Inspiration
Adventures in Test Knitting
Over the years I’ve volunteered my needles for all sorts of group projects, from knitting squares and hats and shawls to sewing up more patchwork blankets than I can count. I love being part of a happy band of knitters working together on a project, even if we’re separated by distance.
But somehow I’d never test-knit a pattern before it was published—until now!
Almost a year ago, I fell into the whimsical, winsome world of Erin Guimond’s improvised collage sweaters. As @PickyFemme. External Link. Opens in new window. on Instagram, Erin generously shared her basic method with knitters like me who are besotted with her work.
Imagine my delight when Erin announced recently that she is working on a collaboration with our friends at Pom Pom that will result in a collection of patterns sized from newborn to a big range of adults. I want to knit them all!
A couple of weeks ago she put out her first testing call, for the Dreamscape Vest. It’s a sleeveless popover with cloudlike intarsia shapes and button loops instead of side seams, worked in two strands of yarn for a kind of marl-tarsia effect. To my astonishment, I put up my hand to make one in child’s size 6-8 years.
SUCH FUN
I used MDK Atlas, in a bright palette that, when double-stranded with Natural, was transformed into fluffy pastels.
MDK Atlas in Cedar, Citron, Clementine, Tutu, Leek, and Cork, double-stranded with Natural throughout.
Such a satisfying little project.
The front and back have different charts!
In fact, each size has a different chart—it’s a pattern from the future!
Button loops at the sides = no seams, and easy on and off.
I caught one little thing on the chart, so I’m hoping to get an A in test-knitting class.
Since I don’t have a 6-8 year old in the vicinity, I’m sending this one to the same little girl I made the ice cream/unicorn/mouse cardigan for last year. She is a knitwear-tolerant child, and I hope she gets a lot of wear out of it as she grows.
For those wondering if I used my newly-forged ladderback jacquard skills, alas there was no need. Regular intarsia was a snap for this one. I’ll hold ladderback in reserve for my next Erin Guimond tribute knit!
And since I know you’ll ask: the pattern is coming soon. Follow Erin @pickyfemme so you can be the first on your block to knit a Dreamscape Vest.
Oh how beautiful would love to learn how to and knit one of these ?
Oh, Atlas held double with natural…some dreamy combos…why didn’t I think of that!? Sometimes it’s the forest for the trees. Thanks.
A lot of inspiration here! Seeing someone ( particularly someone who you see as a pro!) trying something different is always inspiring! But, this project holds a lot of promise for me. I have a 7 year old granddaughter that is getting more curious about my knitting and is really passionate about art and color. I’m going to show her the Atlas color palette and let her help design color placement! A project for us both!
Can’t wait for pattern publication! Thanks, Kay!
How fun! No sewing! Wowza! A must do!
Thanks for this post! MDK is always so enlightening!
Oooh, this looks fun! I’ve sworn off Instagram so I hope she’ll be putting her patterns up on Ravelry.
Seconding the motion. Ravelry has become my only social medium.
What a fun project! this is an inspiration for us all to “put up our hands” and try something new.
I totally love it. I think it was the marking that got me.
MarLing! Marling!
So beautiful, well done, love it! And such a cute pattern idea.
Test-knitting got me into a cool knitting groove. Recommended!
Sweet design here too.
I would love to see this is blues, whites and greys for a naturalistic cloud effect! How cool would that be?!
I love all the stories and knitting help you write about. Several years ago I knit the “swoncho” and enjoyed it. Nothing much lately except huge afghans for my grandkids. Need to get myself knitting again! Thank you
That is so gorgeous and so much fun, Kay!
I have one question for you: how on earth do you find the time? I’ll bet you don’t sleep!!!