Pattern Testing with @OneOfAKate
Hi y’all! I am so excited to introduce Kate of @oneofakate for today’s Tester Tuesday profile. If you do not know, Kate is an experienced pattern tester and designer who started a YouTube channel chronicling her pattern testing experiences. Be sure to check out her videos! I hope you enjoy this interview.
Kate pictured above wearing her very own Knot Sweater! Below, she is wearing her Bubbly Bathrobe; the R-Bead-G Tank designed @by.stephanie.erin; the Obtuse Shawl designed by @detroitknots; and last but not least, her next exciting pattern, the Super Soft Coat coming December 3!
When and how did you first get into pattern testing?
My first pattern test was in March 2018. I made the Perfect Spring Sweater by @megmadewithlove. I’m not fully sure how I found the testing opportunity, but my best guess is Instagram. I’ve pretty much never not been testing ever since then. Most of my pattern testing opportunities have been found through friendships built on Instagram.
You knit, crochet and Tunisian crochet. Which is your favorite to pattern test and why?
I’ve come to the point where I am struggling to choose between all three crafts. I think it’s fair game to have at least one constant WIP (“work in progress”) for each of the three. However, I would say my pattern testing “game” changed when I experienced @by.stephanie.erin, so I guess I would have to go with a crochet pattern test and specifically her crochet pattern tests, if you really force me to choose!
Tell us about the YouTube videos!
When did you start making YouTube videos and how did you come up with the idea to record the testing process to show off your makes?
My first YouTube video aired in June 2019 of the Dottie Dress by @ilovetinderbox. The vlog is still available now. You can see the nervousness & how much I’ve grown from there! I remember bouncing the idea around with Courtney because I had been noticing that the pattern testing process was a mystery to many makers. I had been using Instagram stories a lot, but as we know, those disappear. I kept receiving comments about how natural I am with the camera. Podcasts were all the rage, but I know myself & I am not regimented enough for that. I also recognized what I wanted to see — and that is crafts from start to finish. Basically, with all that information, the idea for the YouTube channel organically came alive.
As I recorded my videos, I realized I travel a lot, so my style quickly became vlog-style rather than having a cohesive backdrop similar to many YouTube podcasters.
Here is Kate’s video for her pattern test of the Incendiary Tank designed @by.stephanie.erin.
How do you decide which patterns to test and which pattern tests to record for YouTube?
My YouTube channel has evolved over time, so I now try to record every make I do because the more content, the better, right?!
I decide what patterns to test based on my obsession with the design and whether I have the time to help and work with a friend. There are some fabulous designs out there that I just have to be part of, so I will stalk those designers and apply to test immediately. There are also designs where I just want to be that reliable tester for a friend. Generally, I am more attracted to garment designs than accessories. I’m also trying to showcase and work with more designers, so I have intentionally been applying to test for a variety of different designers. As a designer myself, it’s also fun to see each designer’s different processes.
You’re also an incredible designer! How do you balance your testing obligations with designing?
Eek, this is a major internal battle! I would say peer pressure has gotten me into designing and continues to keep me focused on it. I have a tendency to obsess over things; so, if I have a test or a design deadline, I will work tirelessly to complete it before I allow myself to move onto the next one. If you know me, this is essentially how I get projects done within 3-7 days.
Check out Kate’s design process for the Bubbly Bathrobe!
Do you prefer being on the designer side or the tester side?
Not to upset anyone, but I much prefer to test! It’s a little less stressful because the expectations are easier to recognize & fulfill — not to mention, math. 😬 Designing is such a process and requires a lot of “mathing.” Could you guess that math was not my favorite subject?! While it’s satisfying to see something you have created from nothing be loved and made up by other makers, I personally feel more valuable in the testing process. It’s satisfying to be able to provide the information needed to perfect a design and pump up another maker.
Last but not least… What is #WIPitSlow?!
#WIPitSlow was born after my first slow motion video of my Soundwave Shawl for @by.stephanie.erin. I saved its reveal specifically for my YouTube viewers (check it out here at around minute 39!). It was such a hit that I proceeded to make slow motion videos of each make. Before I knew it, it became my thing. #CrochetisGlam has always been my thing, but since I’ve branched out to other yarn crafts, I have wanted my main hashtag to encompass more. It took some brainstorming, but I landed on #WIPitSlow because it can cover any work in progress, as well as pay homage to handmade slow fashion.
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Thank you for reading this fun interview with @oneofakate ! Make sure to check out her YouTube Channel and follow her on Instagram. Her patterns are available as Lion Brand Kits here or on her Ravelry page.
