Fashion

Tech

Owner

•	Designer & educator with 35+ years experience in all areas of sweater design and fabric development from original concept through tech packs and sampling to final garment.  
•	Recognized as creative, progressive, and entrepreneurial UK trained Sweater Designer whose superior taste level, trend forecasting and sweater manufacturing expertise have resulted in meeting clients’ financial objectives by maximizing profitability and gaining market share.
•	Past clients include Nike, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, J Crew, Chacos and REI


Established 2008, The Knitting School hosts classes and open studios specifically for machine knitting and machine knitting technology. Caters to industry professionals and fiber artists to further their knowledge and improve their work skills and communication.
Students have included design teams from Nike, Chacos, Nordstrom, Tommy Hilfiger, REI, US Customs and Border Control, Columbia Sportswear as well as individual makers, fiber artists and designers.
•	Design and write technical book for corporate classes
•	Develop class structure for all classes
•	Purchase and recondition knitting machinery for class
•	Design and create written and visual instruction for students
•	Successfully transition students from complete beginner through design and execution of first garment


Taught grad and post-grad level classes in knitwear design, fabric development and garment construction. Instrumental in the building and writing of the knitwear BA & MA degree program.

Instructor, Acting Co-ordinator Knitwear

A Seattle-based sweater trend business established in 1992 serving the US market with current, innovative and inspiring concepts in knitted format for mens and womenswear.

•	Researched and interpreted market trends for men’s and women’s knitwear
•	Prepared inspiring trend boards for US & UK based design team and in-house designers
•	Researched current yarn trends, order yarn, maintain yarn library
•	Developed stitches, pattern-work and styling on all types of knitting machinery as well as hand and machine embroidery and crochet pieces
•	Oversaw in-house designers, offered support and training where necessary
•	Maintained client list. Worked with sales team on keeping client list current and finding new markets
•	Developed travel schedule. Booked flights and hotels for myself and/or staff.
•	Travelled regularly to New York, Portland, San Francisco, Paris and Florence for sales trips and trade shows.


Designer, Owner

Eddie Bauer, an outdoor brand, offers signature outerwear, men's and women's clothing, gear and accessories, and world-class mountaineering gear with stores throughout the US and Canada.
Worked both free-lance and full-time (1992-1995) as men’s and women’s sweater designer for Eddie Bauer and continue to have a strong relationship with the company.
•	Worked with design team on color and concepts
•	Traveled to New York, Los Angeles and Europe to research trends
•	Developed styling and stitches
•	Oversaw assistant to prepare tech packs
•	Traveled to Hong Kong and New York to oversee production of initial samples
•	Reviewed prototype samples for construction, silhouette, fit, and trim details
•	Communicated with factory on quality, fit and styling


Mens & Womens Sweater Designer

Find out detailed information about helen sharp, Owner in Seattle, WA

helen sharp: Owner in Seattle, WA

helen sharp

The Knitting School

Academy of Art University

Knitwear Network

Eddie Bauer

NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY