Day of the Dead Motifs

We are currently testing charts for a Day of the Dead theme. We are specifically looking for someone who will be able to complete one of each of the squares as and when available. It is possible to take the motifs, and to knit them into other projects, but they must be of the same materials and gauge unless otherwise negotiated. The test would be on a volunteer basis, so you would not be paid but would have access to charts ahead of the patterns (which will be on sale) and so it is a good opportunity for someone specifically looking for motifs to add to their projects for free.

These are the squares so far. They are not available for commercial use, and should not be used anywhere online without written permission from the copyright owner (c) Erssie Major 2012

See below for current tests

Details of what is required for sample knitters

You must have a proven track record and be based in the UK. If you have not worked for us before you can still apply to help out but we will need to set a gauge swatch test. This will ensure that you are able to knit to gauge and will also give us an idea of the kind of knitter you are so we can adapt the patterns to suit.

What is involved in sample knitting?

1. You apply with your references and ask to do a swatch test.

2. We send materials and instructions out for your gauge swatch with a deadline.

3. You return the gauge swatch to us within the deadline given and we will let you know if your knitting is suitable for the projects we have.

4. After approving your swatch, we will offer you  project(s) and you can choose which you would prefer to work on or pass if none are suitable. We will give you a deadline and you will commit to the deadline in writing as well as sign a confidentiality document. We will send out a rough working pattern along with materials for projects and give you a deadline and let you know if there is a token fee for such a project.

5. You will knit a sample to the exact measurements given and as instructed in the rough pattern. At the same time, you will check the whole pattern (including sizes which are not your sample size) and will let us know of any errors or anomalies within the pattern.

6. You post your sample and amended rough working pattern back to us before the deadline given. At the same time you will send an invoice for any fees agreed and include any receipts for extra costs.

7. We will clear your invoice and/or costs within 30 days of receipt. If you are doing a project which has a fee, we cannot give any fee or costs if the project is unsuitable for photography. This means if your project is the wrong size, messy knitting and requires reknitting to correct size or standard.

8. Once the book is published that your project is included in, we will give a full reference in the back for your contribution and include any URL you wish to have traffic directed to. We can also provide a written reference, or answer any calls for reference from other designers wishing to hire you if they need proof of past experience.

Lastly, if all of the above sounds really official and formal, let me assure you that as long as knitters respect deadlines and complete work satisfactorily, including keeping in contact if there are problems, then I am fairly relaxed and very grateful for those who volunteer to help. Many folk who have knitted for me go on to become designers, or get other jobs for publishers. I started out myself as such a volunteer and gained valuable experience through making projects for designers in order to give me confidence to submit my own designs. Rules are only in place because of a few past experiences of having sent out materials for projects and never hearing from knitters again, or knitters ruining materials and returning substandard knits which I cannot use leading to having to replace materials at great expense and also having to hire a professional knitter at short notice (which is hugely expensive).