9/2 Update: Testing knitting call is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied! If you want to know about future test knitting calls, email me and I’ll add you to the list!
I’m looking for test/preview knitters for a new fall/winter open-style cardigan design that will release to the public in late Fall/early Winter! Please check out my testing knitting FAQ page for info on what test/preview knitting is all about and FAQ’s about the process. The target deadline for this test/preview knit is October 31, 2021.
If you’re interested in applying, please email me (see below for what to include in the email) by Wednesday, 9/1 end of day. All picked testers will be emailed on Thursday, 9/2 with the pattern PDF so you can get started!
About the cardigan…
There are actually TWO VERSIONS that you can pick from! A worsted-weight and a sport/DK-weight. Also, both versions have options for either long sleeves (worked in a contrasting color) or short sleeves (for more of a vest-like layering piece). So you can choose to test/preview knit either the sport or worsted-weight and you can choose either to do full sleeves or vest sleeves. In the pictures above, the blue (with mahogany contrasting color and full sleeves) is the worsted-weight version (Berroco Ultra Alpaca) and the gray (with silver contrasting color and vest short sleeves) is the sport/DK-weight version (Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light). You do not have to use these yarns though – you can use any yarns you like for this test/preview!
Both have the same exact construction: totally seamless, hi/lo split hem, knit from the bottom-up and feature a drop-shoulder construction. If you’ve knit my Azalea, Soundtrack Top, Alanis or Layla, this construction of this piece is the same! As with these other tops, drop-shoulder garments usually require more positive ease (I suggest 8-12” of positive ease for this) but on my tips page (provided in pattern PDF) I provide info on what to do if you want a little less ease. If you’re curious how these sizes might correspond to typical store-bought sweater sizing I’ve also provided this info below.
What I’m looking for in my test/preview knitters…
As with any of my tests, I’m looking for knitters of all experience levels! I do just ask that you have at least a little experience knitting sweaters (even if it’s just 1 or 2 sweaters). You should also feel comfortable with the October 31st target deadline, providing input to me about the pattern and yardage used as you work on it and posting finished photos at the end (or providing me with photos and info so that I can share). More details can be found on my FAQ page. Your input and opinion are so valuable and I would love if you would consider previewing this pattern before it’s made available to the public!
How to apply to be a test/preview knitter!
If you would like to apply to test knit this design, please review the pattern information details below and then email me at info@elizabethsmithknits.com with the following info:
- Your name and email
- Whether you would be interested in testing the worsted-weigh or the sport-weight version
- What size you think you would make (it’s ok if you provide 2 sizes you are debating on if you’re not sure yet)
- If you might prefer full sleeves vs. vest sleeves (it’s ok too if you aren’t sure yet though!)
- Your Ravelry ID (if you have one)
- Your Instagram handle (if you have one)
Although I’d love to accept everyone who applies to be a test knitter I have to keep my testing pool to a certain size and represent a wide range of sizes. I will notify you via email by Thursday, 9/2 if you have been chosen and will also send you the PDF so you can get started! Thank you for considering being a test knitter for this new design – I am so grateful to everyone who is interested in previewing this pattern before it’s official release date!
Pattern Information Details:
Sizes:
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9) (10, 11, 12)
These sizes correspond approximately to these store-bought sweater size labels: XXS (XS, S, M, L) (XL, 1X, 2X, 3X) (4X, 5X, 6X). More sizing details can be found on pattern tips page.
Finished Circumference (including front gap):
- Worsted-Weight Version: 37.5 (41, 44, 47, 50) (54.5, 57.5, 60.5, 63.5) (68, 71, 74.5)”
- Sport/DK-Weight Version: 39 (41, 43.5, 47, 49.5) (54, 56.5, 60, 65) (69.5, 72, 75.5)”
Picking Your Size:
Pick a size whose finished circumference above is approx. 8-12”/18-25 cm larger than your actual bust/chest measurement, depending on desired fit (drop shoulder garments such as this require more positive ease than other types of sweater constructions). In both versions as pictured above, I’m wearing size 3 with approx. 10.5-11″ of positive ease at the bust). I do provide tips though on how to knit this garment with less ease if you prefer a more fitted look.
Gauge:
- Worsted-weight: 21 sts & 34 rows = 4”/10 cm in Cartridge Belt Rib st patt
- Sport-weight: 27 sts & 43 rows = 4”/10 cm in Cartridge belt Rib st patt
Yarn:
WORSTED-WEIGHT VERSION: Shown in Ultra Alpaca by Berroco (50% Wool, 50% Alpaca; 100g = 219 yds), broken out below:
- Main Color: 610 (660, 730, 800, 870) (960, 1050, 1110, 1190) (1300, 1390, 1490) yds, 3 (4, 4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) (6, 7, 7) skeins, shown in Pacific Blue.
- Contrasting Color:
- body hem trim + full sleeves: 250 (270, 290, 310, 330) (350, 370, 390, 410) (450, 470, 490) yds, 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2) (3, 3, 3) skeins, shown in Mahogany Mix.
- body hem trim + vest trim: 70 (80, 80, 90, 100) (100, 110, 110, 120) (130, 130, 140) yds, 1 skein.
Other Berroco worsted-weight yarns that could work well: Ultra Wool and Vintage
SPORT/DK-WEIGHT VERSION: shown in Ultra Alpaca Light by Berroco (50% Wool, 50% Alpaca; 50g = 144 yds), broken out below:
- Main Color: 800 (850, 920, 1010, 1090) (1210, 1310, 1390, 1550) (1690, 1800, 1920) yds, 6 (6, 7, 8, 8) (9, 10, 10, 11) (12, 13, 14) skeins, shown in Salt and Pepper.
- Contrasting Color:
- body hem trim + full sleeves: 380 (410, 430, 460, 480) (530, 560, 580, 610) (660, 710, 730) yds, 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (4, 4, 5, 5) (5, 5, 6) skeins.
- body hem trim + vest trim: 110 (120, 130, 140, 140) (160, 160, 170, 180) (200, 210, 210) yds, 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2) skeins, shown in Moonshadow.
Other Berroco sport/DK-weight yarns that could work well: Remix Light, Ultra Wool DK, and Vintage Baby or Vintage DK.