We have such an amazing staff at Seed Stitch.  One of the faces that you might not see on a daily basis, but who is an integral part of our team is Helene Driesen.  Anyone who has taken one of her classes or had her finish one of their garments know how amazing she is.  But for those of you who have not met her yet, we should we’d give you a bit of insight into Helene.

Who taught you to knit and when?

My mother taught me how to knit when I was about 5 and still living in the U.S.  When I was 6 we moved to the Netherlands, where I entered first grade and where knitting is part of the curriculum.  I initially did not take to it as our first project was a cotton diaper cover (??).  Imagine, hot sweaty fingers trying to knit cotton stitches across plastic needles.  I hated it and did not knit, other than at school.  I did enjoy other crafts such as needlepoint which I did more of till I was about 12, when I became intrigued with cables I watched my mother knit.  So I jumped right back in and made my youngest cousin a beautiful cabled cardigan.  I was hooked.

What draws you to knitting or what is it that you love about it?

There is no one thing that draws me to knitting … it has been such a part of my life for so long.  For a period (from my late teens and early twenties) I made pretty much all my own clothes.  Partly because I wanted them to be different and partly to fit me better than store bought clothes.  Now, it gives me balance in life.  It is my time … I get up at 5:30AM, have coffee and knit … it’s how I organize my day .. solve little life problems … charge the battery.  During the day, my knitting pretty much consists of knitting for the business.

I think everyone who has taken a class with you has been amazed by the breadth of your skill and work. But many may not know that you also do finishing and custom work for Seed Stitch Fine Yarn. Can you talk a little bit about how this process works?

This business has grown a lot in the past few years. There are several different aspects of the business that customers can take advantage of.  First — repair and restoration of knitted and crocheted garments and items.  I have done some pretty extensive restorations, for instance family heirloom afghans.  I also finish and assemble sweaters and projects for people, who either don’t want to bother with it or do not have the necessary experience.

This is a busy business for you, but you do more than just knitting and crochet. You sew as well right?

Yes, this is one aspect that I can’t wait to get back to … design and sewing of children’s clothing.  I still have some fabulous fabric I bought in Europe and some great designs to put one of a kind outfits together.  The sewing has been put on hold as I have been so busy with the knitting in recent years.

I understand that you participate in two shows leading up to Christmas. Can you tell us a little bit about these and what it takes to get ready for these?

I participate in two shows to support two local schools.  One were my son goes and one is the Waldorf school as I like their philosophy.  Right now I am gearing up with working on inventory which pretty much consists of mittens, thrummed and felted and also fingerless mittens which have been such a hit these last few years.  I probably will also make some bags.

What designers do you think are really hot right now?

At the moment I really like the designs Jared Flood is putting out there.  I am more of traditionalist and he adds a little flair to some traditional garments.  Also, I am a total sock fanatic and love what Cookie A is doing in that department.  Martin Storey has also long been a favorite of mine and when it comes to color who else but Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably … I love what they do with color and I love how they can get you excited with a few little skeins of yarn.

QUICKFACTS:

Favorite book:
I don’t really have a go to book … own too many to have a favorite.

On your iPod right now:
I do not own an Ipod, do not text, twitter, blog or have a Face book page.  Favorite CD at the moment is Raising Sand by Allison Krause and Robert Plant.  Love them together.

Item from your yarn stash you’re dying to use:
Have some beautiful Noro Transition I am waiting to use.

If you were a yarn, which yarn would you be?
Favorite yarn … no question … cashmere or a cashmere/silk blend in a rich dark chocolate color.

Favorite place to knit:
In the winter in front of the wood burning stove with a good cup of coffee and a really good piece of chocolate overlooking the lake (frozen, probably).  In the summer … on our front porch overlooking the lake with a good scotch (if it’s after 5PM).

Favorite spot on the North Shore:
No question .. our lake.

Current knitting project:
Several Cookie A socks, Hanne Falkenberg top, Lizard Ridge Afghan, cashmere lace shawl, top-down sweater with Noro, Rona (from Rowan #46), and several other stray projects.