Testing Patterns

I absolutely Love testing patterns. And it's not for the reason most would assume.

When I test a pattern my main job is to help ensure the accuracy of the pattern for the writer. I am currently testing two patterns and am so excited about them. I always find that I learn new techniques when I'm testing. And if I'm not learning new things I am finally getting the handle on a stitch or technique I just couldn't get a handle on.

For instance, the foundation chain. Now I have seen it, saved an image of the instructions typed on it. But-for some reason, beyond me, I just couldn't get the hang of it. Until these two patterns. And finally, Finally, I got it. And now I think, why couldn't I get it before?! So easy when you have just the right instructions I front you.

With most patterns there is a key that lists the stitches used through out. But these patterns-the writers went above and beyond with full instructions on how to execute Special Stitches. Normally, if there is a stitch I don't know I type it into Google, click the video tab and watch a few tutorials. But the Special Stitches key is like icing on the cake.

Testing patterns doesn't just help the writer to ensure the pattern is clearly written, rated at the correct experience level and grammatical errors are corrected. It also helps the me grow as an artisan. As I already mentioned, it helps me get a grasp on stitches I haven't been able to in the past as well as building my stitch capabilities. Testing patterns also helps me build a better structure for writing my own patterns.

Every writer has their own methods and set up, but as a writer of few patterns it is helpful to examine other patterns to get an idea of what works best for you. Now, you could say that you can get from working patterns up and you'd be right. But I encourage, that if you ever get the chance, to jump right in. It's a lot of fun.

xoxoLexy

Ankle Cuffs

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Are you ready for a new pattern? Because I am ready to release it. 

The idea for my  newest pattern was born when I was making the Ridged Cable Leg Warmers. The best part of these ankle cuffs is they can be worn with the Ridged Cable Leg Warmers or by themselves.

I am so excited I have gotten all of my notes back from my testers for the new ankle cuffs so quickly again. They are the Best!!! All edits have been made.
This is a Lexy's HandMade Creations Original. Please feel free to share this pattern with your friends by sharing the link, or directing them to my blog. Also, if you post any images using this pattern I ask that you be kind enough to give me a mention as the designer. :)

Have Fun.

xoxoLexy

Materials Needed

I Hook

RedHeart SuperSaver 7oz skein

Yarn needle

2 Buttons per cuff

Clasps

Sewing Thread

Embroidery Needle

Stitches Used

Chain (ch)

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Double Crochet (dc)

*To get the ridge effect you will have to know how to work in the front loops (FLO) of certain stitches.

*I do not ch at the end of my rows.

Finished Measurements

Fold in half, side to side, top is roughly 4"

Top center to bottom center height is roughly 4"

Let's get started!

Ch 31

Hdc in second ch from the hook and in each ch across, (30) turn

Row 2: Hdc in FLO of each st across, (30) turn

Row 3: Hdc in first 14 sts, 2hdc in next 2 sts, Hdc in last 14 sts, (32) turn

Row 4: Hdc in FLO of first 15 sts, 2hdc in FLO of next 2 sts, hdc in FLO of last 15 sts, (34) turn

Row 5: Hdc in first 7 sts, *skip next st, 3dc in next st, skip next st, hdc in next st,* repeat once,  skip next st, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next st, *skip next st, Hdc in next st, skip next st, 3dc in next st,* repeat once, skip next st, hdc sc last two sts together, (36) turn

Row 6: Hdc in FLO of first 7, *skip  next st, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next dc, skip next st, hdc in FLO of hdc,* repeat once, skip next st, 3dc in next dc, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in ch space, skip next st, 3dc in next dc, *hdc in FLO of next hdc, skip next st, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next dc,* repeat once, hdc in FLO of last 7 sts, (46) turn

Row 7: Hdc in first 7 sts, *(3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in next ch 1 space, hdc in next hdc st,* repeat once, [skip next st, 3dc in next dc,skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next dc], (3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in next ch space, repeat from [ to ] once, {hdc in next hdc st, (3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in next ch 1 space}, repeat from { to } once, hdc in last 7 sts, (60), fasten off and sew in end.

Sew your buttons onto the back side so they can be used with your leggings.

Sew a clasp or two on the front side so they can be used alone.

Ridged Cable Leg Warmers

Hi Guys!!!!! It's been a while, but I have a new pattern for you. :)

This is a Lexy's HandMade Creations Original. Please feel free to share this pattern with your friends by sharing the link, or directing them to my blog. Also, if you post any images using this pattern I ask that you be kind enough to give me a mention as the designer. :)
I hope you have fun with this one.

xoxoLexy

P.S. A huge Thank You to my testers who went above and beyond with this test. The worked it up faster than expected and returned it to me with fabulous edits and suggestions.
I will update this post with images just as soon as I get to a computer.

Materials Needed
I Hook
RedHeart SuperSaver 7oz skein
Yarn needle

Stitches Used
Chain (ch)
Half Double Crochet(hdc)
Back Post Hdc(BPhdc)
Front Post Hdc(FPhdc)
Cable Stitch

*To get the ridge effect you will have to know how to work in the front loops (FLO) of certain stitches.
*I do not ch at the end of my rows.

Final measurements:
Height 11 1/4"
Ankle  4"
Thigh  5 1/2"

Ok...lets get started!

Row 1: Ch 31 turn
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across (30) turn

Row 2: Hdc in FLO first 12 sts, BPhdchdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 12 sts (30) turn

Row 3: Hdc in first 12 sts, FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 12 sts (30) turn

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5: Hdc in first 12 sts, skip next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts, FPhdc in skipped sts, [cable stitch made], hdc in last 12 sts (30) turn

Rows 6-9: Repeat Rows 2&3 twice

Row 10: Repeat Row 2

Row 11: 2Hdc in first st, hdc in next 11 sts, cable stitch over the next 6 sts [see row 5], hdc in next 11 sts, 2hdc in last st (32) turn

Row 12: Hdc in FLO of first 13 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 13 sts (32) turn

Row 13: Hdc in first 13 sts, FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 13 sts (32) turn

Rows 14-15: Repeat Rows 12&13

Row 16: Repeat Row 12

Row 17: 2Hdc in first st, hdc in next 12 sts, cable stitch over the next 6 sts [see row 5], hdc in next 12 sts, 2hdc in last st (34) turn

Row 18: Hdc in FLO of first 14 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 14 sts (34) turn

Row 19: Hdc in first 14 sts, FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 14 sts (34) turn

Row 20: 2Hdc in FLO of first st, hdc in FLO of next 13 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of next 13 st, 2hdc in FLO of last st (36) turn

Row 21: Hdc in first st of first 15 sts,  FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 15 sts (36) turn

Row 22: Hdc in FLO of first 15 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 15 sts (36) turn

Row 23: Hdc in first 15 sts, cable stitch over next 6 sts [see row 5], hdc in last 15 sts (36) turn

Rows 24-27: Repeat Rows 22 & 21 twice

Row 28: Repeat Row 22

Rows 29-34: Repeat Rows 23-28. Fasten off; leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew long sides together evenly from top to bottom. Fasten off.
One leg warmer made.