Test Knitting for Fun

Over the past several months,  I have offered to test knit patterns for several wonderful designers. 

Test knitting helps knitters with new patterns to spot any errors and offer any suggestions as testers go through the pattern.  Sock test knitting is especially enjoyable as I only am required to knit one sock thereby avoiding second sock syndrome :) 

Usually once patterns are out for test knitting, they have been almost perfected and just require a bit of tweaking.

Melanie (known as woolyhooker on Instagram) designed a beautiful sock pattern -  Cocolace Socks  These socks have a lovely texture and knit up nicely. 

The story behind the sock pattern Rosalind Socks created by Sarah Gordon (known as anemoneandvine on Instagram) is very interesting.  The cables are so cute and not difficult to knit.

If you are looking for a quick and practical Christmas gift, I'd recommend Ya Basic Bed Socks by Jacki Badger (the woolly badger on Instagram)  Make with a bulky yarn they are a fast knit - a pair in a day is no problem.

The Row by Row Sampler Socks by Irene of 3 Ply Podcast has such wonderful texture.  Each section has a different pattern which looks delightful.

Scatterby Socks by Amy Stringer is available free on Ravelry.  This pattern is easy to remember and and with slip stitches its perfect for variegated yarn.  I made them in a shortie version.

Hat knitting is fun too.  So when a designer is looking for hat testers I'm usually keen to hop on board.  The  All that Jazz Hat by Carina B.H. It's a cute beanie with a pop of color.  

Honeycomb Beanie by Daisy Randell has wonderful texture.  This pattern too is a fairly quick knit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

June of Forest City Knit Girls designed  En Route (hat and mitts).  This pattern uses only one skein of yarn to make both the hat and mittens.  As well, June is donating all sales to 2 of her special charities.

All of the patterns that I test knit were well written and easy to follow. 

I love knitting socks and hats.  They are always a 'go to' project to have on my needles.  And especially during these pandemic times, there is ample opportunity to get some knitting done.