One thing that is so clear in this video is how emotional a process knitting and especially test knitting is! Months, MONTHS of your time and creative energy and technical skill went into this. It can feel like designers grade larger sizes so thinner people feel good about buying a size inclusive pattern and haven’t put in the work to make truly beautiful, fitted garments! I’m sorry that you’ve had to do this with multiple designers and your expertise is such an asset to the community. Sending love your way ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ I really do feel that this designer is doing their best to grade their patterns to be size-inclusive, they're just new to it and don't have a lot of experience fitting to a larger body. I have found out since I quit the test that the designer stopped the test and is reworking the design so I have hopes that it will be improved!
So much volunteer work to help the designer understand sizing up their designs... 😯😥 I think one of the problems sometimes is that designers make very nice photographs of their projects at the exact (and only 🤭)moment in time that the collar doesn't flip up... And then you expect something that lays flat and not to gape at the back... And then after you are finished and disappointed, you look more closely at the photo's and notice all the things about the design you don't like... I have gotten quite good at scrutinising FO photo's and I look most closely at the collars, because that is always the area that is problematic, somehow. I am glad you have found fun and relaxation in knitting again. And I hope you get many successful FO's in a row the coming months! ❣
You have a LOT of great videos Whitney but this is your best by far. I’m so amazed by your summary and understanding of where patterns fail, loved the WIPs you’re doing so unique! And to top it all off omg that book review was EVERYTHING. I haven’t read that series by Sarah Maas but I was laughing so much. I loved your energy amazing 😂😂❤
Hahaha I just couldn't help myself Aoife! I did take your advice about doing my true review of the book (which was really negative lol), but I confined it in this podcast so the Maasverse fans don't come for me 🤣🤣🤣
Whitney I have hearing problems and late at night when I watched your podcast I had already removed my hearing aids (too much information, hahaha). What I wanted to say is that I’m sure you said it correctly. Thank you so much for answering. I agree with you I don’t put any ban on my yarn buying. It’s one of the things that I enjoyed the most specifically at my 70’s. I love your podcast you are intelligent and funny and explain things easily to understand. Thank you Aida❤
My favorite all time book series is The Wheel of Time. There are 14 of them. I was so thrilled when they made a series to watch but reading the stories was epic. On to patterns....Whether I'm sewing, crocheting or knitting they ALL think my head is twice the size as other people, the shoulders are too wide, the sleeves are too long and the torso too short. That's my experience with patterns of all types. The only sewing patterns I buy now are Cashmerette. They are size inclusive and have different bust sizes.
Lovely episode! It is so sad when a project doesn't work out, hopefully the designer takes your feedback to heart 💜 I love how excited you are about the crochet edgings! can't wait to see how that wrap cardigan turns out. It has been on my list for awhile, but I haven't managed to make one yet!
Thank you so much Madison! 🥰 I'm really enjoying working on the wrap top and it will be SO nice to have another warm weather knit in my wardrobe. I've heard since I quit the test that the designer stopped the test knit and is going to do a lot of work to fix it so I have hopes that it will be improved 😊
I loved this episode, but had to head out for the book reviews since I am still working my way through the SJM universe(s). Love the hair cut, and I am so sorry about your test knitting experience. I like that you are not afraid to call the project a fail, but the insights that have come out of it are so valuable! You either win or you learn!
I am so glad I stayed for the book review. That was entertaining! (And I have no intention of reading the book you hated so intensely... or any of them in fact. Not my genre, zero interest. But I hope the next one doesn't disappoint you.)
I agree with the other comments, seems like the designer needed to put more thought into the upsizing and you gave some great feedback despite not having a garment at the end of your hard work. I’m excited to see your ballerina wrap top, I recently added it to my favorites but am a little anxious about how it would fit around my big bust. I’m not a big cami underneath a low cut shirt fan so am curious if it works for you! I just finished my Nocturnal sweater - knitting 15 black cats gave so much joy and learning to do three strand color work was challenging but fun. Definitely would recommend!! Lastly, there’s a steampunk Victorian era fairytale retelling series I’ve been enjoying by Nancy Campbell Allen. The audiobooks are nice when someone reads to me in a British accent. Would love to hear your thoughts about! Thanks again for a great episode ❤
I'm hoping my wrap top will provide decent coverage (I like to dress a little conservatively for weddings -- personal preference), so if the top is too showy, I know I can buy little lace panels that can hook onto your bra to wear underneath.
This is such a great video, and you sound like such a great tester to provide so much feedback as you knit. The collar sounds like it should have an i-cord knit around first and then knit the ruffle to help with pulling in the neckline and keeping the ruffle from pulling up. I also think the straps should be slightly wider for the larger sizes as it seems very narrow for the shoulder. I'm so sorry the top didn't work out for you.
Wider straps might have kept it on my shoulders better too. I think elastic would help for sure, but I have to take a break from this project before I can even muster up the mental strength to pull it out of the closet 😅
I am cackling over the HOFAS review!!! 😂😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 YOU TELL EM GIRL!!! My least favorite parts of that book were the ACOTAR crossover at the beginning (although i will say i liked the crossover scene at the end) and Bryce being a GIANT RED FLAG with no empathy/compassion toward Hunt. Ugh!!! I was also reading that book during a challlenging time and i put it down at just about the same place you did and waited a few weeks. I ended up picking it back up and somewhat enjoying the rest but i think only because it was a better than the first half (and thats not saying much). Overall, i did like the series as a whole but its my least favorite of sarah's 3, and i applaud you for DNF'ing when something isnt bringing yoy joy. Whether book or test knit or selfish wip. 💕💕💕💕.
Thanks so much Chelsea ❤️ 2024 is all about following the joy, and those things weren't bringing me joy. When I shared my trials with CC3 on insta, one of my internet friends who also works in a library DM-ed me and said when she reads a bad book she follows it up with a book by her favourite author. I had to laugh because I said this book WAS by my favourite author 🤣 I've read some really good books since DNF-ing that book 📚
The cream is beautiful on you. Have you thought about making a long sleeved cream colored soufflé top for your cosplay? It’s similar to the look you wanted and you already know it looks and feels great, and you’ll wear it after Comic-Con as part of your regular wardrobe. Maybe you can finish a soufflé top in time to still have a handmade piece for your costume.
Thanks for sharing your woes. I feel your pain with this. I get so frustrated with patterns that have the same width back and front. I have to admit I would be very disappointed if I paid for a pattern and then had to pretty much design the sweater myself, I mean what are you paying for at that point. My faith in “designers” is just going out the window. I may be alone in this but I feel like anyone can label themselves as a designer these days with no qualifications, no research into body shapes or repercussions if their designs are faulty. I feel like ravelry needs better vetting for paid patterns.
Hi Whitney! I, know you’re easing back on test knitting. However, CamijoKnit Design, is looking for plus size test knitters for a design she planning on releasing. The sweater is beautiful and she truly desires for it to be size inclusive. I, immediately thought about you! I, hope I’m not overstepping your boundaries 😊
Thank you for the suggestion. Even if I wasn't coming off from a rough testing experience, I'm really selective of the patterns I test knit. Size Inclusive Collective on Instagram has a list of plus size testers though and she shares testing calls for size-inclusive patterns 🙂
Hello Whitney, you mentioned yarn band (I think you said it’s not mentally helpful for you) what it’s that? Yarn band, at least that’s what I understood you said. Thank you.
Sorry if I didn't speak clearly, I said yarn ban -- setting limits on purchasing yarn for a set time. I know some knitting friends who are banning themselves from buying yarn entirely for a year or only allowing themselves to buy yarn for specific projects. It's used as a tool to help decrease your yarn stash by focusing on knitting with yarns you already have and not allowing yourself to buy more. I personally think that type of mindset is unhealthy (especially for myself), but others find it works for them.
You sound like a dream tester providing feedback as you go. It's a shame that alot of these pattern features were not really considered for larger sizes in the designing phase. I agree that this wasn't your failure, but the designer's! Hopefully the designer can sit down and figure out how to fix the issues that you pointed out!!! They seem to have good intentions but need more feedback on other bodies! you sound like a designer to me (even if just for personal projects/your own size)! :)
I think because the top is supposed to be fitted, the designer should have recommended having less stitches in the back for the bigger sizes. Also, there should have been short row bust shaping in the larger sizes.
Point: you're a "test" knitter to find out if a design works or not. Point: you gave excellent feedback on Why it didn't knit up ( fit wise is everything) & you weren't satisfied having to figure out a lot of measurements, well, heck, I agree. Technically, you are a designer or you wouldn't test. You are reasonably disappointed so move on. This top will wait for you forever, true love. I'm designing my very first knit sweater & have realized that the sleeve separation is off by 8 stitches each side. I sensed it at the time but it didn't become clear until I knit up the front. Joy, so I have to frog the back half & re knit. It's a journey!!! Enjoy.
I disagree. Test knitting is not about helping the designer figure out if their design works or not. The designer should already have done the work to create the pattern and properly grade it to fit their chosen size range (30" - 60" bust to be size-inclusive). Testers help tweak the design into the best fitting version it can be, as well as provide feedback on how well the pattern is written (typos, grammatical errors, clarification points, etc.). I'm not a designer at all, and the majority of test knitters are not designers either. We're enthusiastic knitters who see an opportunity to knit a design before it's released. We exchange our hard work of knitting up the design (plus paying for the materials needed to make it) in exchange for the free pattern. Designers need our help to ensure proper fit of the pattern, but our job is not to determine if the pattern is properly designed and actually works as a design. Here's a great resource about the responsibilities of test knitters and tech editors and the role they each play in the designing of a pattern: www.snickerdoodleknits.com/post/knitting-tech-editor-vs-test-knitters-why-do-i-need-both-for-my-knitting-patterns
To me it seems the failure in that test knit wasn’t your failure at all. You did exactly what you were supposed to and gave the designer excellent feedback. The designer however clearly released the extended sizes for testing before they were ready. It isn’t enough to extend sizes; the extensions have to be done thoughtfully. I’m angry on your behalf that you spent months on a test knit that wasn’t ready for test knitters.
It's possible that it wasn't ready to be tested yet. Based on some of the feedback I gave on the pattern writing, I wonder if the original sizes were tested because I found some errors that needed to be fixed for pattern clarity too. It was a learning experience and I'm glad I was able to give the designer a lot of feedback. I've heard since I quit the test that the designer has stopped the test for the others participating and is going to do some substantial reworking of the pattern to better fit the extended sizes, which is great news!
One thing that is so clear in this video is how emotional a process knitting and especially test knitting is! Months, MONTHS of your time and creative energy and technical skill went into this. It can feel like designers grade larger sizes so thinner people feel good about buying a size inclusive pattern and haven’t put in the work to make truly beautiful, fitted garments! I’m sorry that you’ve had to do this with multiple designers and your expertise is such an asset to the community. Sending love your way ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ I really do feel that this designer is doing their best to grade their patterns to be size-inclusive, they're just new to it and don't have a lot of experience fitting to a larger body. I have found out since I quit the test that the designer stopped the test and is reworking the design so I have hopes that it will be improved!
So much volunteer work to help the designer understand sizing up their designs... 😯😥
I think one of the problems sometimes is that designers make very nice photographs of their projects at the exact (and only 🤭)moment in time that the collar doesn't flip up... And then you expect something that lays flat and not to gape at the back... And then after you are finished and disappointed, you look more closely at the photo's and notice all the things about the design you don't like... I have gotten quite good at scrutinising FO photo's and I look most closely at the collars, because that is always the area that is problematic, somehow.
I am glad you have found fun and relaxation in knitting again. And I hope you get many successful FO's in a row the coming months! ❣
You have a LOT of great videos Whitney but this is your best by far. I’m so amazed by your summary and understanding of where patterns fail, loved the WIPs you’re doing so unique! And to top it all off omg that book review was EVERYTHING. I haven’t read that series by Sarah Maas but I was laughing so much. I loved your energy amazing 😂😂❤
Hahaha I just couldn't help myself Aoife! I did take your advice about doing my true review of the book (which was really negative lol), but I confined it in this podcast so the Maasverse fans don't come for me 🤣🤣🤣
Whitney I have hearing problems and late at night when I watched your podcast I had already removed my hearing aids (too much information, hahaha). What I wanted to say is that I’m sure you said it correctly.
Thank you so much for answering. I agree with you I don’t put any ban on my yarn buying. It’s one of the things that I enjoyed the most specifically at my 70’s.
I love your podcast you are intelligent and funny and explain things easily to understand. Thank you Aida❤
My favorite all time book series is The Wheel of Time. There are 14 of them. I was so thrilled when they made a series to watch but reading the stories was epic. On to patterns....Whether I'm sewing, crocheting or knitting they ALL think my head is twice the size as other people, the shoulders are too wide, the sleeves are too long and the torso too short. That's my experience with patterns of all types. The only sewing patterns I buy now are Cashmerette. They are size inclusive and have different bust sizes.
Lovely episode! It is so sad when a project doesn't work out, hopefully the designer takes your feedback to heart 💜 I love how excited you are about the crochet edgings! can't wait to see how that wrap cardigan turns out. It has been on my list for awhile, but I haven't managed to make one yet!
Thank you so much Madison! 🥰 I'm really enjoying working on the wrap top and it will be SO nice to have another warm weather knit in my wardrobe. I've heard since I quit the test that the designer stopped the test knit and is going to do a lot of work to fix it so I have hopes that it will be improved 😊
I loved this episode, but had to head out for the book reviews since I am still working my way through the SJM universe(s). Love the hair cut, and I am so sorry about your test knitting experience. I like that you are not afraid to call the project a fail, but the insights that have come out of it are so valuable! You either win or you learn!
Winning or learning -- that's a great way of looking at things! Thank you so much for watching Emily ❤️
I am so glad I stayed for the book review. That was entertaining! (And I have no intention of reading the book you hated so intensely... or any of them in fact. Not my genre, zero interest. But I hope the next one doesn't disappoint you.)
I agree with the other comments, seems like the designer needed to put more thought into the upsizing and you gave some great feedback despite not having a garment at the end of your hard work.
I’m excited to see your ballerina wrap top, I recently added it to my favorites but am a little anxious about how it would fit around my big bust. I’m not a big cami underneath a low cut shirt fan so am curious if it works for you!
I just finished my Nocturnal sweater - knitting 15 black cats gave so much joy and learning to do three strand color work was challenging but fun. Definitely would recommend!!
Lastly, there’s a steampunk Victorian era fairytale retelling series I’ve been enjoying by Nancy Campbell Allen. The audiobooks are nice when someone reads to me in a British accent. Would love to hear your thoughts about! Thanks again for a great episode ❤
I'm hoping my wrap top will provide decent coverage (I like to dress a little conservatively for weddings -- personal preference), so if the top is too showy, I know I can buy little lace panels that can hook onto your bra to wear underneath.
This is such a great video, and you sound like such a great tester to provide so much feedback as you knit. The collar sounds like it should have an i-cord knit around first and then knit the ruffle to help with pulling in the neckline and keeping the ruffle from pulling up. I also think the straps should be slightly wider for the larger sizes as it seems very narrow for the shoulder. I'm so sorry the top didn't work out for you.
Wider straps might have kept it on my shoulders better too. I think elastic would help for sure, but I have to take a break from this project before I can even muster up the mental strength to pull it out of the closet 😅
Just starting the episode but had to say, your hair and lipstick are amazing on you! so pretty!
Thank you so much ☺️
I am cackling over the HOFAS review!!! 😂😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 YOU TELL EM GIRL!!! My least favorite parts of that book were the ACOTAR crossover at the beginning (although i will say i liked the crossover scene at the end) and Bryce being a GIANT RED FLAG with no empathy/compassion toward Hunt. Ugh!!! I was also reading that book during a challlenging time and i put it down at just about the same place you did and waited a few weeks. I ended up picking it back up and somewhat enjoying the rest but i think only because it was a better than the first half (and thats not saying much). Overall, i did like the series as a whole but its my least favorite of sarah's 3, and i applaud you for DNF'ing when something isnt bringing yoy joy. Whether book or test knit or selfish wip. 💕💕💕💕.
Thanks so much Chelsea ❤️ 2024 is all about following the joy, and those things weren't bringing me joy. When I shared my trials with CC3 on insta, one of my internet friends who also works in a library DM-ed me and said when she reads a bad book she follows it up with a book by her favourite author. I had to laugh because I said this book WAS by my favourite author 🤣 I've read some really good books since DNF-ing that book 📚
The cream is beautiful on you. Have you thought about making a long sleeved cream colored soufflé top for your cosplay? It’s similar to the look you wanted and you already know it looks and feels great, and you’ll wear it after Comic-Con as part of your regular wardrobe. Maybe you can finish a soufflé top in time to still have a handmade piece for your costume.
That's a good suggestion, thanks!
Thanks for sharing your woes. I feel your pain with this. I get so frustrated with patterns that have the same width back and front. I have to admit I would be very disappointed if I paid for a pattern and then had to pretty much design the sweater myself, I mean what are you paying for at that point. My faith in “designers” is just going out the window. I may be alone in this but I feel like anyone can label themselves as a designer these days with no qualifications, no research into body shapes or repercussions if their designs are faulty. I feel like ravelry needs better vetting for paid patterns.
Hi Whitney! I, know you’re easing back on test knitting. However, CamijoKnit Design, is looking for plus size test knitters for a design she planning on releasing. The sweater is beautiful and she truly desires for it to be size inclusive. I, immediately thought about you! I, hope I’m not overstepping your boundaries 😊
Thank you for the suggestion. Even if I wasn't coming off from a rough testing experience, I'm really selective of the patterns I test knit. Size Inclusive Collective on Instagram has a list of plus size testers though and she shares testing calls for size-inclusive patterns 🙂
Cute hair!!!
Hello Whitney, you mentioned yarn band (I think you said it’s not mentally helpful for you) what it’s that? Yarn band, at least that’s what I understood you said. Thank you.
Sorry if I didn't speak clearly, I said yarn ban -- setting limits on purchasing yarn for a set time. I know some knitting friends who are banning themselves from buying yarn entirely for a year or only allowing themselves to buy yarn for specific projects. It's used as a tool to help decrease your yarn stash by focusing on knitting with yarns you already have and not allowing yourself to buy more. I personally think that type of mindset is unhealthy (especially for myself), but others find it works for them.
You sound like a dream tester providing feedback as you go. It's a shame that alot of these pattern features were not really considered for larger sizes in the designing phase. I agree that this wasn't your failure, but the designer's! Hopefully the designer can sit down and figure out how to fix the issues that you pointed out!!! They seem to have good intentions but need more feedback on other bodies!
you sound like a designer to me (even if just for personal projects/your own size)! :)
Aww thank you so much Grace 🥰 after I quit the test I heard that the designer stopped the test and is currently reworking the pattern
I think because the top is supposed to be fitted, the designer should have recommended having less stitches in the back for the bigger sizes. Also, there should have been short row bust shaping in the larger sizes.
Oooh that definitely would have helped the fit!
Oh that test knit seems to have been such an unpleasant experience! I hope you don't have another one like that in the future 😬
If I'm really selective of the tests I sign up for maybe, but as a plus size knitter it's bound to happen again 🥲
Point: you're a "test" knitter to find out if a design works or not. Point: you gave excellent feedback on Why it didn't knit up ( fit wise is everything) & you weren't satisfied having to figure out a lot of measurements, well, heck, I agree. Technically, you are a designer or you wouldn't test. You are reasonably disappointed so move on. This top will wait for you forever, true love. I'm designing my very first knit sweater & have realized that the sleeve separation is off by 8 stitches each side. I sensed it at the time but it didn't become clear until I knit up the front. Joy, so I have to frog the back half & re knit. It's a journey!!! Enjoy.
I disagree. Test knitting is not about helping the designer figure out if their design works or not. The designer should already have done the work to create the pattern and properly grade it to fit their chosen size range (30" - 60" bust to be size-inclusive). Testers help tweak the design into the best fitting version it can be, as well as provide feedback on how well the pattern is written (typos, grammatical errors, clarification points, etc.).
I'm not a designer at all, and the majority of test knitters are not designers either. We're enthusiastic knitters who see an opportunity to knit a design before it's released. We exchange our hard work of knitting up the design (plus paying for the materials needed to make it) in exchange for the free pattern. Designers need our help to ensure proper fit of the pattern, but our job is not to determine if the pattern is properly designed and actually works as a design.
Here's a great resource about the responsibilities of test knitters and tech editors and the role they each play in the designing of a pattern: www.snickerdoodleknits.com/post/knitting-tech-editor-vs-test-knitters-why-do-i-need-both-for-my-knitting-patterns
To me it seems the failure in that test knit wasn’t your failure at all. You did exactly what you were supposed to and gave the designer excellent feedback. The designer however clearly released the extended sizes for testing before they were ready. It isn’t enough to extend sizes; the extensions have to be done thoughtfully. I’m angry on your behalf that you spent months on a test knit that wasn’t ready for test knitters.
It's possible that it wasn't ready to be tested yet. Based on some of the feedback I gave on the pattern writing, I wonder if the original sizes were tested because I found some errors that needed to be fixed for pattern clarity too. It was a learning experience and I'm glad I was able to give the designer a lot of feedback. I've heard since I quit the test that the designer has stopped the test for the others participating and is going to do some substantial reworking of the pattern to better fit the extended sizes, which is great news!