I was so happy when I got the notification that I was chosen as a tester for one of Nicole’s sock designs! Even though I’ve helped to test crochet for a few different designers, I haven’t felt like an experienced enough of a knitter to test anything for anyone. This really helped give me confidence in my developing abilities as a knitter.

• 3/10 mini skein of Autumn and Indigo Classic Sock – a fingering (1) weight yarn (colour A: Medium Mauve)
• 7/10 skein of Autumn and Indigo Classic Sock – a fingering (1) weight yarn (colour B: Goodbye Chlorophyll)
• 1/2 skein of Urth Harvest Fingering – a fingering (1) weight yarn (colour C: Thyme)
• Size 1 (2.25mm) knitting needles (I used ChiaoGoo 60cm circulars)
• Size 2 (2.75mm) knitting needles (I used ChiaoGoo 23cm circulars)

Pattern (Size S) by Nicole at Woolfield Designs

I was helping to test the toe-up version of the pattern for Nicole! Most of the time, I prefer cuff-down socks because I like working heels that way, but this pattern was really clear to follow. I think it’s awesome that Nicole offers both toe-up and cuff-down options in her patterns. The colour change of the “seeds” also keeps the pattern fun and engaging. In hindsight, I wish I had used a more contrasting colour for the “seeds”, because they are a little hard to see in my version.

This pattern reminded me that tension is really important, especially when the yarn is carried throughout rows. I think I tend to pull the yarn a little too tight between stitches, so sometimes my strawberry “seed” stitches were a little more sunken than the other stitches.

This was a great chance to use some mini skeins though! I always have trouble letting go of mini skeins because I love them so much, but when a pattern like this comes along, I know that they’ll be put to good use. Do you have yarn that you keep holding on to, waiting for that perfect pattern?

Until next time, happy crafting!