Introduction
Colors of Lumin is a very special collection of patterns developed as a companion to and in celebration of the launch of my second novel, OCULARUM. My fictional world, Lumin, continues to inspire creativity in me every day.
Chiti’s Solace is a large shawl knit in a luxurious wool, silk, cashmere blend. Because it’s knit entirely in the round, there is very little purling, and large swaths are just knit stitches. The oval shape is easier to wear than a pi shawl, and the eyelet increases on the bottom create a lovely flare at the back. You don’t have to compromise between a big shawl and a flattering shaping! This shawl works great with gradients. Pair back-to-back gradients for extra color change or pick one stunning color to work the entire piece. I have also prepared an overview video which you can check out on YouTube here. It goes through the construction, shaping, and other information about the shawl in detail.
As I prepare this collection for release, I’m looking for between 5 and 15 people willing to test this very large shawl pattern for me. Please read this entire page before applying to test knit below just to make sure you have the time, materials, and desire to test knit this pattern.
Perks of Testing for Crypto Knits
Advanced access to a new pattern that will be released as part of a special collection.
Free copy of this final pattern once it’s released to the public.
For test knitters assisting me with this pattern, I am gifting each test knitter a one-year membership in the Crypto Knits Knitting Circle ($60 value on an annual basis), which comes with (1) special coupons for pattern discounts and free patterns at least monthly which will only be available to knitting circle members, (2) priority consideration for future test knit calls, (3) special channels on the Crypto Knits discord server for support, behind the scenes chat, and other special content, (4) early access to views of upcoming designs, and more.
Terms for Participating
You will need the following materials to participate, which I won’t be supplying for this test knit: (1) 1300 yards of heavy fingering weight yarn, (2) two sets of US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles, one of which should have a long cord, (3) 12 stitch markers, and (4) a tapestry needle and blocking materials for finishing. Note that the sample was knit using two skeins of The Blue Brick Stratford Silk Base, one Husky skein and one Mammoth skein, in the gradient color way Bloom. You do not need to use this yarn. Any yarn of comparable weight, whether gradient or solid will work great for the test knit. If possible, choosing a yarn with some silk will assist with the drape of the final project, but I am not going to require knitters to use MCS blends. I am looking for a variety of fibers.
You should be comfortable knitting lace patterns, and I will be looking for those that like to knit from charts as well as those who prefer written instructions to be able to get both adequately tested. Other techniques used are Judy’s magic cast on, twisted ribbing, 1/1 cabling, and knitting in the round. You do not have to be familiar with all of these techniques, but you need to be willing to learn them. Video tutorials where appropriate will be linked in the chart.
You must be willing to track the gauge, yardage used, and provide feedback on errors, clarity, and usability of the pattern. I will circulate a survey link everyone to collect feedback.
You should be able to provide pattern feedback by October 31, 2021. The pattern doesn’t need to be completely finished and blocked by this date, but you should have worked at least one full repeat of the lace panel, with a final yardage, dimensions, and gauge after the project is completed and blocked.
You do not have to be a Ravelry user to participate, but if you are, I ask that you create a project on Ravelry and link it to the pattern with the test code that I will provide everyone.
You do not have to be a Discord user, but if you are willing to engage on the Discord server, that would be helpful in tracking posts, files, images, and announcements. It also has voice channels, so if I need to provide audio or video support for an explanation, that is a possibility with Discord. I prefer it to the Ravelry forums. If you prefer not to work with Discord, you can email me directly with feedback and questions, although you will miss out on the other chat that might come from using Discord.
Pattern Details
DIMENSIONS
94 inches tip to tip, 35 inches wide at the widest.
YARN
1300 yards of fingering weight yarn in a wool, silk, cashmere blend, or other blend with extra drape.
Sample was knit with The Blue Brick Stratford Silk Gradient in Bloom color way. The sample used one 800 yard skein and one 500 yard skein of the same color way. Any heavy fingering with good drape should work.
NEEDLES
US Size 6, 4.00mm needles. Two sets, one with a 60 inch cord.
NOTIONS
12 stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Blocking materials
GAUGE
16 stitches by 36 stitches per four inches (10cm)
TECHNIQUES
Judy’s Magic Cast On Lace Knitting Twisted Rib
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