Pattern Testing with @AdventuresinFiber
Today I am excited to feature one of my pattern testing buddies, Maderia of @AdventuresinFiber! Maderia actually started her fiber craft journey with Tunisian crochet, which is so crazy to me! She’s an incredible pattern tester, supportive friend, and all around good human with a lot of exciting things coming up soon. So, be sure to head to her Instagram to show her some support after you read this interview.
Maderia is pictured above wearing the Lovenote Sweater by @tincanknits; the Coyoan Top by @nomadstitches; the Forever October Slouch by @knitbrooks and the Three Forks Shawl by @montana.crochet; the Speak To Me Tee by @by.stephanie.erin; and the Cinna Cardi by @mavencrafted.
Tell us about @adventuresinfiber! How and when did you get into yarn crafts? When and why did you start your account?
I started Adventures in Fiber almost 3 years ago. I was working in a pretty toxic work environment and needed a way to relax and help manage the stress. My mom and I went to a craft store and on a whim I bought some yarn, a tunisian dishcloth pattern book and dove in. I started the IG to keep track of my progress and keep things in perspective because I have a tendency to be really hard on myself and don't always give myself the grace to learn something new. I had no idea there was a fiber community and when I discovered that I was hooked.
When did you start pattern testing and why? How do you select the patterns you want to test? Do you prefer to test garments or accessories, and why? And what brings you back to pattern testing?
I started pattern testing probably about 3 months after starting to crochet. I saw a post asking for testers on a crochet beanie and read what the designer was looking for and thought, "Hey, I can do that!" So, I sent her a note. I think I was the only tester for that pattern, but it piqued my curiosity. Pattern testing interested me because I knew I wanted to make something besides squares and rectangles, so it was a way for me to get out of my comfort zone, learn something new and help bring a designer's vision to life. It also forces me to stick with the project even if I get frustrated because I have a deadline and a commitment, so there is no getting mad at it and putting it in timeout. I feel like I have grown so much quicker skill wise thru testing because I have to actually complete the project.
Now when I look at testing calls, I look at the design and first decide if it is something that I would wear or use. Secondly, I look and see what techniques are called for, as I like to pick tests where I am also going to learn new skills. I always feel extra fancy when I get a new technique down. And then timeline, is there actually enough time to do the test properly and provide feedback?
I think my favorite types of patterns to test are garments, I love looking in my closet at my handmade tops and being like, yeah, I made that! Shawls are definitely a close 2nd. I think I come back to testing over and over again because of the people and sense of community. Most of my friends have come out of testing groups.
What is your favorite thing about the pattern testing experience?
My favorite thing about testing is connecting with other makers and designers. I love being a part of the process to bring someone's ideas to life.
Least favorite thing?
My least favorite would be when the designer just isn't present. Typically with tests, the testers are not really getting compensated for their work. Most of the time you get a copy of the finished pattern and sometimes an additional pattern, but typically you are spending your own money and time, so when you don't feel appreciated by the designer it's a little frustrating.
What is one valuable thing you’ve learned from pattern testing that you don’t think you would’ve learned from making on your own/not testing?
Patience with myself and the confidence to actually try and make garments. With testing it got me out of my comfort zone and made me attempt patterns that before I would have thought were well out of my skill level. Also, the importance of swatching, I think that is most likely something I would have never gotten into the habit of if it wasn’t a requirement. Now I understand just how important that one step is.
If you could give advice to someone who wants to start pattern testing, what advice would you give them? If you could give advice to the designers for whom you test, what advice would you give them?
If someone wants to get into pattern testing I would first let them know that this is not a way to get free patterns. It is a job so you need to make sure that you have the time to give it the attention that it needs to give proper feedback, well lit photos etc. If you have determined that you do have the time to give it the proper attention then just start applying when you see testing calls, check out websites for designers that you like, most of them have a testers email that you can sign up for to get notifications. and there are a lot of designers that want to have new testers and beginners because they give a different perspective and may catch things that more experienced testers may miss. My advice for designers would be to have a chat group for the test, It gives a sense of community and I always find it helpful when I run across something to see other peoples take on it. I also feel like it creates more excitement for the design vs. each tester being in their own little void. Also, show appreciation for your testers, they put a lot of time and supplies into the project and when the designer acts like they don't care it's really deflating. I have a couple people that I won't test for again due to this.
I see that you've recently started developing some beautiful property in California! What's your plan for that? Will there be any overlap with your fiber crafts?
Yes!! Little Big Valley Ranch! My husband and I were able to buy this property from his granddad last year and with Covid and everything we decided to take a leap of faith and move from LA to Rural NE California. Its 26 acres of pure bliss. Our plan is to renovate the small cabin on the property to be our full-time home, start gardening and we have talked about having some chickens, possibly some sheep (I keep telling my husband that I want babydoll sheep named after the Golden Girls). It’s going to be a ton of work, but we are excited to dig in and get up on the property full time. The plan long term is to hopefully create a space that we can rent out to people wanting to host retreats, so if someone has an idea for a knitting/crochet type retreat they can rent the space from us. We have also talked about music retreats, etc. Still have to figure out all the in's and outs of making it happen, but I am super excited for it to all come together. We have a website set up and an IG for anyone that wants to follow along with Little Big Valley Ranch adventure. www.LBVRanch.com @LittleBigValleyRanch
Do you have anything coming up or that you’re excited about and want to share with us?
One big thing that I am super excited to be launching, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, is the collaboration between my Mom and I and our line of project bags. My mom is a self taught weaver and we have started working together on pairing her weavings with fabrics to make one of a kind bags. We have been behind the scenes finalizing bag styles, sizes, coming up with fabric pairings and finally have enough stock to have our first shop update. It has been fun to work with her on this project. Growing up she always made most of my clothes and countless bridesmaid dresses for friends, so this has been fun to work with her on.
We also have ideas rattling around for notions, jewelry and other goodies that we want to bring to life as soon as we get settled on the ranch. Lots of ideas, just need more time!
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Thank you so much for reading this interview with Maderia of @AdventuresinFiber. Be sure to head to her Instagram page to show her some support, and designers — keep your eye out for this superstar tester!
