When I first tried Helen of The Wool Kitchen‘s yarn, I knew it was perfect to be included in my upcoming Ultraviolet Knits book. What I didn’t realise is how much I’d love all her other colorways too. I was delighted when she let me interview her for my blog, and like the others in this series, this is about her words and photos, not mine. I have a great blog here and it has been going strong for over eight years, so why not spread the word about small hand-dyers, artisans, and things made by hand with love and expert skill? Before I dive in, the photos in this post are entirely Helen’s from her Instagram feed.
How long have you been dyeing yarn?
4.5 yrs
What inspired you to make your dyeing a business?
Love of colour and knitting, I needed to create a job that would be flexible around being a mum. I also had found myself with no career after having a family.
Where did your company name come from?
My eldest son went ask why I only cook wool in the kitchen. He would say “Mum, it’s your ‘Wool Kitchen’.”
What do you like about what you do?
I love creating yarn that is enjoyable to knit with. I’m very much into pushing the colour spectrum and which colours combine to create beautiful, unique yarns.
What fuels you in your work?
Definitely meeting people and their love for this craft. I definitely enjoy seeing my yarn in projects.
How does your environment inspire your work?
Living in London gives me a very modern urban environment. There is something really cool about all the flashes of colours you can find in the grey back drop.
What is your approach to your work?
I have a very set week: admin, orders and, most importantly, dye time.
How do you approach your work on a colorway?
For me, it about creating inspiring yarns that make you want to keep knitting. I always say ’Enjoy every stitch’. I really hope that is the case.
Who in the knitting and craft community inspires you and why?
I follow a vast range of indie dyers, designers and importantly people I have meet through buying my yarn. I really think we all bring inspiration to each other. It’s very difficult to single any one person out, I just feel very luck to be part of this growing community.
What makes a beautiful skein of yarn?
The need to pick it up and squeeze it!
Craft tool you cannot live without?
Syringes!!! And music although that not really tools. And definitely my interchangeable ChiaoGoo and my favorite project bag!
Finish this sentence: “When I am not dyeing yarn I am… “
Avoiding tidying up, so knitting!
I really enjoyed the chance to get to know Helen better. I’m thrilled to be including her yarn in two patterns in my upcoming Ultraviolet Knits book.
You can read other interviews with hand-dyers, artists, designers, and creatives HERE in the Community & Interviews category of EvinOK.