I have recently become more interested in helping knitting designers by test knitting new patterns. As someone who is primarily a process knitter–much more interested in the act of making a thing than in enjoying the finished outcome–test and sample knitting is quite appealing, particularly if it lets me try techniques or yarns I otherwise would not. Surprisingly (to me at least), this work has been somewhat hard to come by! The easiest place I have found to look for opportunities is on Ravelry boards set up for the purpose of matching designers and testers, but you have to be FAST. Testing opportunities get snatched up quickly. So I felt quite fortunate to get on board early to test a Ruched Hat and Mitts pattern for designer Sarah Sipe. I was even more delighted when I learned that we live in the same city (you can find her online at Durham Knits, or on Ravelry as sesipe).
Look at the result of the lovely patterns she let me test:
Both the hat and matching ruched mitts are worked in fingering weight yarn and the set takes a little less than you would need to make a pair of socks. I was surprised how quickly they worked up. These would make great gifts! Sarah is still polishing up the pattern before its release; watch her blog and Rav page for more info coming soon (and I’ll try to post an update as well).
My second recent test opportunity was scored via Creating the Hive, a new social networking site for crafters and artists of all kinds. Some of you may be reading this post in the Hive, if so, welcome! For the rest of you, it is worth checking out, especially if you have a blog or Etsy shop of your own. It’s free to join the Hive and there are people from all over the United States (I’m not sure if it is open to international crafters/artisans at this point). Through the Hive, I met Stephani Camp, who raises alpaca in Michigan and sells the gorgeous output on Etsy at Tomorrow Farm. For Stephani, I had the opportunity to test patterns for a tiny sock and hat. Look how cute they are!
If you have never knit a sock before and want to learn how the construction works, this would be the perfect pattern. I thought these would also be ideal for teaching someone to knit. The pattern calls for bits of sock yarn (you may recognize this from my recent Hippo project). These are very fast to knit and I think they would look adorable in holiday colors to decorate gifts.
With my knitting time facing school-imposed limits these days, I am not currently working on any test projects, but I’m still keeping an eye out for the right opportunity!
Test knitting is really fun! I’m totally a process knitter as well.