Pattern Testing with Cosmic_Crochet_Creations
Hey everyone! I am so excited to feature Nkese of @cosmic_crochet_creations on the blog today. Nkese is a very experienced pattern tester who I have come to know quite well through the pattern testing community. If you are not yet familiar with her, I highly recommend following her account. Not only does Nkese slay all of her pattern test photographs, but her captions are constantly full of wisdom, grace, and insight about life that constantly help me reflect and grow as a person. She is truly a gem to this community!
Read the interview below to learn about Nkese’s pattern testing experience and her advice for designers and testers on how to improve the pattern testing process.
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(Above): @cosmic_crochet_creations wearing the Seedlings Sweater by @littlegoldennook.
(Below): from left to right, Nkese’s versions of: the Sunflower Shawl by @capellalunafibers; the Dove Dress by @madebyhaileybailey; the Happy Sack Tote by @capital.crochet; and the Tango Wrap by @detroitknots.
When did you first get into pattern testing?
I did my first pattern test towards the end of 2018. It was an ear warmer. Until that point I didn’t know anything about testing. I had no idea that you could help people see if their patterns were well written. When I found out I could apply to test patterns, I started applying for everything. I figured since I was always crocheting anyway, I might as well do it with more of a purpose.
How do you decide what patterns you want to test?
Pre-COVID, we were always busy as a family, so my biggest requirement when choosing a test is how much time do I have? Even now with my kids back in school, even though they are home, they still need my attention. So, a quick turnaround is not going to be a test I apply for. Another thing I take into consideration is, will it be something that I will wear or use? If the answer is no, then I’m not going to test it. The last thing I think about is, do I already have what I need to make it and if not, how long will it take me to get the supplies needed for the test?
How do you manage your time when juggling more than one pattern test and your other responsibilities?
As I stated above, I’m a mom and a wife. I feel like more times than not we learn to juggle a lot of things, like schedules and making sure everyone gets to and from where they need to be on time. I am a planner, so I like to have an idea of what’s coming so I know how to prepare myself. I have started keeping track of my tests with a calendar. I also stay home now, so I do have some free time to work on things that I didn’t have time to do while I was still working. I try and set goals of how far I want to get in a test before I sit it down to work on something else. I crochet pretty fast, so I can usually get my tests done with time to spare so I can take good pictures and submit complete and thorough notes.
What is your favorite thing about the pattern testing process? Least favorite thing?
I think one of my favorite things about testing is meeting different people in the groups and seeing the yarn everyone chooses for their tests. My least favorite thing is sometimes the group chats can be overwhelming, especially when you are in four or five group chats at the same time.
If you could give any piece of advice to designers who are testing patterns, what advice would you give them?
If I could give advice to designers who are testing, I’d say: give an ample amount of time for testing. A lot of times people who test often, like myself, are working on several tests at one time so a quick turnaround time is not feasible, especially when you don’t already have the supplies you need.
If a designer already knows the amount of yarn the testers will need, let them know the specifics when you put out a call. That way if they are stash diving, they can figure out early if they have what they need before they apply.
Lastly, if people work hard to test a pattern for you, do them the courtesy of sharing their photos. It doesn’t make sense to ask people to send photos of themselves in or with their finished items if you don’t share them with other people. Testing is basically free advertising, so be appreciative of that.
If you could give any piece of advice to your fellow testers, what advice would you give them? Any advice for someone who is looking to start testing for the first time?
Don’t modify the pattern without permission. That is not what testing is for. If you want to modify, buy the pattern and do it on your own time. Don’t wait until the week before or week of to start a test and then tell the designer you can’t finish it. If something comes up, let them know as soon as you know. Take the gauge swatch seriously, it’s there for a reason. Take good pictures. They don’t have to be magazine worthy, but they need to show off the item that you’ve made in good lighting. You are marketing yourself to other designers and makers, so pictures can and will decide whether or not you’ll be picked to test.
If you are wanting to start testing, the first thing I would tell you is get a public Instagram account. Second, start posting pictures of things that you have already made so designers can see your skills. It’s going to be hard to get picked to test a sweater if you don’t have any sweaters on your grid. APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!! If a designer tells you that you need to improve something to get picked to test, listen to their suggestions.
Why do you continue to test patterns? What brings you back to it again and again?
I continue testing because I LOVE IT!! I love testing different patterns for different people because I like seeing how different people set up their patterns. I like testing because it’s like a CAL/KAL and it’s a great way to meet people in the fiber community. I keep testing because people keep coming out with AMAZING patterns and I just can’t say no. I want to slow down some, but I just have such a good time testing! I hope to have tested for a lot of different people within the next couple of years! There are several people I would still love to test for.
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Thank you so much for reading this interview with @cosmic_crochet_creations! Remember, check out her Instagram to see her beautiful photographs and insightful captions.
