Apply to test IN PERSON
How will this test knit work?
For this pattern, I am trying something new: an IN PERSON test knit! Testers will receive the completed pattern at the first meet-up, and any questions or issues with the pattern will be addressed during following meet-ups. My goal in running a test knit this way is to both shake up my own process in a way that moves me out from behind the screen and to provide test knitters with more access and value in exchange for test knitting. I intend to run this test knit somewhat like I run my Guided Sweater Workshop, with personalized guidance for things like selecting yarn, making a gauge swatch, picking a size, and evaluating the fit as you go. Depending on how it goes, we might also plan for a group photoshoot with everyone’s finished pieces!
We will be meeting from 5-7pm on Sundays, from August 18 through September 29, at Black Squirrel Berkeley.
There is no online component to this test — if you cannot make the in-person meetings, you cannot join the test knit. Thank you for understanding!
Test knitting terms — please read!!!
I take 1-2 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 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!
All applicants, selected and otherwise, can expect to receive an email confirmation by the end of the day on Saturday, August 9.
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 pattern is an oversized tank/vest with a fitted crew neck and deep armholes. It features seamless top-down construction, with an applied i-cord for the neck and optional bust darts added at the hem (for a more invisible, gender-neutral look).
TIMELINE
7 weeks for test knit, beginning Sunday, August 18 at 5pm (there will not be a meetup on Sunday, August 25)SKILLS REQUIRED
You should have experience knitting a complete garment from a pattern. I consider this a true intermediate knitting project, with techniques including German short rows, picking up stitches, increases and decreases, and an applied i-cord.APPROXIMATE TIME
It took me around 40 hours to knit the size 8 from start to finish. I am a relatively fast knitter.SIZING:
Sized by chest circumference:
1: 32” (80cm)
2: 36” (90cm)
3: 40” (100cm)
4: 44” (110cm)
5: 48” (120cm)
6: 52” (130cm)
7: 56” (140cm)
8: 60” (150cm)
9: 64” (160cm)YARN
You will need a fingering or sport weight yarn. I knit my first sample in a fingering weight Pima cotton, but I am planning to knit my second sample in wool. Yarn requirements by sizes (1, 2, 3) [4, 5, 6] {7, 8, 9}:
IN YARDS:
Main color: (810, 885, 975) [1050, 1125, 1200] {1300, 1390, 1485}
IN METERS:
Main color: (735, 805, 895) [960, 1030, 1095] {1180, 1270, 1350}