Pattern Testing!!!

OH!! It has been way too long since I posted. I do not have a good excuse at all, just haven't taken the time to write a post.
I wonder if anyone even reads these sometimes.

Well I am here today and ready to share with you a really fun way to try new designers, if you are an experienced crocheter. Pattern testing!!
The first pattern I tested was for the fabulous Irene Strange, who creates the most amazing animal patterns. This guys is George the Koala, you can get a copy of his pattern HERE

Now this is not something to take lightly, but it can be a lot of fun. Most of the designers I have tested for recently have a set list of things they want you to watch for and report back on. Some of these things include

size you plan to make
yarn you'll be using
amount of yarn used (in yds or by weight depending on the designer)
any typos or errors you find in the pattern
any parts of the pattern that just didn't work
completing by their deadline

My next test project was this super cute turtle! This pattern can be found

But don't let the thought of a deadline or specifics scare you, if you are good at following and reading a pattern then you can probably be a tester. I have found several fabulous designers on instagram to test for. To become a tester you need to watch for when designers post asking for pattern testers and then follow their instructions to apply to test for them. If you get chosen you will most likely recieve a message or email from the designer either asking a few questions such as

How long you've been crocheting
Who else if anyone you have tested for before
Where to look at some of your crochet work (ravelry name, instagram, facebook, where ever you show your work)
If you think you can complete the project by the deadline.

Please don't apply to be a tester if you don't think you can get the project done on time. Its important to designers to have their patterns tested before they can release them so always meet deadlines and do your best work, but don't be afraid to mention a mistake in the pattern. Even something as simple as a typo can really make it hard for others to complete the pattern and can damage a designer's reputation. They want you to tell them if a stitch count is off or if something is spelled wrong.

Testing can be a great way to boost your crochet confidence and get your self out there in the great big crochet world.

I will leave you with a few of the other fun patterns I have tested recently and a link to get them for yourself.