How to get started & FAQ
Thanks for your interest in my patterns!
Requirements
Here are my guidelines for participating in pattern test knitting for Windblown Fibers patterns.
You must agree to abide by these guidelines to be eligible for test knitting. I know this is long, but I tried to break it up for easy reading. I hope this will ensure everyone has a clear understanding of my expectations before testing. Please take the time to read this carefully before signing up for test knitting. If you don’t like the testing requirements, please don’t volunteer for the test knit. Volunteering for a test knit implies that you have read the testing requirements and agree to comply with them.
Testing Requirements
Internet Access – You will need reliable internet access for the duration of the test. You will need
to access the Test Knit Forum on my website and have reliable email access, particularly at the
beginning and end of the test. Special cases can be approved if you live locally.
Pattern Instructions – You will need to knit the pattern exactly as it is written unless the pattern
allows you a choice, or I specifically instruct you otherwise. Please do not change pattern
elements, construction methods, gauge, etc., unless I instruct you to do so.
Pattern Gauge – You should match the gauge stated in the pattern, not the gauge
recommended for your yarn or your usual gauge. You may have to use a different needle size
than the one listed in the pattern to match the pattern gauge. If you can’t match both stitch and
row gauge, it is more important to match the stitch gauge unless I tell you otherwise.
Yarn – You provide the yarn for the test. If you can’t use the yarn specified in the pattern, please
use the yarn weight specified in the pattern. Please don’t substitute another yarn weight. If you have a financial issue with using the yarn called for, please inform me. We can discuss good substitutes or I will provide the materials for a few approved cases.
Finished project – The finished project for a test is yours to do with as you please!
Copyright – Please respect the pattern copyright. You may not share the pattern with your
family or friends, post it on the internet, sell or give away copies, or in any way distribute or
share the pattern, in part or in whole, without my specific written permission.
Information Sharing – Details of the pattern will be discussed on the pattern thread. You will be
instructed where the discussion will take place in the Call for Testers.
Additional Requirements – There may also be additional, pattern-specific requirements for each
test, such as specific knitting skills. These will be noted in the Call for Testers.
Photos
o How Many – At least one reasonably clear photo of your completed test is required.
o Where – Depending on the test, photos may be emailed and posted on the pattern thread. Also, all completed and works in progress photos posted on social media will be credited for Fan Points (see below). Specifics will be included in the Testing Call.
o Why – Photos are required because they provide proof that you completed the test and they let me verify my pattern instructions produced the desired results.
o Usage – I will not use your photos in the pattern or for any sort of publicity without your specific written consent. It doesn’t have to be super quality; it just needs to be clear enough to see the pattern detail.
Deadlines
Negotiability – Generally, deadlines are pretty firm. Please consider whether you will be able to
complete the project by the deadline before you volunteer.
Reasonability – If you feel a deadline is for a particular test is unreasonable, please discuss it
with me before you sign up. If you think the deadline needs a reality check, let me know.
When life happens– I realize that stuff happens. If something comes up that will prevent you
from finishing the project by the deadline, please contact me as soon as possible. I am willing
to make special arrangements when necessary, but only if you contact me.
Communication
Lack Of – Lack of communication is the only “unpardonable sin” in my testing pool. I will adjust
deadlines, make allowances for mistakes or frogging, help you with techniques and, generally
bend over backward to work with you as you finish your test. However, if you take the pattern
and drop off the face of the earth, don’t expect to be selected for a future test.
Updates – I require the following updates from each tester:
o Start of Test – You will need to confirm that you received the pattern and let me know what yarn you will be using.
o Progress – I will need an update at least once a week if only to say you are still alive. Updates may be posted on the pattern thread or other discussed platforms for special cases.
o End of the test – When your test is complete, filling out the feedback form and sending a photo, this counts as your final check-in.
Access – I am reachable on social media. Facebook (Windblown Fibers), Instagram (@windblownfibers, as well as by email (windblownfibers@gmail.com) or on the Testing Place on this website.
I will be very active when running a test.
Kicked List – If more than two weeks pass without any form of communication, you will be
added to the Kicked List. For instructions on escaping from the Kicked List, see below.
Feedback
You will be required to fill out a short feedback form after each test. The test will not be
considered complete until the form is filled out.
Please be as specific as possible with feedback. General statements like the “pattern was good”
or “badly written" doesn’t help me improve my pattern-writing skills. But specific statements like
“the row was confusing to read ” or “the stitch count would be helpful” do help me improve.
Negative feedback is acceptable and even encouraged. If you don’t like something about the
pattern, please tell me. I have thick skin and negative feedback will NOT prevent you from
testing for me again, provided it is done politely. However, respectfulness is beneficial. There is a huge difference between being told “this sentence is incorrect” and being told “you can’t write” You are more likely to be chosen for future tests if you can be honest and polite at the same time.
I’m not upset with you if I ask questions about your feedback. Questions mean I want to
make sure I understand your point of view.
I am here!
Support – I’m here to help you make your test knit a success. I am open to all
questions and I will help you in any way I can.
Communication – I try to be completely available to you for questions, to discuss
problems or to listen to suggestions for improvement of the pattern. I am easy to reach
via email and social media. However, I prefer that discussions of specific pattern details
be kept private.
Encouragement – I will be your biggest cheerleader. I am willing to accept testers who
are trying out new techniques and who are stretching themselves.
Pattern – If you complete the test, you will receive a copy of the completed pattern
when it is released. This may not be immediately at the end of the test if the pattern
needs revisions. If you do not complete the test, you will not receive a copy of
the final pattern
Fan Points – Fan points will be rewarded to each member of Windblown Fibers Testing Place for completed tasks. When you reach a level of points (100p, 200p, and so on) you will receive a gift from me!
How To Earn Fan Points – Your Fan Points can be earned in these ways. Finishing a test, posting pictures of the test on social media platforms, no limit to the number of posts that will receive points. (post a link to your media post on your member page on this site or the pattern thread so I can find it and credit you). By fulfilling special test requests and after a friend you have invited to the testing place finishes their first test. And I am sure I will come up with more ways you will be able to earn points in the future!
Kicked List
You don’t want to be on the Kicked List. I don’t want to put you on the Kicked List.
And I wish it weren’t necessary to even have a Kicked List.
Reasons for being put on the Kicked List
o Not communicating in a timely manner during the test.
o Not completing all test requirements.
How to avoid being put on the Kicked List.
o Keep the lines of communication open. As long as you keep me updated, I will
work with you through almost any situation.
o Complete the test.
How to escape from the Kicked List
o If placed on the Kicked List due to lack of communication:
You can only be removed from the list if you can provide a very, very, very good excuse. (“The dog ate my homework” type excuse isn’t going to cut it). Acceptance of your excuse is completely at my discretion.
Forgiveness for lack of communication will only happen once. If you get on the list a second time for lack of communication, there is no reprieve.
o If placed on the Kicked List for failure to complete test:
You can be removed from the list by completing all the testing requirements, as long as you have kept the lines of communication open.
Removal from the Kicked List is entirely up to me. Bullying me or bashing
me publicly will not convince me to change my mind about using you or recommending
you as a tester in the future.
Final Notes
These rules are designed to protect us both. I want to make the testing process fun for
both of us! In the interest of fairness though, I can’t let the same person test every pattern. If I don’t
select you for a particular test, please understand that it isn’t personal. Please be patient.
Your turn will come. Thanks again for test knitting for me.
Hannah Miller
Windblown Fibers
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