Euro Trash Doll

I wanted to share the story behind the ‘EuroTrash Helmet’ because its been so long that many people probably don’t remember the humble beginnings.
Nearly 5 years ago I got my first Blythe doll. Not long after while in a market, I saw this beautiful roll of rainbow colored wool. I had to buy it, it was too beautiful to leave behind. I had no idea what kind of wool it was, as it was obviously local, it had no label or brand.
I did not learn to knit until my late 20’s. My mother and sister both being left handed and me being right handed, it all got lost in the translation. It was not until I moved to Finland that I learned to knit. My oldest sister has always been a ‘felter’. She used to make me slippers for Christmas that were knitted then felted, also beautiful felted bags. So I think it was thinking of her, and being inspired by her that led me to want to knit and felt the helmets.
It was a bit of a learning curve, trial and error and also figuring out that this wool was best felted by hand..that each different one, due to the nature of it felted in a different manner.The first helmet was a very basic style, without any chin strap. In fact it was not even a helmet.

I discovered that I did not like that it would not stay on the head, so i made it more form fitting around the head. The second one I made went further down and still had no chin strap. Finally I figured out how to knit the chin strap and the Kitty Helmet was born. As I began to be more confident I would buy more wool at the market, and lots of trial and error began, getting to know the wool and how each wool would knit up, felt and respond to my hands…Sometimes I would have to remake, refelt and completely throw stuff away as it was impossible to predict. Only after years of working with these wools have I developed some consistency. Also why there exists no pattern because each and every wool must be treated like an individual..its hard to explain but I feel it in my fingers and when I handle it…the fiber lengths and everything really dictate how its going to respond to the felting process. I’m still never safe from surprises though!! Always learning.
The decor evolved and came about because my dear friend Yoko gave me her childhood bead box when she knew I was making clothing for Blythe…and I thought, ‘hey, this is a great way to use these vintage beads..’. Little did I know where it would lead..

You can see the edge of the beadbox in this photo. I still use it to hold my beads. I like to decorate out of it because it has a bit of everything. Over the years I have collected beads all around the world in my travels to add to the box. I love to think that each helmet has a story, pieces from around the world, past and present.
Buttons began to play a really strong role early on. I would use them as decor, and later they became the fastener at the chin, replacing snaps.I have a real love for vintage buttons and I think it comes through in the helmets. Somedays I spend hours scouring the flea markets for just the right ones. I also love to find dead stock in small shops. Again the buttons come from around the world, gathered in my travels and all have stories to tell. Some new, some old, but all with character. Some are gifts from friends. All are gathered with love. Selecting the right button for each helmet is something I really enjoy.

When I was in Portland one year for a Christmas meet, staying with Minklet/Megan, She gave me this beautiful roll of rainbow/grey wool and I thought, ‘hmmm what am I ever going to do with this..’ from this giant spool of wool I began to introduce embroidery to the helmets and the ‘Folklore’ line of helmets came into being. Over time again the embroidery styles have developed, evolved. I have found beautiful perle cottons, vintage linen threads, lovely silky threads from Italy…metallic dmc threads…all coming together on the helmets with the beads, pearls and buttons. One of my favourite things about the helmets is 90% of my decor and items are all hand chosen by me. Very little of my product and decor are purchased online…I love to feel and to see what I am buying. I like the personal experience.
Currently in the EuroTrash Helmet line there are Kitty Helmets, Tonttu Helmets (a suggestion from my dear friend Maria), Snork Helmets and Plain Helmets. I have been known to do a Lati Yellow Helmet or two, and Sometimes even Moof Helmets. (even more rarely, Human sized ones!) Each helmet is one of a kind and thoughtfully made, carefully selecting just the right decor and embellishments. Trips to Estonia and local markets bring the wool for each helmet, and I love supporting the local farmers and using a local product.
When I started making the helmets, I had no idea what they would become in the future…I am always overwhelmed by their success and popularity and attribute the fact that each one is made with care, love and creativity. They were just a natural evolution of a little idea, and I continue to love making each and every one of them. Thank you all for your support and inspiration. Seeing them out in the world is exactly why I do it. You all just blow my mind!