Helen Gipson Indie Gift Along 2019 Interview

Helen Gipson, Indie Design Gift A-Long 2019 Interview

Contents

1 Helen Gipson, Indie Design Gift A-Long 2019 Interview

Today we’re chatting to knitwear designer Helen Gipson, aka scrabblepooh tell us a little about yourself please Helen.

I was a software engineer designing and writing computer programs for databases. My last employer was World Duty Free based at Heathrow before giving up work and moving to the peace of the Scottish Borders in 2005. Now we complain if we have to wait for more than 2 cars to get on to the main road!

Shape Your Booties Helen Gipson

How did you get into knitting/crochet and who taught you?

My Nan taught me basic knitting as a teenager.
My best friend from school taught me how to crochet one particular granny square and how to join them together. I could not have told you what the stitches were but I still have the blanket I made at about age 16 which is probably the most expensive thing I have ever made both in time and money!

Blanerne by Helen Gipson

What made you want to start designing?

I’d always dabbled but I think I got serious about designing when I realised how much yarn I had accumulated and had no idea what to make with a lot of it – I couldn’t find patterns that worked for it that I really wanted to knit so I made my own.

What’s you favourite part of the design process?

I think my favourite part of designing is taking a very rough idea and seeing it evolve. There is a lot of trial and error in my process

Textured Landscape Throw by Helen Gipson

What inspires you?

Hmm – I’m not good at this question – lol.

Are you a full-time or part-time designer and how does that fit into your life?

I am definitely part-time, as and when I have an idea I think worth pursuing.

Do you have a favourite thing to design and why?

Probably socks and sweaters because I then get to wear them.

Twisty Passages Mitts by Helen Gipson

Do you have much time to make things for yourself or for gifting?

I occasionally make things for special friends or family members if I know they would really love it.

If someone knitted or crocheted a gift item for you, what would you love the most?

I think anything because I know the time that it would have taken them.

Colour me crazy socks by Helen Gipson

Do you have a favourite yarn and why?

I have no go to yarn, but if I was forced I think it would be Malabrigo Rios. I love merino, the colours are stunning and it shows cables like a dream.

What’s your favourite of your own designs and what do you love about it?

My Textured Landscape throw. The ‘prototype’ of this was before I was designing and was a complete make it up as I go along to use up all these random odd balls and was rather wonky but endearing. It needed a lot of work to turn into a pattern and isn’t something anyone would make in the gift along

Is there anything new you can tell us about or a recent design you’d like to chat about?

I have begun contemplating designing another patchwork throw but using closed cables, a technique I used in my Wrapsody in Gold shawl. At the moment it hasn’t progressed further than the idea – oh, and I have a lot of suitable yarn…

Wrapsody in Gold Helen Gipson

What’s your favourite colour?

I think I would have to say grey – it is so versatile.

Petalous by Helen Gipson

Have you been a participating designer in the Indie Gift Along before and what do you love most about it?

This is my sixth year. I love support and encouragement everyone gives each other.

Which Gift Along 2019 designers inspire you and why?

I have to say you, Loraine. I really don’t know how you can pack in everything you do every day with such good grace!

I think I am in awe of Ella Austin with her beautiful knitted softies – such fabulous ideas – and Alla Borisova’s shawls blow me away!

How do people get in touch with you or see more of your work?

Ravelry pattern store: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/helen-gipson

Aline Modular Cardigan ladies knitting pattern is released

Quick links to our shop

Austermann Yarns, Baby Yarns, Debbie Bliss Yarns, Lanas Stop Yarns, Araucania Yarns, Schoeller & Stahl Yarns, Felting Yarns, Noro Yarns, DK Yarns, 4ply Yarns, Aran Yarns, Fur Yarns, James C Brett Yarns, Lion Brand Yarns

Helen Gipson Interview Gift A-long 2019