Apply to test BLOOM
Test knitting terms — please read!!!
I take 1-3 test knitters per size. Test knitters are selected based on applicants' experience and the quality of their photos of finished objects on Instagram and/or Ravelry. You must have a public Instagram account to test knit, and you must be willing to post pictures of yourself (or a friend) wearing the completed piece to Instagram OR Ravelry. At the completion of the test knit, test knitters receive compensation in the form of a copy of the final pattern in their Ravelry library and a coupon to add any one additional pattern of mine to their Ravelry library (this coupon will not expire). Test knitters who complete their piece and post pictures in time will be featured in the sizing post on my blog at www.jacquelinecieslak.com when the pattern is released, which will link to their IG account and Ravelry project page. Test knitters are encouraged to use whatever yarn they would like — I prefer to see a wide range of yarns (at different price points and in different fibers) in my test knits! Unfortunately, I cannot provide yarn support for most testers, and information about need-based yarn support or possible discounts for test knitters is only available after selection.
PLEASE NOTE: you must be able to download and use SLACK to participate in this test knit.
Pattern quality & expectations
The pattern has been professionally tech-edited, proofed, and knit by me before the test knit. I do not expect test knitters to edit or find errors (although I am grateful when they point them out to me!). My main concerns are instruction clarity and testing for any fit/adjustment issues. I release a pattern to test knitters only when I am confident that the pattern will produce the promised result, even if it requires a few adjustments/clarifications along the way.
About the pattern
This sweet & simple summer knit is a thoughtful, wearable re-imagining of the classic bandeau. The design features options for creating a shorter, more fitted bralette with a ruched front, or a longer, looser tube top with more gathers. Choose either style or mix and match details for your perfect summer top — BLOOM is primed for a customized fit for your body and style! The pattern is worked entirely in stockinette in the round, and includes 12 sizes, horizontal bust darts, detailed instructions for inserting the elastic bands, and optional shoulder ties.
TIMELINE
Friday, June 9: Testers receive the pattern and test knit officially begins
- - - - - - just under 4 WEEKS FOR TEST KNIT - - - - - -
Wednesday, July 5: Test knit officially ends; piece must be completed and final survey submittedSKILLS REQUIRED: You should have some experience knitting from a pattern, but garment-knitting experience is not required. I consider this a beginning-intermediate knitting project, with techniques including stockinette and German short rows (if knitting bust darts).
APPROXIMATE TIME: It took me around 25 hours to knit the size 9 Bandeau from start to finish. I am a relatively fast knitter.
Sizing
To choose your size, measure the circumference of your torso around the fullest part of your bust/chest and choose a size that fits with 0-20”/0-50cm of positive ease. Because the pattern instructs you to create the elastic bands based on your exact measurements, choosing a size with more ease will not impact the fit of the bands, but it will create more "gathers" in the fabric.
Yarn Requirements
BLOOM was designed in Purl Soho Cattail Silk (618 yards/565 meters/100g), a light fingering weight 100% mulberry silk that is machine washable and creates a fabric with a gorgeous, buttery soft drape.
SHORT: fits more like a bralette/bandeau
LONG: fits more like a crop tank/tube top
