Voices from the Deep Socks – test knitters’ interpretations

Did you know I have my patterns edited* and tested before they’re published? This helps to ensure they’re error-free when they are released to the wider world.

Here is a selection of projects from the test knitters of my latest pattern: Voices from the Deep Socks. Many of my testers hadn’t knitted an afterthought heel before, so it was really excited to hear their triumphant calls of ‘I’ve done it!’ when they completed the heel.

Knitted by Alexandra (@m.alexandra.melo on Instagram)

 

 Knitted by Fernanda (@PalmeiraKnits on Instagram); yarn by PósPés (@DyedByAlfinete on Instagram)

 

 Knitted by Jen (@KnitDerby on Instagram); yarn by Weku Yarn (@WekuYarn on Instagram), colourway Elephant Kisses

 

 Knitted by Laily (@SultanXStitch on Instagram); yarn: Rosarios4 Meia print

 

 Knitted by Sara Elin (@SaraElinRoberts on Instagram); yarn: Rico Superba Cashmeri Luxury Socks

 

Pattern sample: knitted by Vikki (@VikkiBirdDesigns on Instagram); yarn by Castleview Yarns (@CastleviewYarns on Instagram), colourway Agnes

 

Seen the test knitters’ socks and want to knit your own? You can find it on Ravelry* and PayHip. Use the code VOICES to get 15% off, expires 11.59pm GMT, Wednesday 30th November 2022. The code is also valid on my other Siren patterns: Siren Song, Three Sirens (Ravelry link;* PayHip link. Perfect if you have lots of single skeins in your yarn collection!

Full pattern details can be found here.

All images copyright of the test knitter; shared with permission.

* I use Jo Torr (https://www.jotorr.co.uk/).

 

 

Ever fancied becoming a test knitter?

Before I self-publish my designs, I like to get them test-knitted. This involves me sending you a preview copy of the pattern (after it has been tech-edited) and you working the pattern up in your choice of yarn by a (usually pretty relaxed) deadline. You send me feedback on the pattern, and you get to keep the finished object. If this sounds like the sort of thing that might interest you, why not sign up to my test knitter notication list?

Every time I launch a new test, I send the people on my notification list an email telling them about what the test involves and details on how to sign up for the test. Being on my list does not guarantee you a place on a test, nor does it obligate you to test for me. As a bonus incentive, if you complete a test for me, I add you to a prize draw. Once I get to ten entrants, I draw a winner. The prize value is of the order of £20.

If you're interested in test knitting, you can sign up here. I have some crochet designs up my sleeve too, so if you're a crochether who is interested in testing for me, fill in the form!

Barley Twist Cardigan: what the testers did!

After they have been tech edited, I have all of my garment designs test knitted by generous volunteers who recieve a free copy of the pattern ahead of publication, they then knit the item in a yarn of their choosing (to a deadline) and provide feedback about the knitting experience and the finished object.* Here's what a couple of my test knitters did with my latest pattern, the Barley Twist cardigan.

Julia (Julluuh on Ravelry) knitted the cardigan in the 18 months size in a beautiful shade of purple. She used Drops Nepal (65% wool, 35% alpaca), an excellent value yarn (all yarns from Drops are excellent value! - they're great if you are new to knitting as you can make a whole garment in a natural product in only a little more than acrylic would cost) to knit this super-cute long-sleeved version. Look at that hanger!

Image copyright Julia (Julluuh on Ravelry)

Nalan (nalanhobi on Ravelry) used a wonderful shade of green (Nako Superlambs Special, 50% wool, 50% acrylic) to create her 12 months size version. Nalan made a couple of minor modifications to the pattern as she knitted: she omitted the increases down the sides of the body, to give a straight body shape, and moved the buttonholes a stitch closer to the edge.

Image copyright Nalan (Nalanhobi on Ravelry)

Sandra (SandraRobben on Ravelry) knitted the cardigan in the largest size. She used some cute silver sparkly yarn (Zeeman Sparkle, 95% acrylic, 5% manufactured fibres), and tested the short-sleeved version. As you can see, Sandra's cardigan (modelled by her daughter) has plenty of growing room, and makes an excellent neutral layer that can be worn over long sleeved tops.

Image copyright Sandra (SandaRobben on Ravelry)

One of the main things that came out of testing was that the increase I used for the raglan increases was a bit confusing (it's a really easy increase, but is an unusual one, so not many of my testers were familiar with it), so I added a photo tutorial to the end of the pattern to cover this. Pattern testers really do make a difference to a finished pattern!

If you've been inspired by these pictures from testers and would like to knit the pattern for yourself, head to the pattern page now to pick up your copy. If you use the code TWIST you can get the pattern for the introductory price of £3.75 (the code is valid until 11.59pm BST, Tuesday 18th July 2017, after which the pattern will cost £4.50).

*If you'd be interested in test knitting for me, head to my Ravelry group and let me know via the call for testers thread. Once you've let me know, I'll earburn you every time I have a test knit ready and you can let me know if you're interested in the pattern I'm testing. Test knitters must be Ravelry members.