Should I Apply to the Test?

We’ve all been there. That tester call gets posted and immediately the mental gymnastics begin:

Oh snap, that’s cute! I should test that. Should I test that? I think I have time. What’s the timeline? Let me ask (insert friend here).  They’ll tell me the truth.  Darn it, that’s not the answer I wanted.  Whatever, what does she know? I think I’m still going to test it.  Sure, it’s not exactly the right time, but I have yarn I can use in my stash and using stash yarn is productive! Okay, I’m doing it! *applies*… Crap.  Was that the right move? Gosh, I really don’t know if I have time. Well, maybe I won’t get chosen.

… No? Just me?

Pattern featured is from a pattern test for which I was very happy I said YES! This is the Braided Bandit Cowl by @things.beth.makes - available now! (Ravelry Link)

For me, it seems there is literally a new tester call every single day that I want to take on, but that is just not feasible, physically or mentally.  Since it’s not realistic to ask all of you amazing designers to just STOP DESIGNING FOR A SECOND SO I CAN CATCH UP (right?), I have had to learn how to pass on tests I would otherwise LOVE to do.  There’s no magic formula and I still often have intense FOMO as a test is ongoing without me, but here are a few of the questions I try to ask myself before I submit any application:

Do I *really* have the time?

I am not going to spend too much time on this question, because I covered a lot of the time-related tips you should consider before taking on a test in a prior post: Time Management in Pattern Testing.  But here are some things to consider:

Is the timeline realistic for me? Set aside whether you think the timeline is fair.  If it’s not fair, don’t apply.  I don’t want to see any of you signing up to do a fingering weight garment with a two-week deadline and then later complaining that the designer didn’t give you enough time to finish.  You knew the deadline when you applied, and you did it anyways.  That’s on you.

Ask yourself, can you truly get the test done in the allotted amount of time for the size you will apply to do? Factor in time to get yarn, time for feedback, blocking, and photos, and some wiggle room for LIFE to get in the way, because it always does.  Think about your existing WIPs and any upcoming WIPs you’ve already committed to doing.  Do you still feel comfortable that you can get it done?

Do I want to support the designer?

Testing is more than just making a pattern.  It’s supporting a designer in a BIG way.  You’re not just buying their pattern and making it for yourself.  You’re putting in time, effort, and money of your own to help make their pattern the best it can be, and then you’re promoting them on your social media to help them generate more sales. Protect your space.  Make sure the designer is someone you want to support – someone who aligns with your values not only as a maker (e.g., is the design size inclusive?) but also as a human (e.g., do they align with you on important social issues?).

Will I wear it /use it?

I cannot tell you how often I answer YES to questions one and two and then get to this one and have to be real with myself…. No, probably not.  And THAT’S OKAY.  Not every single knit garment or crochet shawl out there will be your style. And one surefire way to regret signing up for a test – no matter how much you love the designer to pieces – is to sign up for a test that you know you’re not going to want to wear.  Just try it and see. You’ll think of me the next time you’re sitting on the couch spending ten hours of your Saturday single crocheting in the round in order to get those 12 inches of body done on a top you know you’ll never wear… If you’re not thinking of this post, you’ll be thinking of all the other projects you could have been working on if you had not agreed to this particular test.  TRUST.

Follow-up question: Will I wear it NOW and be willing to post it on my social media?

Two anecdotes come to mind for me with this one.  The first is when I tested the amazing Basic Stitch Bikini for @knittingtipsy.  LOVE THIS DESIGN, love this designer. Turned out, wasn’t willing to pose on my public Instagram account in a bikini.  Whoops! Thankfully, Chelsea didn’t require it, but that didn’t make me feel like any less of a bad tester.  I take a lot of pride in being a “good tester” and that includes posting about and promoting the design on my feed.  I made it work, but I do not feel like I really did the pattern justice.  Lesson learned: bikini/lingerie type tests are not for me right now. And guess what: that’s okay.

The second is what I am dealing with a lot right now… being pregnant and all! There are a LOT of really freakin’ cute designs coming out right now that simply will not fit my body for the foreseeable future.  Fitted tops that are longer than a bralette are simply off the table for the next few months, which means I should NOT say yes to those tests! As much as I’d love to test so many of these cute designs, I cannot fulfill my responsibilities as a tester for certain garments right now because my feedback on fit will be off, pictures won’t look right, etc. 

So, even if you have the time, love the designer, and would generally wear it… think about whether you’ll wear it and post about it within the testing timeframe too.

Do I already have the yarn/materials needed? If not, can I get it pretty quickly?

I love a good stash dive.  If I can take on a test and use yarn already in my stash, chances are higher that I will say yes.

If it’s not already in your stash, consider: how much will it cost you to get the yarn you need for the test and is that feasible for your budget right now? How quickly can you get the yarn you need – can you run and grab it at a local craft store or LYS and get started, or do you need to wait for shipping? How long will shipping take from where you are ordering? Does that leave you enough time for the test still?

The same logic applies for the other materials needed: Do you have the hook/needle size needed? Does it call for something special like elastic? Can you get those things within the testing timeframe?

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These are the main questions I ask myself.  If I can genuinely answer yes to each one, then I will usually apply.  Saying no is very hard, but *pro tip*: There are other ways to support a design/designer when the test is not right for you right now! You can still promote the design on your page. Follow the hashtag for the pattern and share tester photos as they pop up. Encourage others you know to test it, if you think it is a good fit for them. Follow the designer and buy the pattern when it comes out. Share the design and comment on the post on release day! All of these are great ways to support a designer and their new design without testing it.