Who am I, what is pattern testing, and why am I starting this blog?
About a year and a half ago, I decided to start an Instagram account dedicated solely to my crochet and knit hobby. Why? Well, I had recently started a new job that allowed me more free time, and I quickly started filling that free time almost entirely with yarn crafts. I soon realized that I was also filling my personal social media accounts almost entirely with yarn crafts. I thought that might get annoying for some, so I started a new account to allow any friends or family who actually cared to see my yarn projects to “opt in.” A few texts back and forth with my mother-in-law about a name, and @TheSkeiniac was born!
Shortly after starting @TheSkeiniac, I discovered pattern testing. I started following designers that caught my eye and would see posts like, “New design! Calling for testers soon!” Color me intrigued.
I soon learned that pattern testing is the process in which designers select a handful of individuals to test out their design by following a rough draft pattern, with the goal of helping the designer catch any mistakes, make the language clearer, and promote the pattern. In exchange, a tester would get the pattern for free, and often another pattern from that designer’s library for free. Sounds good enough!
But I also quickly recognized another benefit: it was an opportunity to work closely with a designer I admired, learn about the pattern designing process, and connect with other wonderful makers in the community. This seemed like a no-brainer to me. I decided I’d try it out.
I wondered (worried): would anyone ever actually choose me? Why would anyone choose my little account? I had never pattern tested before, I probably had 100 followers max, and quite frankly, I had not made much besides baby blankets and scarves. I decided to dive in, because what did I have to lose? And much to my surprise, I got chosen! (Shout out to @happily.yarn.after for being the first to take a chance on me, changing my life forever).
And then I got chosen again, and again, and again.
Fast forward to now, August 2020, and I have tested over 80 crochet, knit, and Tunisian crochet patterns since March 2019. At any given time, I have 2-6 pattern tests in my queue, and often know of at least 5 more coming onto my schedule soon. I am truly in love with pattern testing. I love meeting new designers, connecting with fellow makers, and improving my skills by constantly learning new techniques. This community is uniquely special and has introduced me to some amazing people I genuinely consider some of my closest friends now.
🖤🖤🖤
So, why am I starting this blog? Simply put, I want others to become pattern testers. Actually, I want others to become successful pattern testers. Pattern testing is a job. An enjoyable job that I love, but a job, nonetheless. You have important responsibilities as a tester. I want to make sure testers understand what they’re signing up for and that they’re equipped to be able to provide valuable feedback to designers.
Here are a few of my goals for this blog:
Provide testers and wannabe testers with the tools needed to be successful testers.
Answer frequently asked questions about pattern testing. Short answers will be stored on a FAQ page, with links to longer explanations/blog posts as I publish relevant topics.
Provide advice on DOs/DON’Ts for pattern testers and designers with respect to the testing process.
Profile some amazing pattern testers and designers, to provide a variety of perspectives on the life of a tester and what designers look for in a tester
Highlight some of my own testing processes by featuring some of my makes.
Provide some other ancillary yarn-related advice (e.g., yarn choice, color choice, and yarn tool reviews)
Collaborate with other makers in the community to get a variety of perspectives on the testing process from all angles.
The blog will publish according to the following schedule:
Every other Friday: Substantive content post with advice relating to pattern testing or other yarn craft topics, either by me or a guest author.
Every other Tuesday: Tester Tuesday! These posts will feature a superstar tester, a designer who will talk about his/her/their testing process, or I will highlight one of my own current tests.
I may publish a few random posts outside of this schedule here and there, but that’s my rough plan. This blog is meant to be a helpful resource for the community as it relates to pattern testing. I am always open to feedback on ways to make this better for all of you. If you have any questions or ideas for topics you want me to cover or ideas for a collaboration, please email me at TheSkeiniac@gmail.com.
Thanks for visiting! I am excited, and I hope you’re excited too!
@TheSkeiniac pictured wearing the Stripey V Tee designed by @hannahsingleton. She used @lionbrandyarn in Tweedle Dee (Sandalwood).
