Cobblestone Pillow Sham Pattern

Last week I launched another pattern design on Ravelry - Concentric Circles.   I have to say a huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful testers on Ravlery who donated their time, materials and knowledge to test knit this pattern.  It would not have been possible without you!

This was my first experience using this testing forum and I highly recommend to any new designer to try them out.  This forum is made up of knitters and crocheters who love what they do.  There are beginners as well as experienced knitters which is quite helpful because you can really see where the problems lie, if any.

Although there were no errors in my pattern the testers were able to provide valuable feedback on how the pattern is worded.  I was able to see where it needed to be tweeked so it was easily read by every level of knitter.

There are strict guidlines for those testers to follow.  It is really built on the honor system and I have to say, for me, it worked.  (We all know that most crafters are honest good people.)   The testers incentive is to recieve a pattern for free in exchanged they offer their services for free.  You, the designer, set the parameters.  Such as:

• How many testers
• Who will be testing
• Levels of experience
• What sizes will be knit
• Deadline for completion
• Are pictures required
• Where feedback sould be written - in the thread or via email

It's safe to say that I will be using this wonderful group of knitters from here on out.  My new pattern can be found here

Got Yarn

I am so excited.  So, I was online as usual and had this great idea.  Recycled yarn!  Okay so it’s not that new.  I got to thinking and decided to go to my local thrift store to see what I could find.  Well there wasn’t much of a selection but I did find a few sweaters in great condition in colors that I liked.  I bought them for $2 each.  Ran home. Washed them. Ripped them apart.  This was quite a tedious process but it’s getting easier.  Wound them on my yarn baller.  End result: A ton of great cotton for $2!!!  Now I had “the Bug” it happens to me every time I start a new project.  Out I went the next day to another store.  Found more great yarn, Angora, wool, more cotton.  Ran home & continued the process.  I have learned that there are some sweaters that are easier to disassemble but all yielded lots of great yarn.  Now I have to figure out what I am going to make with my new found yarn.  Oh the possibilities are endless.