Apply to test the Strata Vest
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, and they will receive a shout out from me on Instagram. 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: unlike my previous test knits, this test knit will be conducted entirely over email (as opposed to Slack).
Pattern quality & expectations
The pattern has be 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.
Please fill out this form to volunteer as a test knitter for this project. I will be in touch via email to let you know if you are selected for the test knit (I will email everyone, selected and not selected). Thank you for your interest and support!!!
About the pattern
The STRATA VEST is the ultimate knit layering piece. This vest combines timeless simplicity with four-seasons versatility for a piece that works equally well as a standalone tank, under your favorite overalls, over a drapey blouse or gathered dress, or under a partially unbuttoned duster. With 9 sizes, instructions and yarn requirements for cropped or full length, a video tutorial for the German short rows, and instructions for optional bust darts, this quick knit is sure to become a year-round staple in your wardrobe.
TIMELINE
Monday, September 19: Testers receive the pattern and test knit officially begins
- - - - - - 6 WEEKS FOR TEST KNIT - - - - - -
Friday, October 28: Test knit officially ends; piece must be completed and final survey submittedMATERIALS: You will need fingering or sport weight yarn (22 sts over 4”/10cm), circular needles in size needed to achieve gauge, stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn, and a darning needle.
SKILLS REQUIRED: You should have some experience knitting from a pattern and I also recommend some garment-knitting experience. I consider this an intermediate knitting project, with techniques including stockinette, increases and decreases, picking up stitches, and German short rows
APPROXIMATE TIME: It took me around 30 hours to knit the size 7 vest from start to finish. I am a relatively fast knitter.
SIZING & YARN REQUIREMENTS: To choose your size, measure the circumference of your torso around the fullest part of your bust/chest and choose the size that fits with 4-6” of positive ease.
