Buffalo Rose Cardigan Test Knit Basics
Drop-shoulder cardigan with gender-neutral fit, featuring the Buffalo Rose motif around the body and options for a flat or shawl collar. Choose where to place your colorwork motif and how many roses you want, using either stranded colorwork or intarsia in the round.
Knit seamlessly top-down. Work the chest and upper back panels flat, then join in the round for the body and colorwork. The cardigan is then steeked up the front and stitches are picked up for the collar and button bands.
TEST DATES:
November 11, 2022 - January 22, 2023
This test knit will be hosted on Slack.
Applications will be considered based on your responses, previous test knitting outcomes, portfolio (a regularly maintained Ravelry and/or Instagram profile is required), and level of experience for this given project.
This is an early bird testing call, meant to allow test knitters to plan ahead to be ready to cast on a sweater project in 4 weeks’ time. You’ll notice that many of the detailed specs are not yet published; they will be made available to the accepted testing group closer to the testing start date. Please treat this with the same level of commitment as a traditional testing call, as I am doing the same!
Yarn support will be available from Ritual Dyes for use of their Elder base in this test. Once yardage estimates are available, the discount code will be sent to the testing group!
Acceptances will be sent out by Friday, October 21, 2022. The test is slated to begin on Friday, November 11, 2022, when a formatted, fully tech-edited pattern will be sent to testers who have completed a gauge swatch.
Buffalo Rose Pullover Test Knitter Requirements
Previous experience in knitting garments
Previous experience in test knitting for designers or publications
Previous experience in stranded colorwork knitting
Knowledge of standard swatching for gauge purposes, including colorwork in the round
Knowledge of wet or steam blocking garments to measurements
Ability to learn new techniques and problem-solve independently
Attention to detail when reading patterns, especially with multiple sizes
Ability and willingness to photograph FO in clear, natural lighting for social media sharing purposes
Basics
SIZING
1, 2, 3, (4, 5, 6), ((7, 8, 9))
It is recommended that you choose the size that corresponds with your upper torso body measurement, which is the circumference of your body just under the armpits. If your body measurement falls between sizes, choose the size closest to your measurement (e.g. if your upper torso measures 45”/112.5cm, you will choose size 5).
For more explanation and a visual reference of where to measure, see Jen Parroccini’s very helpful article here: https://www.jpknitsthings.com/post/upper-chest-what-why-and-how.
Upper torso body measurement:
31.75, 34.75, 36.5, (41.5, 44.75, 48), ((52.75, 54.5, 57.25))"/ 79.5, 87, 91.5, (104, 112, 120), ((132, 136.5, 143))cm
Finished garment chest measurement (circumference)*:
35, 39.5, 44.5, (49.25, 54, 58), ((63.5, 68.5, 73.25))”/ 87.5, 99, 111.5, (123, 135, 145), ((159, 171.5, 183))cm
Recommended fit is 6-10”/ 15-25cm of positive ease at bust.
*NOTE: These measurements do not include the button band, which is 2”/ 5cm and meant to overlap when the garment is closed.
MATERIALS
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn
Sample uses Ritual Dyes Elder, 100% Rambouillet wool, 190 yards per 100g
Other recommended yarns include:
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted
Yardage estimates will be made available to the testing group in the coming weeks!
Needle size:
US 8/ 5.00mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
US 7/ 4.5mm (or one size smaller than main)
Gauge:
20 sts x 21 rows = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm) in stranded colorwork in the round, after washing and blocking
20 sts x 24 rows = 4” x 4” (10m x 10m) in stockinette, worked flat, after washing and blocking
SKILLS
Required: Stranded colorwork, catching long floats, German short rows, provisional cast-on, steeking
Optional: Ladderback jacquard method for catching floats, intarsia in the round
