Pattern Testing with @Things.Beth.Makes

I am so excited to introduce this bad ass woman and creative friend of mine, Beth of @things.beth.makes! I met Beth through pattern testing and quickly realized I needed her in my life all the time. She’s incredibly talented and supportive, but also just fun to talk to! She’s got a great personality. Beth recently ventured from pattern testing and sample knitting to pattern designing! And she’s offering a 20% discount on her Lombard Slouch Cowl and Beanie patterns through the end of February! Use the code “SSWMAL20” on Ravelry to get your patterns!

Tell us about @things.beth.makes! How and when did you get into knitting?

I was about 5 years old when my Grammy taught me to knit. I've been making knit things ever since. Sweaters were my go to for a long time, but in the last few years I've started making everything I can find...socks and shawls specifically have become my most frequent knit.

Before designing, you were a pattern tester & sample knitter. When did you start pattern testing? How would you select the patterns you wanted to test or sample?

I started pattern testing about 2 years ago when I saw a post from @sundaughterknits on @arohaknits Facebook group saying she was nervous about asking for testers. I had never tested before, and honestly had no idea what would be expected of me, but I was looking for ways to meet knitters and this seemed like a good way to do it. After that, I just started signing up for any test that I saw a call for, but because I'm juggling tests, designing and now pottery, I have to want to wear or gift the knit to take on a test. Otherwise I'd drown in yarn (though, I guess that wouldn't be so bad...)

What is one thing pattern testing taught you about pattern writing that you don't think you would have realized if you had not started with testing?

Honestly, the biggest thing I learned is that patterns don't have to suck. I know that's a bit blunt, but when I started knit patterns were written to be as short as possible and it. was. terrible. And there wasn't an internet or even in person knitting groups at the local yarn store. There was me, my mom and my Grammy. So you either got consensus within the small group of knitters you knew, tried and frogged multiple times on your own, or you just gave up. This generation of independent pattern designers cares more about giving good instructions than saving space and I am here for it. Because what's the point of a pattern if it doesn't actually tell you how to make the finished object?

When you put your first design into testing, what was it like being on the other side? Were there things you did not realize on the design side, having previously been on the testing side?

Nerve wracking. I was terrified people would pick up the pattern and tell me everything I'd done wrong. As it turns out, I wasn't half bad at it, so a big sigh of relief there. The one thing I didn't realize going in was how much work it would be keeping up on the chatter in the tests. Once I realized that, I started to limit the size of the tester group to 9-10 people, which I know won't work if I ever get around to designing garments that require multiple sizes, but for right now it works.

Now that you have seen both sides, what is one piece of advice you would give to testers and one piece of advice you would give to designers?

Isn't the classic testing advice, that remains unfollowed by everybody I know, to not take on more tests than you can handle? You probably want real advice though. Ok, how about this. Take on tests that include techniques you don't know. It is the single best way I've found to push myself to learn new techniques. Brioche? Check. Stranded colorwork? Check. Instarsia? Check. AND know this: designers absolutely love having testers who are new to the technique in their pattern. It helps us write the instructions in a manner that anybody can follow.
Designer advice? I got this gem from @knotbadbritt and it's the best thing I've heard in a long time. Be ok with putting a design down if it's not working. If you stay in a rut too long, you start to doubt your abilities. And nobody has time for that.

What is your least favorite thing about the testing process as a tester? What is your least favorite thing about the testing process as a designer? Same question, but favorite thing?

My least favorite thing about testing is the same as a tester and designer. It's finding yourself in a group with a person who is just a touch too blunt. Please y'all. Take an extra two seconds to think through how you're phrasing your feedback. Designers know you're not trying to be mean, but that gut punch is real. And it's awkward as hell to both see and be on the receiving end of it.
My most favorite thing is also the same (I guess I'm boring?). Seeing something magically appear out of yarn. That shit is awesome.

What's next for @things.beth.makes? What can we expect in 2021?!

Well, there's a shawl design I've had in time out that I think I'm ready to go back to. I've also been tinkering with the pillow cover layout and I think I've figured out a way to make it even better. And I've got a wrap/cowl thing that I need to get on paper. Oh, and pottery! My house is starting to overflow with all my hand thrown, hand painted mugs and bowls. So, I'll be doing some pop up sales of those pretty soon. And yes, there will be many pieces featuring the Saguaro Cactus. And yarn bowls soon. And more Franklin.

♡♡♡

Always more Franklin, please!! I hope you enjoyed this interview with Beth of @things.beth.makes! Be sure to head to her Instagram and her Ravelry to check out her work and her pup! Her page includes the ceramics too, which are amazing.