Twist Hat Preview Knit

Twist Hat 

 I love doing test knits for two reasons - first I get to help the designer check the pattern and give some feedback that is actually listened to. The second reason is I get to try new techniques from a pattern that I may not have been able to purchase. If I buy a pattern, I want to use it over a few times to make it worth spending the money on. On some of the test patterns, I may only want to make it once or just learn the awesome technique. 

This hat falls into the first category. I love testing for this designer. She's great!!! The pattern pictured above is called Twist Hat and is by Verily Knits. Although designed to use 2 solid colors, I decided to try something way out of my comfort zone and use a variegated yarn with a solid. Well, it's turning out a a bit unusual and I'm not sure if I like it. It's bright and cheery but busy. The good thing about doing this with a test is that those that may want to try a variegated can see what it may look like finished and then decide if they want to put the time into it or not.

Not all designers allow you to stray from their norm. Some want the item done in the same yarn as they used, others want specific colors or fibers. Then there are others that you need approval from. This test is actually called a "Preview Knit" which allows you to knit using whatever yarn you want and even make some modifications to the pattern. The pattern itself has already been tech edited and tested, so no worries about catching problems or mistakes. I love the freedom that comes with this type of test.

I'm using Knit Picks Memories in the colorway Easter and Schachenmayr Regia for Hand-dye 4-fadig/4-ply in the colorway 1992.

Last Year's Orders Trickle In

 

Gorgeous bulky yarn from Southern Skeins

I had done a test knit for Jenna from Southern Skeins last month. It was a lovely and easy hat pattern that used her Southern Bulky line. I ordered the yarn from her to use in the test but unfortunately, the household came down with an illness and the yarn didn't get sent in time. That was ok, as I dug into my stash and found something that would work. I know it wasn't the gorgeous Joyous colorway that is pictured above, but I was still pleased with the outcome. The yarn arrived today and oh is it beautiful! Such a bright and cherry colorway and the yarn is soooo SOFT! It is a 100 gram skein of 110 yards of a heavenly soft blend of 80% super wash Merino wool and 20% nylon and now begs to be used - and soon! She also sent me a bag, a sachet of Stash tea in Cinnamon Vanilla and a lovely stitch marker plus a note thanking me for testing! How lovely is that?!!!

Rip-It Rip-It Hat

The Rip-It Rip It Hat that is in the above photo, it the test knit I did for Jenna. You can go to Ravelry and download the pattern for free. There, you will see the hat in the Joyous colorway in all it's bright, squishy and cheerful glory. Isn't that yarn gorgeous knitted up in that hat on the pattern?!! My hat above is an unnamed mill-end and just doesn't have the same effect. I added pom pom to give it a little more color and I think it turned out quite nicely.

Test Knit and Happy Mail

From Catherine at Creative Ewe
Aren't they gorgeous??!!

Yesterday morning, I found a surprise in the mailbox - a nice squishy package addressed to me from Catherine at Creative Ewe Yarn Shop. Catherine has a wonderful YouTube channel that I love and look forward to. Her projects and her conversational style keeps me coming back again and again. Her videos are done in a style that feels like you are sitting at the table with her and having a cuppa while enjoying a nice conversation about all kinds of things from home, to family, to knitting and crocheting. Well, one day, I commented on her video and the next thing I know is that I found an email from her asking for my addy because she had something to send me. Boy did she send me something, too!!! In the package was 2 skeins of Mariquita! They are sooo soft and the colors are to die for. Each skein has 400 yards of the most luxurious 50/50 blend of baby alpaca and tencel. I have been oooh-ing and aaaaah-ing over it ever since it arrived. Now, to find the perfect pattern for them. 

On the needles:

I am currently working on a test knit for Nadia Bugakova. It's a lovely cabled pixie style hat that I'm really enjoying working on. Right now, it's slow going, not because of the design, but because my arthritis has decided to make knitting difficult. I will make the deadline, but really should have been done by now. Make sure to hop on over to Nadia's Etsy shop to if you'd love a digital download of this hat. It is just as awesome.

Peak Cable Hat in progress

I'm working on the worsted weight version of the Peak Cable Hat using Lion Brand Lion Wool in the Rose colorway. I'm using 16" circular needles in 4.5mm and 5mm as well as a cable needle. The rabbit stitch marker is from Kristie at Teadoddles. I bought one of her Mini-Mini Maker Club that was offered inher Etsy shop and that was included in it. I LOVE her Maker Bags. I'll have to show the ones I have from her in a future post. You will definitely be hearing more about Kristie and her new quarterly club that I joined this year. I can't wait to receive my first shipment!!! (and no - it's not yarn!)