After completing textile course, Helda began designing her own modern knitted and crochet garments and accessories. This lead her to submit her designs to magazines and she has since been published along with releasing her own self-published designs.
Heda's crochet designs are playful, a little edgy and written for all levels. Helda never leaves her home without her crochet hook and planner (I can totally relate - except I always have knitting needles)! She never wishes to waste a single moment when she can crochet everywhere. Her motto is "I will stop when I am dead"!
Helda and I have yet to meet in person...but I know in my heart we will someday. I was just thrilled when we started chatting and she agreed to be part of the Fall 2024 Factory Girl Maker's Box! I adore so many of her patterns but her Mya Shawl was just PERFECT for the gorgeous yarn set that was included dyed by Gabby of Plies & Hellhounds.
I asked Helda a few questions about her journey to becoming a designer, where she finds her inspiration and bit more for us to learn more about her!
1. When and how did you learn to crochet?
I actually knitted first. I was about 8 years old. As I got older I decided to go to college to learn machine knitting and advanced hand knitting techniques. I came to crochet at age 33 after a stroke left me with left side paralysis. I cannot knit anymore but knew working with yarn was my therapy, a friend told me to try crochet and the rest as they say is history!
2. What is your favorite type of project?
That’s a hard one I love making them all. I love making blankets preferably a blanket made of motifs that are added as you go. I gift them to my children and grandchildren, it’s a hug from Nanna. But equally I enjoy making shawls. They are so practical and useful. I make them for everyone - everyone needs a shawl no matter the weather. I love wearing them myself as I do not like feeling the cold around my neck, so I am rarely without one.
3. Do you have some go-to or favorite stitches/techniques?
When I need a break from my commissions I like to relax by making squares using all my odds and ends. I hate throwing away yarn so I make something with them. It's my go to.
4. What lead you to begin designing?
Being disabled, going out wasn't really an option. I was left with memory issues and I had to learn to speak again. The prognosis wasn't good. But me being me I will always challenge preconceived issues and will not be labelled and check a box. I needed to prove to myself and my family that I can do things, and so I just decided to send off a pattern to a publication to see what happened. I'm so happy they said yes.
Around this same time I also decided to start a blog http://heldasland.blogspot.com/. It was a great way to connect and find a huge community of makers there. However, I still hadn't seen any disabled crocheters. [Note from Crystal....be sure to visit and follow along. Helda shares her beautiful projects and happenings here].
5. Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
Another hard question, I can find inspiration everywhere. I live in London , it's largely an urban landscape. I've designed patterns based on concrete, red bricks, the grass, and more. Sometimes it's the colours in nature.
6. Are you solely into crochet or do you dabble in other fiber arts or other crafts?
I only crochet.
7. Can you share a little of what you have planned for the rest of 2024 or early 2025?
I'm very lucky that Im booked up with a lot of commission work right the way through. [Note from Crystal...follow Helda on Instagram to see all her gorgeous commissions!]
8. What is your favourite crochet hook?
I have over 100 hooks I can't stop buying them. I'm always on the hunt for a hook that feels better than my favourite which is the Clover soft touch hook.
9. Do you have any “can’t live without” tools?
Oh yes, I have a bag from Redesigned it houses all my "must haves". I go no where without this bag! I can't live without a needle threader my eyesight isn't what it used to be. Super sharp scissors are an absolute must. I definitely must have a notebook a pen I'm old school must write everything down.
10. What are your favorite yarns to use?
Oh my word, I can't possibly answer that! I adore all yarns, they all have their uses. I do however prefer working with natural fibers but I am also aware that it's a privilege. I believe that as a designer being inclusive is important. That means I will always make items in more affordable yarns.
Let's chat about some personal favorites!!!
1. Favorite band?
Sade
2. Favorite movie?
Harry Potter
3. What’s the last book your read and would you recommend it?
I'm obsessed with cook books I have over 300. I love a good autobiograpy I've just finished Stanley Tuccis book called Taste, my life through food. It was just perfect.
I will definitely re-read it. It's so evocative.
4. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Does having more hands count as a superpower? Because more hands means I could crochet more things and cook dinner at the same time.
5. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your days, what would this be?
Freshly baked bread. Yummy!
Thank you Helda!!! I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about this amazing Crochet Designer....be sure to check out Helda'd pattern on Ravelry and give her a follow on Instagram!
Stay tuned for more features on designers and dyers coming soon!
Cheers & Stitches,
Crystal
✨ Interested in learning more about the Factory Girl Maker's Box? Below is a photo showing the four inspiration images for the 2025 Desert Blooms themed Maker's Box. Each season has limited availability so check it out and sign up! ✨
