sizes in general.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly from nature. I see cable patterns in the water and trees, and lace in the flowers. Architecture also fascinates me, I’d like to do more with geometrical designs in the future. I do try to pay attention to trends, though in general I’d rather make garments that will stand the test of time. Like many of us, I try to fill the gaps in my own wardrobe.
What designers have influenced you? (this question is open – it could be knitwear or others that have nothing to do with knitwear)
Norah Gaughan was one of the first designers who taught me to ‘think outside the box’, and she continues to inspire today. Deborah Newton has this amazing, timeless aesthetic, and her writings about process are very inspiring. Cecily Glowik MacDonald has this great ability to make designs with that ‘just enough’ factor that is always appealing. There are so many talented designers – what a great time we live in!
Your designs run the gamut – garments, accessories, kids’ wear, toys. Is there anything you’re particularly drawn to?
My main focus tends to be garments, but I do have a soft spot for stuffies, I’d love to do more of those. Before I started designing, I knit quite a few animals for my first daughter. It is nice to not have to worry about gauge sometimes. Accessories fill in the gap for me when I am wanting a quicker project, with much less time commitment than a sweater.
What’s your process like? For example, do you sketch, start with a stitch pattern, see something RTW?
My process has included all of those things. If I’m feeling stuck, I love to check out sites like anthropologie or pinterest to spark an idea. Lately I’ve been finding some great Japanese stitch patterns that excite me. I also get a thrill from seeing ‘new to me’ ways of combining stitches. Sometimes, I just want to try a different construction and will launch from there.
What’s a favorite part of one of your designs and why?
One of my first designs, the Gillaspie Gothic Gauntlets, remains one of my most favorite patterns that I designed because I did them with the help of my husband who loves medieval armor. He kept requesting changes that challenged me (and drove me slightly mad), but ultimately made them a better design. Clearly, I need to do more designs with him!
Tell us something funny that happened with one of your designs.
You mean something that made me want to cry and rip my hair out, that I could laugh about later on, right? I have a lot of what I like to call ‘happy accidents’. For example, with Jane of the Wood, I wasn’t exactly sure how large I wanted the collar to be. When I originally decided to do short rows for shaping, I had imagined the collar would fold down. When I put it on and saw that it wanted to stand up, I was much happier with that look overall.
What do you like to do when you’re not designing?
Having 3 girls, a lot of activities are centered around them, naturally. I also write poetry, explore the mountains as often as I can, I enjoy fishing, kayaking (anything near the water) and supporting the many diverse shops / restaurants in my city. When I get a free moment, I always enjoy meeting new people and finding inspiration at my LYS. I love when friends and family come to visit us, as there is no shortage of interesting places close-by to visit.
You’re in Asheville, NC. Did you grow up near there? Or relocate there later on?
After growing up in Philadelphia, I discovered Asheville on a vacation in 2001 with my best friend, and immediately fell in love with this friendly, artsy, mountain city. I felt so compelled to be here that I moved back in 1 month, not knowing a soul. It is a great place to raise my children and gives me endless inspiration.
Tell us about other design work in your life – e.g. your home, your garden, your cooking.
I am an avid cook, I love to experiment in the kitchen, especially with foreign cuisine (though I’m known for my amazing chili). In the warmer months I tend a modest-sized veggie/herb garden in my backyard, and I still find it a thrill to pull my future dinner out of the ground. My husband & I like to get our 3 girls out into nature as often as possible, they all learn to hike shortly after walking!
I was great getting to know you! Thanks for taking some time with us today. Now how do we get to try some of that chili?
[…] I was nearly finished, Jody & I were working on my interview (which you can read more about here), and I mentioned I would have enough left over for a matching beret. Then Sidhe’s Beret was […]