Test Knitting Goodness from Issue 8!

Here at Making Stories, we LOVE our test knitters! It's no secret that they are essential to the success of the magazine, and for getting every single pattern as close to perfect as possible by the time you are casting on your new project. They're wildly talented, unbelievably patient, and one of the highlights of creating our magazine! Today, we want to give a big shout-out to them (and our awesome Test Knitting Maestro, Jess!), and share a few of our tester's projects with you. This is just the tip of a very woolly iceberg, so brace yourself, you're about to get inspired!

 Sophie's Amadou

 We love this close up shot of Sophie's Amadou! It's thoughtful details like the pockets that elevate this design from a cosy cabled cardigan into something truly special. And can we take a moment to admire Sophie's crisp stitches and beautiful bobbles?!

See more of Sophie's Amadou on her Ravelry page!

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Jean's Walden Socks

While we love the original colourway of Mominoki's Finnwool we used for the Walden sample (Curry), Jean's version in Dusty Rose has us just as smitten. It shows off the stunning texture on the leg perfectly, and it has so much depth. But then, you really can't go wrong with any of the Finnwool colours, which you can check out in our webshop here!

Remember, we have Walden kits in the webshop now, but they will only be available until September 30, or until stocks last.

See more of Jan's Walden socks on her Ravelry page!

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Gisèle's Hana

 We love how our testers make our patterns their own. When you knit one of our designs, especially with sweaters, we want you to end up with something you will love and knit for years to come. For her Hana, Gisèle has chosen to finish her neckline with a classic crew neck, instead of the long rib cowl collar shown on the sample. Which would you choose?

See more of Gisèle's Hana on her Ravelry page!

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Barbara's Coill Mittens

 We can't get over this stunning photo of Barbara's Coill mittens! It perfectly shows the way Eimear, our wonderful designer, used traveling cables on the hand to perfectly balance the one's twisting up the thumb. And check out that green! This is the Farraige colour way, and it has so much depth.

See more of Barbara's Chill mittens on her Ravelry page!

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Yoko's Acorn Mittens

You can never have too many pairs of fingerless mittens for Autumn, and Acorn has that perfect combination of simple, meditative stitches with super thoughtful details to keep you engaged. Yoko's powder blue version look so soft and warm, it's making us want a pair in every colour!

If you are interested in purchasing a kit for Acorn, check them out now in the webshop!

See more of Yoko's Acorn mittens on her Ravelry page!

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Lesley's Fire Shadow

 Here's another example of testers making a project their own! The Pom Pom for Fire Shadow is totally optional, and while we love the two-tone one Mara created for the sample, this faux-fur one Lesley has chosen is so fun!

Fire Shadow uses Garthenor Organic Beacons, which you can purchase here in a selection of stunning colourways!

See more of Lesley's Fire Shadow on her Ravelry page!

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Yukie's Cingles

 And finally, Yukie's Cingle vest is what colourwork dreams are made of, adjust look how well those shades coordinate with her furry friend!

See more of this project on Yukie's Ravelry page!

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 Have these tester projects got your creative juices flowing?! If you are still struggling to choose a project from Issue 8, remember you can see all the patterns in detail by watching our Pattern Preview video! Check it out below...