It’ll be fun to see this pattern when it’s released. You’re performing such a useful service by test knitting. Thank you!
Whatcha' Knitting, March 2024
I love test knits. Helen Kennedy is my favourite designer to test for. She engages and listens, helps the testers when needed.
I find tests on yarnpond. If any of you want to look for tests https://www.yarnpond.com/
That looks so cool.
Thank you-I will check that site out!
It’s good. When you’ve done a test for a designer you can be added to their testing pool, so you can easily see when new ones are on. I think I’ve done 4 for Helen Kennedy, Charknit was also a pleasure to test for.
Read the requirements carefully. Some designers I find ridiculous in their requirements (silly deadlines, only giving the patterns in parts (personally I like to read through the entire pattern before starting it)) So I don’t test for them because I don’t find it enjoyable.
My husband blocks all my shawls I should start hiring him out
Can I get on your husband’s blocking list please?
That is an excellent idea to read through the pattern first along with their requirements. I will remember that if I test knit again, thank you!
He’s a good guy!
That must be nice yarn. I’ve always liked the look of Harrisville Designs yarns, but being in Australia I haven’t been able to order any. And I do love woollen-spun yarn for some projects.
It seems to be getting harder here (Australia) to find non-superwash, old-fashioned wool. There were a few sheep stations that used to sell their own yarn, which had been scoured and spun here, often semi-worsted spun and in natural colours. But then the last scouring facility in Australia shut down, and the cost of sending raw wool to New Zealand made it uneconomical for small producers. (At least, that is what I heard on the grapevine.)
I do sometimes buy lovely wool from New Zealand, but surprisingly the postage cost is quite high, even though NZ is right next door.
The weather is starting to cool off here in southern Australia and the other morning I smelled a hint of autumn in the air, even though it’s still hot at midday. I also heard the autumn frogs croaking, although there’s no rain forecast yet, and the countryside and gardens are looking a bit brown.
I may be inspired to pick up my knitting needles soon and finish my dad’s cardigan from last year.
I’ve just joined another test, I’ll start it soon as I’ve finished the current project. The designer came across so well in the requirements, I have no doubt it’s going to be a nice one.
You are so good to do these test knits. I know from a designer friend how very helpful and important test knitters are.
Finally got round to blocking and taking pictures of these…
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/SheenaStoneKnits/colorplay-triangle-shawl
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/SheenaStoneKnits/gloriosa
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/SheenaStoneKnits/kevad
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/SheenaStoneKnits/malachite
Current project. I love Martin’s Lab colours.
Glorious colors and gorgeous shawls! It’s inspiring to see your work.
Thanks I’m waiting for his spring sale, and then I’ll get a few more
I’m sorry you have a hard time finding non super washed wool. The Daylights yarn of Harrisville Designs is very nice wool. It’s been a while since I’ve knitted with 100% wool so it feels rough on my hands. But next to my skin it doesn’t seem to be scratchy like other wools. My husband ordered some wool for me from Jamieson’s in Shetland and it did cost a bit to ship to the US. I hope you can enjoy the cooling off. We here in the state of Indiana, USA, it’s getting warmer. The saying is if you don’t like the weather wait a day or two and it will change. The other day it was 70 and today it’s in the 40’s. The month of March can be a roller coaster with the weather!
Very pretty, like the color!
Ooh, Jamieson’s wool will be lovely too! What a nice present.