Tag Archives: pattern tester

Raglan with a Twist Test Knit for Knifty Knittings

I finished up my Pepin Cowl Chunky test knit for Aly of @Alythreads on Instagram a few weeks ago (read about it here) and have been blessed with a few wholesale and some Etsy orders. I promised myself I wouldn’t do any more test knitting until January so I could take some time to focus on my own designs and trying to get my items in more stores.

When I saw Destiny of @kniftyknittings post a tester call for her Raglan with a Twist, I had instant regret for making a promise to myself that I was going to break. BUT DO NOT WORRY- it was very well worth it!

I’ve been following Destiny since I created a knitting account on Instagram and have always loved her designs! They always strike me as simple while still being sophisticated and unique. I had been seeing her progress photos on her feed of this design but couldn’t imagine what it was going to turn into when she was done. Let me tell you- this design did not disappoint.

Let’s talk about the logistics.

You can make this sweater using a few skeins of Lion Brand Yarn Touch of Alpaca. How many you need depends on what size you knit. I knit a size 6 and used five skeins. But hold on a minute- size 6? I LOVE when designers use numbers for their designs. It’s just something small that makes them seem even more size inclusive.

I knit a bit looser than Destiny so I had to go up a needle size to meet gauge. Since this is a category 4 yarn that seems more like a category 3 light worsted yarn, I thought this sweater would take FOREVER. But I was pleasantly surprised! I think having the applied hem to look forward to made the body of the sweater fly off my needles. The applied hem did take a bit longer than I anticipated but I wasn’t mad because it’s something I don’t do that often and I found it fun!

Let’s talk about DAT TWIST THO. I’ll be honest, it was my favorite part of the pattern in pictures but I was not looking forward to actually figuring out how to make it happen. Thankfully, Destiny has made a video that goes through every technique in the pattern you could possibly have questions on- including the twist. After watching the video, making the twist was a breeze and I cannot wait to incorporate it in other patterns!

This sweater is designed to be cropped but would be so easy to add length to. I normally don’t wear cropped sweaters because #insecurity BUT I took a leap of faith with this one and I’m so glad I did! I don’t know if it’s the applied hem or the fit or what, but it is so flattering. I think having it cropped actually made it look better on than if I would have added the 4 inches I normally would.

I would say this pattern is for an adventurous beginner/intermediate knitter. It probably shouldn’t be your first sweater but if you want to add a twist (hehehe) to your regular stack of sweaters, this is a great choice!

There are only two things I would change about this design: one is how you work the collar and the other is the yarn. I don’t love picking up stitches. And I won’t go into much detail because you should buy the pattern, but though it’s not personal preference, it really isn’t bad. Just not personal fave and honestly the only thing I would change (and I am very particular about my knit sweaters).

The yarn is high quality and has great colors. I love Lion Brand and have had this particular yarn for about a year, just waiting for the right pattern to come along. But my skin is very sensitive to wool… and I guess alpaca too! Normally I can tough it out and with this sweater, it’s well worth the slight itch. But if you’re sensitive like me, I’d recommend looking into other options that are wool-free or merino.

The pattern goes live around November 12th, so make sure you keep your eyes out, follow Destiny on Instagram (@kniftyknittings), and snag this pattern. You’ll also be able to get it as a kit with Lion Brand which is a GREAT option!

Happy Knitting!

Samantha

Pepin Cowl Test Knit for Alythreads

I have only knit one cowl before but I when I saw Alyssa post a tester call for the Pepin Cowl, I knew I had to at least try. It had beautiful texture and was the perfect size and shape on her — which were honestly two warning signs for me. I have a love/hate relationship with texture because usually, texture=purling. And don’t get me wrong, I’ll purl a 1×1 rib for seven rows on a hat if I need to and not complain. But seed stitch? NO THANKS, I’M GOOD.

I also want to like cowls usually but I don’t love how they always seem to be either too tight to pull over your face, or so big that they just flop open all day. So when I see knitters post their cowls that fit perfectly, I become a little skeptical and wonder what they did in the photographing process to make it look that way. Did they cinch it up in the back or hold it just right? WELL let me tell you: the Pepin Cowl did not disappoint.

Not only is it the PERFECT size and shape to fit over my nose when it’s frigid outside, without being way oversized — but there is also NO PURLING other than the ribbing. I know, WHAAAAT?!

Okay I’m sure you’re wondering what kind of magic this is to have the dreamy texture you see in this cowl without having so. much. purling. If she would have said off the bat that there is no purling, I would not have believed it for even a second. But I’m here to tell you… IT’S TRUE. I won’t tell you how you get this texture because.. well, it’s worth getting the pattern to find out.

Let’s talk about the logistics.

You can make this yarn using almost exactly one skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick – which is not only budget friendly and so easy to find, but it also comes in the best range of colors. I made mine in a tweed gray color. Other testers made theirs in solid or variegated colors. With the texture, a solid color might be ideal. But with the classic shape, a variegated yarn also looks great!

Did you wait to get your gift knitting done? NO WORRIES because this baby works up in no time. Seriously, under two hours. I was shocked to see that some other testers finished their cowls within hours of getting the pattern.

I would say this pattern is for an adventurous beginner. It probably shouldn’t be your first project but if you know the basics and want to learn a bit more, this is a great choice.

The only thing I would change about this pattern is to have a child’s size as well. I don’t have kids, so I don’t need it. But it would be helpful as I prepare for markets!

The pattern goes live on October 15th, so make sure you keep your eyes out, follow Alyssa on Instagram (@alythreads), and snag this pattern ASAP. You won’t regret it!

Happy Knitting!

Samantha