knitting pattern

Thank You!

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Thanks so much to those of you who took me up on Fridays fundraiser for the Red Cross donation and helped spread the word!  With your support I sold $197 in patterns on Friday! I will be rounding that up to $200, and with my family’s matched donation will be donating $400 through Jet Blue who is also matching donations.  My wonderful Grandma also liked the idea and donated $200 through her church for Hurricane Sandy relief.  That is a total of $1000 to the Red Cross, wow!!

Wanted to give a shout out to all of those who participated: Sally, Amy, Paulette, Suzanne, Joy, Sheena, Deborah, Laurie, Olivia, Lindsay, Elida, Melissa, Beate, Jenn, Patricia, Cathy, Sandra, Kelly, Lisa, Michelle, Breeanna, Dawn, Helen, Barbara, Lea, Nancy, Cindy, and Wendy, you guys rock!!

Girly Knits Photo Contest Winners!

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Woohoo!  The winners of the Girly Knits September photo contest have been chosen!  25 photos were entered by awesome knitters from around the world, and 5 Girly Knits fans helped judged!  Thanks to all of the talented knitters who entered, and the knitters who volunteered their time to judge the photos!  You are awesome and totally inspire me 🙂 🙂

It was honestly really tough to choose the top 3, more than half of the photos were chosen as the judges top 5 favorites!  The photos were all so great and a lot of fun, but I had to choose winners for the prizes, so here they are!

I was also fortunate to be able to get in touch with the top entrants for back stories behind their photos, I hope you enjoy them!  They all illustrate what knitting is about for a lot of us – sharing, love, and family.  Awwww 🙂

First Place

“3 Little Owls”

Janet from Fairbanks, Alaska is the proud Grandmother of the 3 adorable children in this photo that she knitted owl hats for.  She started with knitting the pink owl hat for Emma for her birthday, then went on to make them for her brothers.

“I like making my Grandkids stuff.  My Daughter-in-law saw some owl hats at the fair this summer.  She said you could make one of those, so I started looking for an owl hat pattern.  I came across yours and showed it to her and she liked it too.  The colors were her idea.  As you can tell the Baby wasn’t very happy, and that’s my Sons arm you see putting the binky in his mouth.  I have 4 Grandkids and I’m always knitting for them.  I usually knit for my youngest Granddaughter, but trying to knit for the other 3 now.  I’m a Widow so have a lot of knitting time, and it’s how I unwind after work.”

Janet won all of the materials to make the Lion Brand Norwegian Wristers, an online learning class from Craftsy, a $25 gift certificate to her favorite yarn store (Inua Wool Shoppe), and a $25 gift certificate to spend on Girly Knits patterns!  Congratulations Janet!

Second Place

“Wise Old Granny Owl”

This photo was submitted by Sarah from Birmingham, England (left), who made this owl hat for her Grandmother to wear to her Garden Party themed baby shower.

“The photo is of my brother, my gran and myself.  My friend organised the baby shower and demanded it be fancy dress, I said I wanted to be a bumble bee to utilise my pregnant belly and the garden theme was chosen.  My gran has had several strokes over the last four years and moved in with the family so we could look after her.  Last year she had a really big one and is now unfortunately in a nursing home.  She cannot talk but she understands everything people say to her, and still gives us attitude through the faces she pulls.  She loves being involved and your hat pattern was the perfect intermediate for her to have a costume (wise old owl) that she could keep and use again. She thought it was funny when I showed her a mirror.  It gives people who see her (nurses etc) a fun topic to talk about when she wears it again in the winter, rather than just commenting on the weather :)”

Sarah won an online learning from Craftsy, an issue of her favorite knitting magazine (tbd), and a $15 gift certificate to spend on Girly Knits patterns!  Nice work Sarah and congratulations on the new baby!  Baby Ralph was born just last week!

Third Place

There was a tie for 3rd place!  Both Kelly and Anya were winners of the Third place slot!

“Love Birds”

This clever photo was submitted by Kelly, who currently resides in Minneapolis.  She had her 15 year old son help her take the photos.

“My son, Nick, who loves photography took the photo and I promised the share the prize with him if we won.  He was really excited…..of course, I waited until after he took the photos to tell him the prizes were knitting stuff!!! LOL, sometimes with a teenager a little trickery is needed to get them to do something nice for Mom!  Nevertheless, it was fun to combine our two hobbies and I think the prestige of winning a contest will be reward enough.  Besides, maybe I’ll knit him a pair of mittens next….maybe.

Taking photos was a really fun way to spend some time with Nick! *whisper* I also didn’t tell Nick that the contest was with Girly Knits, so I don’t think he’ll be telling his friends about it!  Hehehe.”

“Warming up for Knitting is a Workout!”

Anya from Denver, CO shared a very fun and creative photo of all of the prep work that goes into knitting a new pattern!

“My inspiration came while I was prepping my yarn to do a gauge swatch before I even started your pattern. I set up my winder and swift and my husband saw it and thought it was cool/weird/old-fashioned, and he seemed impressed, so I thought I would take a prep picture, since not everyone uses or has seen this equipment before (I was guessing).

I took the picture with my camera on the tripod with the timer. My husband was sitting right next to me on the couch like a foot away…I had to angle the tripod so he wouldn’t show… he was watching Sunday football and would NOT move for me to take a pic (we alway swatch football on Sundays. I mean he watches, and I knit). At first I tried taking the picture and smiling but that was too boring (and I was embarrassed to do something dorky in front of him, because he would know it was posed). Then I tried this sweaty-breathing-hard-pose and he totally laughed at me right when I took it and asked “are you trying to look like you’re working hard?” [That is why my eyes are turned to the side- I was looking at the camera before he made fun of me!] But then he said the picture was good and I was going to win the contest!  Guess he was right :)”

Kelly and Anya both won a $15 gift certificate to spend on Girly Knits patterns!  Great photos!

Honorary Mentions

Since there were so many great entries that deserve to be awarded, here are some extra special entries that deserve to be winners too 🙂  All will get a free Girly Knits pattern of their choice!

“Most Facebook Fan Votes”

Caitlin’s photo had a whopping 27 likes and 19 comments!  Go Caitlin!

“Best Fall Themed Photo” 

Love this picture of the mittens and the scarecrow!  So creative!  Great job Kelly!

“Knittin’ Pretty Award”

Ursula from Germany submitted such a beautiful photo of herself knitting!  It’s truly stunning and felt is deserved to awarded for its quality.

“Best ‘Friends Forever’ Photo”

“My friend Kaylee moved to Camrose AB for the summer and I had crocheted her a blanket, and wanted something to use to keep it rolled up in gift form, but was still functional afterwards and I saw mine that I’d made last year and thought that it was perfect. Turned out the blanket was bigger than the headband would stretch, but I ended up taking them over and she loved them. Her roommate Deanna wants one as well!  She moved back to Woodstock last weekend, and so there’s a bow in Alberta, and a bow in Ontario! I’m going to make Deanna one next and send it out to her for Christmas :)”

Fun photo Coreen!  Another fan favorite!

“Knittin’ Kitten Cover Girl”

Special thanks to Jessica for being the very first knitter to enter the contest, and for letting me use her fantastic smile to spread word about the contest!  In case you haven’t seen her awesome knitting skills, I did a whole post on her talent here 🙂

And lastly, as promised, the three entrants who will win a copy of “Smitten Mittens” or a Girly Knits pattern of their choice are Claudia, Barbara, and Debby!  Congratulations everyone and thanks again for participating!  It was a lot of fun and I look forward to doing more contests in the future!

♥Lauren

New Girly Knits Pattern “Ruffle Me Up” Lace Caridgan

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“Ruffle yourself up in girly cuteness in this colorful lacey ruffley cardigan! Made with Lion Brand’s stunning “Amazing” color changing yarn, the cardigans beautiful textured lace panel ruffle is made even more interesting with variations of color in the yarn. The ruffle gathers at your natural waist to flatter your figure, and is long enough to just cover your bum. This cardigan can be worn open for easy style, buttoned, pinned, or even with a knitted belt. This design is a great way to spice up an outfit, and would be just as cute in a solid color for everyday wear. I hope you enjoy this pattern and when finished prance around and spin in it in girly delight!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

 

 

 

  

  

 

New Girly Knits Pattern “Blossoming Beauty” Daisy Lace Tank and Dress

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“Just as flowers bloom in the Spring and Summer, so can your knitting! No need to put your yarn and needles away with this design, made with 100% cotton in an airy daisy lace pattern, it makes the perfect layering garment for the warmer months! It can be worn over a tank with a cardigan and jeans, or as a cover up for your bathing suit at the beach! With 4 different length options from a cropped tank to a dress and everything in between, plus a choice of regular or racer back, you are sure to make this sweet summery design work for you! Enjoy the sweet breeze as you blossom into the beauty you are, enjoy!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

  

This design was inspired by Girly Knits facebook fans! I did a poll on what girls wanted me to design with the Patons Grace neon orange yarn, which turned out to be a tank top, then gave them options of tank tops and they liked a racer back lace striped tank best. Check out the poll here!

  

New Girly Knits Pattern “Putting on the Glitz” Lace Hem Evening Dress

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“Put on the glitz and head down to the Ritz in this sparkly glamorous dress! With it’s curve hugging silhouette, scooped out neckline, and strategically placed zig-zag lace pattern you are sure to stop traffic! Made with Vanna’s Glamour, this dress knits up into a super sparkly fabric that will keep you shining as the radiant goddess you are all night long. The braided straps and lace hem are additional fashionable details that are sure to turn heads. I hope you show your friends how very sexy knitting is and get compliments for you awesome knitting skills at your next formal event rocking this dress! Enjoy!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

 

 

 

  

New Girly Knits Pattern “Pretty Little Knickers” Lace Lingerie Set

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“Indulge in the luxury of making and wearing your very own fine hand knit lingerie with this elegant and classy 3 piece set. Each piece is trimmed with a sophisticated lace pattern and sweet picot edge, with the addition of a luxurious velvet ribbon bow for function and flair. Made with Karabella’s Vintage Cotton with a mercerized finish, this set is durable despite it’s delicate and dainty appeal. The camisole needn’t only be reserved for the bedroom, as it will work beautifully into your wardrobe! I made this set while watching Seasons 1 & 2 of “Pretty Little Liars”, which infused the design with drama, scandal, and gorgeousness! Enjoy!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

 

 

 

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Beautiful Crochet Earrings!

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This weekend I made these super cute crochet earrings!  I’m in love!

Until now I haven’t dabbled much in crochet because I typically prefer the look of knitting, but I decided I should finally learn so that I can use crochet to enhance my knitted designs.  I picked up the “Crafty Crochet Embellishments” course on Craftsy because their courses are awesome and this one in particular teaches you to crochet the cutest little goodies like flowers, decorative edgings, and of course these earrings!

The instructor Linda walks you though every step with lots of helpful hints along the way.  As a newbie to crochet, I was amazed I could make these in less than an hour, they are deceptively simple and super quick.  Having someone to follow (who you can also keep rewinding 😉 ) is enormously helpful too!

What do you think of knitted and crocheted jewelry?  Have you made any?  I could definitely see it being a trend!

Fuzzy Little Lamb Free Knitting Pattern

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I wanted to share this cute little lamb pattern I found by Barbara Prime – I made him for my friend’s baby boy and he turned out so cute!  This lamb pattern is available for free on Ravelry, where you can find her other adorable stuffed animal patterns as well.  If you are new to knitting stuffed animals, this pattern is a great start!  Enjoy!

 

Bow Heads!

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Interview with Jess, Awesome Knitter of the Month!

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I had so much fun with last month’s interview with Carrie, that going forward I am planning on doing an interview with an awesome knitter every month!  This month’s interviewee is Jess, an incredibly talented and fashionable knitter, who I discovered when she purchased my “Meow” eyemask pattern!  You can tell that she has a lot of fun with her knitting which I love; all of her projects are super playful with a sense of humor inserted into them!  I hope you enjoy learning more about Jess and her love for knitting, and are inspired by her projects!

All of the images of Jess’s hand knit items below link to her project page on Ravelry, where you can find the pattern she used and knit it up too!  Enjoy!

Jess lives in a studio apartment in Brooklyn with her cat and tons of yarn. When she isn’t knitting, she is practicing at and managing a yoga studio in Manhattan. She hopes to someday combine the two and be able to yoga and knit at the same time. You can follow her knitting adventures at http://kittenstrength.blogspot.com/

When did you learn to knit and who taught you?

I learned to knit from my best friend’s mom when I was 18.  I think she knit our whole lives, but really started getting into it when we were in high school.  I remember she loved to knit just for decoration, she had this huge wicker basket by the front door that she filled with mohair mittens, it was the cutest thing.

I really wanted to learn, even though I thought it looked so hard and my best friend refused to join me because she’s allergic to wool.

At first it was really hard to catch on, every time I made the smallest mistake I would have to wait until the next time I saw my friend’s mom to fix it for me.  That’s so funny to look back on now because I mess up constantly and can pretty much get myself out of any knitting jam 🙂

After I learned, I put it down for a little while until I went to college.  I picked it back up in college because it was a really relaxing/familiar thing to do…also, one of my roommates was Pam Allen’s daughter (the former editor in chief of Interweave) so it was also something I could bond over with my roommates. 🙂

Who is your favorite person to knit for?

I love knitting for all my friends and family, but i really REALLY love knitting for their kids and babies.  The finished products are always so sweet and they are really fast projects 🙂

 

What are your 3 favorite knitting projects that you’ve made so far?

It was hard to pick just 3! I loved looking back at the things I made, and the story behind them…but I would say my favorites are a fish bathmat I made, thigh high legwarmers and a where the wild things are sweater & crown.

The bathmat and thigh highs were total labors of love, they took forever and were made with leftover yarn. 🙂

The sweater i really love because its one of the first things I made that I can really put into my everyday wardrobe.  I’m always surprised when I can actually make a piece of clothing that I can wear in public! 🙂

What is your favorite yarn?

I don’t know if I could pick a specific brand, but the type of yarn I always gravitate towards is a nice rustic, wool, worsted weight yarn.

Featured right is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Yarn.

What is your favorite stitch?

Stockinette! Classic. 🙂

What is your favorite knitting book?

Not sure these count as books, but every single Rowan magazine is my favorite. Everything is styled so beautifully!

If you could design the “perfect” sweater, what design elements would it have?

I think my perfect sweater would be something heavy (worsted or bulky) probably a cardigan that I can double as a coat that I could wear all the time.  I don’t mind knitting in pieces (I kind of like seaming, I know crazy).

Probably something classic stockinette, nothing too fancy like cables…a good everyday sweater.

What environment do you like to knit it?

I love knitting everywhere and I do pretty much knit any chance I get.  Living in New York City I take the subway a lot and that is probably where my knitting comes most in handy. It’s nice to have something to kind of block out the craziness of the city (and the other people on the train) 😉

Recently I started knitting while walking down the street, I’m not sure I’ll keep this up though because people really look at me funny.

 

What do your friends and family think about your knitting habit?

They have gotten used to the fact that I knit all the time, they have actually mentioned that it’s weird to see me without my knitting!  Haha.

But I think they all love it, because they are always asking for handknit things 🙂

Looks like Jess’s cat loves her knitting habit too!

What do you feel is the most awesome part about knitting?

It’s hard to pick the most awesome part, there are so many things I love about knitting.

But I would have to say the thing I love most about knitting is that it is something I have more or less mastered on my own. It’s also one of the few things that I can say I feel really confident about and I know I am good at. I love that I can do it anywhere and everywhere (and have!)  Making something beautiful from a few sticks and string will never cease to amaze me.

 

Check out even more of Jess’s fabulous hand knit projects here.  Thanks Jess! -Lauren