Testing the Waters

I've recently ventured into the world of test knitting.  There's a group on Ravelry, Free Pattern Testers, that puts designers and testers in the same place at the same time.  Designers get free testers and testers get to knit a pattern before it's published.   There are some simple rules to follow for all parties.   For the testers, you have to follow the pattern without making mods, post weekly to keep the designer informed of your progress, finish by a set deadline, and the complete and post a survey.  

Sounded simple enough for me so I jumped in and volunteered for my first test knit.  I was so nervous! What if the pattern has errors?  What if it doesn't come out like it should?  What if I don't finish on time?  All I could do was cast on and just keep knitting.  So I did just that and ended up with a new ski sweater for myself.  I love it.  It fits, is super warm and 100% unique.   Campfire is knit with Plymouth Encore Worsted in three colors - black, charcoal and light aqua - making it machine washable and soft.  The well-written pattern is easy to follow.  It's worked from the bottom up, has raglan sleeves, zero seaming and a generous shawl collar (which is hard to see in this picture - my apologies).   I hadn't done color work for quite some time so it was a nice change.  I would like to knit 2 more of these babies.  One for hubby and one for son.  The pattern is written for sizes 0-1 years through adult 4XL.   

So if you're thinking about test knitting, try the group on Ravelry.  I'm working on my third test knit now that I'll write about next time.

A Prize For Me

Let me start of by saying that I never, ever, win anything.  Not raffle prizes, games of Connect 4 or, heaven forbid, the lottery.  So I was so very surprised and honored to win the giveaway for the September Miranda Hat KAL!  What did I win you ask?  I won this ...

A gorgeous shawl pattern called Faraway, So Close by Carina Spencer.  I must quote the designer here because I her words are so much better than anything I'd come up with "This shawl was originally designed as a gift to comfort a friend during a time of much grief. In honor of Infant Loss Awareness Month, each October all proceeds from the sale of this pattern for the month are donated to charities that offer support and guidance to families suffering the loss of a child."  

On Ravelry alone knitters have made 1103 of her thoughtful and beautiful shawls.  I can not wait to knit one.