TEST CALL (TEST IS FULL): Barberry Sweater

TEST IS NOW FULL.

Deadline: 4th-Feb-24

We're starting a test for #barberrysweater DK weight cardigan/sweater - worked seamlessly from the top down.

Note that this is an intermediate difficulty pattern.

We're looking for 1-2 testers of each size below who can complete this project by the 4th of February, 2024.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished bust circumference - Pullover:

• 91 (102, 112.5, 120, 132.5, 142, 152.5, 162, 171) cm
• 36.25 (40.75, 45, 48, 53, 56.75, 61, 64.75, 68.25)“

Finished bust circumference - Cardigan:

• 96 (107, 117.5, 125, 137.5, 147, 157.5, 167, 176) cm
• 38.25 (42.75, 47, 50, 55, 58.75, 63, 66.75, 70.25)“

Designed to be worn with 15-20 cm / 6 - 8” positive ease around the chest. 

To choose the most appropriate size, measure the wearer's chest and add the preferred ease. Or measure the circumference of an already-owned sweater that fits well. Then find the closest finished chest circumference.

To apply for testing, please fill out this form: https://go.zaneteknits.com/apply-to-test

Other details of the design:

Yarn: DK weight, depending on the option chosen and the length of the garment, allow approximately:

If your application is successful and you are selected as one of our test knitters for this design, you will receive a 20% discount code for the original wool from Wool Decanted.

Main colour (MC): 

• 880 (960, 1050, 1125, 1220, 1290, 1390, 1415, 1480) m
• 960 (1050, 1150, 1230, 1335, 1415, 1520, 1545, 1620) yds

Contrast colour (CC): 

• 245 (260, 275, 295, 305, 340, 395, 430, 430) m
• 265 (285, 300, 325, 335, 375, 435, 470, 470) yds

Yardage is based on the cardigan option and includes a 7-10% allowance for swatching (for both colours).

The yarns used in the sample (cardigan in size 2) is Wool Decanted Vintage 23 DK (100% wool;  123 m [122 yds]/50 g): 8 skeins in Natural Grey as the main colour and 3 skeins in Claret as the contrast colour.

Gauge: 22 sts & 28 rows = 10 cm / 4” in Stockinette stitch and colourwork in the round, blocked. Swatch both, plain stockinette and colourwork as you might need to change needle sizes to maintain the gauge. Block your swatch the same way you plan to block your cardigan and let it fully dry before measuring the gauge. 

Suggested needles: 3.25 mm (US 4) circulars 60 - 100 cm / 24 - 40” long and/or DPNs for small circumference knitting

Notions: Stitch markers, locking stitch markers, row counter, stitch holder, tapestry needle. If making the cardigan, also needed 5-8 buttons of 25 mm / 1” in diameter, a crochet hook, size smaller than needles, and yarn for steeking.

Techniques used: Trapping floats, short rows, backwards loop cast-on, steeking, one-row buttonholes.

Notes: The sweater is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. For the cardigan version, steek stitches are added in the centre of the front. After the body and sleeves are finished, collar stitches are picked up around the neckline and worked in 1x1 rib to double height, folded and then attached to the base. For the cardigan version, the steek is reinforced and then cut. 1x1 rib button bands with one-row buttonholes are added last.