I belong to a pattern testing Yahoo group that makes it easy to for designers to find someone to test their patterns without having to jump through all the hoops that some of the Ravelry testing groups require. I actually joined as a designer, but so far this year I’ve only tested. I keep finding great patterns I’d love to try out and help the other designers! I’ve done two in the past couple of months.
The first is one call Cogswell Spirals. I see the pattern is now listed on Ravelry as a washcloth/dishcloth, but it also includes adjustments to make a smaller version for a coaster.
Project: Cogswell Spirals
Designer: Vicki Mikulak
Yarns: Lily Sugar’n Cream and Peaches & Creme
Colorways: 00026 Light blue and White
My Ravelry page
The second pattern I finished was a Fair Isle Cowl. Thought this one would be a snap as last year I “mastered” fair isle, right? Wrong. Apparently I need more practice with more complex patterns and longer floats. I tried about 5 different combinations of sport/DK weight yarn and finally decided to just use some old acrylic yarn since it seemed to stretch and bounce back more than the others.
I still really like the pattern, but my finished version – not so much. It was rougher than I’d want around my neck (due to the cheaper acrylic) and the stitches could have used some improvement. So … Papa suggested I use it as a plant pot cover. What a great idea! It dresses up this plain ceramic pot and can always be thrown back in the wash when it gets dusty or dirty!
Project: Fair Isle Cowl – free pattern
Designer: Sarah Chidister
Yarns: Red Heart Sport
Colorways: Aran Fleck, 4313, 0686 Dusty Green and Fawn Beige, 0322
My Ravelry page