Last month, I sent out a survey to the Sisterhood, my lovely email subscribers, asking them to vote on which knitting pattern I should release next.

I got a fantastic response with 140 of you letting me know what you wanted to knit this Spring. Of the six options I gave you, your favourite was a loose, long-sleeved sweater, followed closely by a short-sleeved boxy t-shirt (more on that at a later date...!)

And so, based on your survey responses, I give you Split Stone: a long-sleeved, slightly cropped sweater with textural step details across the side panels of the sweater. It has a ribbed neckline with a rolled edge and pointelle detailing on the other trims. Isn't it lovely?

Of all the things I have designed so far, this is my absolute favourite. I have even been wearing it naughtily before I have done a proper photoshoot! It looks perfect with high-waisted jeans and skirts - it's incredibly wearable.

Split Stone Sweater: Test Knitters Needed!

Now that the pattern has been written and the sample has been knitted, I need you! Would you like to test knit this pattern for me?

As a test knitter, you will receive a free copy of the knitting pattern to knit by the deadline I have set.

In return, I would love to get detailed and accurate feedback from you on whether you think the pattern is clear and correct. By doing this, you are helping me to make this pattern the very best it can be before I release it to the rest of the knitting community.

Before you decide, here are the details of the test knit.

Deadline: April 24th (not flexible, so you should be a reasonably fast knitter)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished Measurements: 40 (42, 44, 46, 48)” circumference at bust
Intended ease: 8”
Yarn: 7 (8, 9, 10, 11) skeins of Blacker Yarns Lyonesse DK [50% Linen/50% Pure New Wool, 109m/119yds per 50g hank] You are welcome to use an alternative DK yarn if you’d prefer.
Needles: 3.25mm (US3) 32” circular needles & 4mm (US6) 32” circular needles
Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows per 10cm, worked in stockinette (Swatching is very important to get the correct size!)
Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn

What to Expect as a Test Knitter

• We shall be using a team communication tool called Slack for this test knit, which will allow the group of test knitters to communicate with one another using their phone or computer. This will keep everyone on track and updated with any errors or changes to the pattern. It's very easy to learn how to use, however, if you don't want to use it, please don't apply to test knit.
• Because you are one of the first people to test this design, you can expect to find errors. As a test knitter, you should let me know where you find them.
• If you have any questions during the test knit, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will answer your questions ASAP. It is better that you ask me questions, rather spend too much time trying to figure something out on your own.
• You must keep to the deadline I have specified. If you are having any trouble with meeting the deadline, let me know because any delays on your end will delay the release of the pattern too.
• You should keep detailed notes on any areas of the pattern that you had difficulty with; that are unclear or wrong etc. Report everything back to me.
• You should keep to the pattern, as written.
• You should put the finished project up on Ravelry. Feel free to post abstract photos and notes about the project as you work on it, but please save the photo of the final reveal until the pattern has been launched. At this point, you can link your project to the launched pattern page, which I will provide you with.

Apply to be a Test Knitter for Split Stone

If you would like to apply to be a test knitter for Split Stone, please comment on this blog post with the following information:

1. You must fill out your email address in the email part of the form (not in the comment itself) - this will allow me to get in touch with you if you have been chosen as a test knitter and add you to our Slack group.
2. Let me know what size you would like to knit because I want to make sure we are covering all of the sizes across the pattern.
3. If you have an account, share your Ravelry profile with me, so I can see examples of your work.
4. Let me know if you have test knit for others before.

Please note: only a few people will be selected for test knitting, so I can't guarantee that you will be chosen. Sorry! Successful applicants will be notified by email by Wednesday 29th March.

Thank you so much for your interest in test knitting for me. I really appreciate your help in making this pattern the best it can be before I release it to the public on May 2nd 2017.