Knitted Wall Art

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braided panel knitted wall artSo a couple months ago, I posted this picture on my Facebook Fan Page and Instagram, and I couldn’t believe how many of you loved the idea of knitted wall decor!

I got really excited about this concept, and in flooded a million ideas of cute knitted things you could frame and put on your wall.  Whether you want a little wooly decor in your home, or you need a quick knitted present to gift to a loved one, Knitted Wall Art is guaranteed to please 🙂

I ended up creating more than 20 Knitted Wall Art designs, including colorwork, cables, textures, and more.  Some designs even have added knitted elements to give them a 3-dimensional look!

I made a video for you explaining how Knitted Wall Art works, including what to look for in a frame.

Here are 5 reasons that Knitted Wall Art is super awesome and why I’m so obsessed!:

fair isle flurries framed knitted wall art holiday knitting pattern

1)  Knitted Wall Art is an inexpensive project!  The frames used are from IKEA (the Virserum frame) and only $1.99 – $2.99 each.  The wool used is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport which is only $2.69/ball.  You won’t need more than 1 ball of each color used for any set, so you can definitely make a set of 3 knitted wall art designs for under $20 (and have some yarn left over)!

owl friends framed knitted wall art knitting pattern

2)  Knitted Wall Art is a quick knit! Each framed knitted piece will only take a few hours to make – the 4×6″ size will take about 2-3 hours, while the 5×7″ size will take about 3-4 hours.  You can definitely make a whole set in a weekend!

cable panels framed knitted wall art knitting pattern

back of frame cozy

3)  Knitted Wall Art is interchangeable!  Each design is actually a frame cozy that wraps around the back piece of your frame.  This makes it super easy to get on and off your frame and have the ability to switch it out with other designs in a jiffy.  It looks nice and neat in the back too!

aztec textures knitted wall art knitting pattern

4)  Knitted Wall Art can be made seamless!  In each pattern there is a full page photo tutorial on how to seam your cozy as you so, so you won’t have to do any seaming at the end.  Woohoo!

some bunny loves you framed knitted wall art nursery knitting pattern

5)  You can design your own Knitted Wall Art!  In each and every pattern, there is a blank template at the end where you can design your own colorwork chart, cable chart, or knit purl pattern.  I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

happily ever after knitted wall art knitting pattern

All of the Knitted Wall Art patterns can be found in my Ravelry shop for $6 each, or you can get the full collection of all 7 sets which has more than 20 Knitted Wall Art designs for only $18 here!

knitted-wall-art-ebook-cover

Hope you enjoy making knitted wall art, I can’t wait to see what you make!

sweet treats knitted wall art ice cream cupcake knitting pattern

Behind the Scenes at Knitting Daily TV!

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I am super excited and honored to have been chosen as a featured guest on the awesome, inspiring, educational knitting television series, Knitting Daily TV!  I was part of series 1300, which is currently airing on PBS this Summer.  To check out the schedule for Knitting Daily TV in your city, click here.

That is me below with host Vickie Howell after we filmed our segment!  You may recognize my cowl neck dress from my final collection for “The Fiber Factor”, I was so happy I got to borrow it back to wear for the show 🙂

lauren_riker_vickie_howell_knitting_daily_tvI was featured in episode #1307 “Boy Meets Girl”, which also features Josh Bennett, our mentor from The Fiber Factor!  He shared how to add masculine touches to your knitting, while I discussed how to add feminine touches.  I also did a demonstration on how to knit my signature bow.  Here is a preview of the episode below!

 

We did the filming back in February at a special set in Ohio.  It was my first time doing anything like this and was such a cool experience!  I got to get my makeup done, and see the inner workings of a TV studio.  While waiting for my turn to go on set, I got to hang out in the “green room” with the other guests and got a preview of the other episodes in the series.  Here is Vickie below doing the intro for episode #1301 “Nature Knits”!

knitting_daily_tv_on_setI met a lot of other super awesome knitters and designers while I was there that I got to knit and chat with, including Gwen Bortner, Myra Wood, Heather Zoppetti, Tanis Gray, and Katie Startzman!  You may not know Katie, but she just published a a super cute book called “The Knitted Slipper Book“.  Her and her husband made the most adorable knitted stop motion video trailer for it!  You can check it out here, it is guaranteed to make you smile! 🙂

Tanis and I found out that we were on the same flight home so we got to hang out and get to know each other better!  She’s a super cool gal!  There we are below rocking our knitted hats at the airport 🙂  She has a really cool segment at the end of each Knitting Daily TV episode where she shares her favorite knitting tools.

lauren_riker_and_tanis_greyMy episode “Boy Meets Girl” #1307 should be airing this week or next week in most parts of the US!  To check out when it’s airing in your city, you can go to this site and enter your zip code to get your local listings:

http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/kdtv_series_1100/content/KDTVSchedule.aspx

Hope you are able to check it out and enjoy the epsiode! 🙂

New Summer Collection “Boardwalk Beauties”!

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girly knits boardwalk beauties knitting pattern collectionI am so super excited to share with you my brand new collection of knitting patterns “Boardwalk Beauties”!  It is a collection of 5 sunshine loving designs that you will not only love knitting, but will love wearing when you’re out having fun in the sun!  Inspired by everything lovely about Summer and my favorite new fashion trends, you will love these fashionable tank top, t-shirt, and skirt designs.  They are all knitted with lightweight summery fibers like cotton and bamboo to keep you cool in the warm weather.  I hope you love these patterns as much as I loved designing them!

Below you will find a video of me doing a show and tell of the collection, going into more detail about the inspiration behind the collection, and the different ways you can customize each design!

These patterns can be purchased through my Girly Knits pattern stores on Ravelry and Etsy, as well as through my website, girlyknits.com!   They are $7 each, or can be purchased as a full collection for only $21 here.  Here are all of the patterns in the collection and their descriptions below:

“She’s Electric” Aztec Pattern Bodycon Skirt

shes electric aztec pattern knitted bodycon skirt knitting pattern 4    shes electric aztec pattern knitted bodycon skirt knitting pattern 2

Be the belle of the boardwalk this Summer is this electrifyingly cool skirt!  The unique Aztec inspired texture of this skirt will not only turn heads, it is a blast to knit too!  The skirt is deceptively simple, composed of simple knit and purl patterns that create a beautiful knit fabric that will fit and flatter your curves.  The skirt is finished off with a fold-over waistband to enclose an elastic that will make this skirt fit you like a glove.  Made with Knit Picks Shine Sport, you are sure to emit extra super shiny electric waves!  In the words of Oasis “She is electric, can I be electric too?” the answer is YES!  Just knit this skirt 😉  For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

shes electric aztec pattern knitted bodycon skirt knitting pattern 6    shes electric aztec pattern knitted bodycon skirt knitting pattern 3

“Sunshine and Lollipops” Braided Strappy Back Tank Top with Geo Lace Edge

sunshine and lollipops braided strappy back knitted tank top with lace edge knitting pattern 4   sunshine and lollipops braided strappy back knitted tank top with lace edge knitting pattern 1

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows everything that’s wonderful is what I feel a-when I’m wearing this tank top…hehe well that is how I feel when I wear this tank top, and I hope you feel wonderful and bust out into song when you wear it too!  There is lots to love with this sunshine seeking tank top with it’s super chic chunky geo lace edge and unique braided straps that show off your beautiful back!  Braiding these straps will bring back memories of Summer Camp and friendship bracelets and all that is wonderful about Summer.  An option is also included for a trendy t-strap back, as well as a cropped or regular length fitted tank to give you lots of options to suite your unique preferences.  For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

sunshine and lollipops braided t-strap back knitted tank top with lace edge knitting pattern 1    sunshine and lollipops braided t-strap back knitted tank top with lace edge knitting pattern 4

“Bow Crazy” Chevron Lace Open Back Tank Top with Bow

boardwalk beauties    bow crazy chevron lace knitted tank top with open back and bow knitting pattern 4

Go crazy with your love for bows and everything girly with this pretty little lacy flirty oh-so-cute tank top!  With sweet and feminine details like a lace ruffled waist, a picot neckline, and cable braided straps, this tank top is sure to make you feel pretty.  With the option of making a festival ready solid tank top, or a retro-inspired beach ready striped tank top, you can let your imagination run wild with the adventures you will have when you rock it!  Knit with a lustrous mercerized cotton, this tank not only keeps you cool in it’s sassy open-back design, but keeps you looking cool in it’s fashionable chevron lace pattern.  The bow on the back is a super sweet touch that will make you go bow crazy!  For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

bow crazy striped chevron lace knitted tank top with open back and bow knitting pattern 1    bow crazy striped chevron lace knitted tank top with open back and bow knitting pattern 5

“With Sprinkles on Top” Ice Cream Bow Back T-Shirt

with sprinkles on top knitted ice cream t-shirt with bow back knitting pattern 1    with sprinkles on top knitted ice cream t-shirt with bow back knitting pattern 4

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream during the Summer? Vanilla with multicolor sprinkles? Mint with chocolate sprinkles? Plain chocolate? Show it off in this super fun perfect for Summer t-shirt! Made with Knit Picks Comfy Sport, it is not only knit with a lightweight cotton yarn, it is soft, comfy, and machine washable too! The ice cream intarsia chart is a blast to knit and wear, and the bows on the back offer some flirtiness and flair. Adorn the bows with your favorite buttons and your back will be the talk of the town.  The bow on the back is a super sweet touch that will make you go bow crazy!  For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

with sprinkles on top knitted ice cream t-shirt with bow back and buttons knitting pattern 2    with sprinkles on top knitted ice cream t-shirt with bow back and buttons knitting pattern 4

“Heart to Heart” Embellished Tank Top with Heart Cut Out Back

heart cut out heart back knitted tank top knitting patternIf you want to sparkle this Summer and show off the amazing knitting superstar you are, “Heart to Heart” is your one stop tank top!  Featuring two of fashions hottest trends, jewel embellished necklines and heart cut out backs, you will have everyone saying “Who is that girl?  I want to know her!”  Knit with your choice of sugar cane or cotton yarn, you will be keeping cool and looking fabulous.  Warning: I would recommend making 2 of these beauties, because you just know your BFF is going to want one too!  For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

jewel embellished neckline knitted tank tops knitting pattern     south beach knitted tank top pattern

Thanks so much for checking out the “Boardwalk Beauties” collection!  These patterns can be purchased through my Girly Knits pattern stores on Ravelry and Etsy, as well as through my website, girlyknits.com!   They are $7 each, or can be purchased as a full collection for only $21 here.  I hope you enjoy!

♥Lauren

“Blossoming Beauty” Knit Along Results!

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blossoming beauty spring KAL

The Spring Knit Along has commenced and it was so much fun!  All of the girls who participated were so awesome and supportive of one another, and came out with some super cute tank tops and dresses!  If you would like to check out the forum thread we used for the knit along and the fun progress pics posted along the way, you can check it out on Ravelry here!  The pattern we used can be found here 🙂  Can’t wait to do another one, if you have any requests, please do let me know!

How to Knit Daisy Lace

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how to knit daisy lace tutorialHey there!  Today I am very happy to be sharing a video tutorial with you on how to knit daisy lace!  Even if you are new to knitting lace, you will be able to watch the video and follow along with the lace pattern written out below.  Hopefully you will find that knitting lace is quite fun!

Once you learn the basics of lace though knitting this lace pattern, you will find that other lace patterns use similar techniques to create a variety of designs.

This daisy lace pattern is used in my original design “Blossoming Beauty“, so if you like it, you can incorporate it into a tank top or dress using my pattern!  I am also hosting a Spring Knit-Along from April 5th – May 5th, so if you decide to knit this pattern, please join in on the knit-along forum on Ravelry here!

 

 

blossoming beauty daisy lace tank top and dress knitting pattern

Here is the stitch pattern that I use in the video tutorial (which you will find at the bottom of the page) so you can follow along:

Abbreviations:

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

psso: pass slipped stitch over

sl: slip

tbl: through back loop

yo: yarn over

Directions:

Note:  This will make a square swatch of 2 repeats of the daisy lace stripe pattern.  In the video I used US Size 5 needles and a worsted weight yarn so that you would be able to see my work more clearly, though the “Blossoming Beauty” tank top and dress design uses a US Size 4 needles a sport weight cotton yarn, Paton’s Grace.

CO 33 sts.

Knit 4 rows.

Work center 25 sts in St st for 12 rows, keeping first and last 4 sts in Garter St.

Work Daisy Lace Pattern below over center 25 sts for next 12 rows, keeping first and last 4 sts in Garter St.

Row 1: K2, [k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog tbl, k3] x 2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog tbl, k2.

Row 2 and all following even numbered rows: Purl.

Row 3: K1, [k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1] x 3.

Row 5: K3, [yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k5] x 2, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3.

Row 7: K1, yo, k2tog tbl, k3 [k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog tbl, k3] x 2, k2tog, yo, k1.

Row 9: K2, yo, k2tog tbl, k1, [k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2tog tbl, k1] x 2, k2tog, yo, k2.

Row 11: K1, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k5, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4, k2tog tbl, yo, k1.

Repeat last 24 rows once more.

Knit 3 Rows.

BO.

I hope this tutorial was helpful for you!

♥Lauren

Vday Project Contest Winners!

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Thanks so much to everyone who entered and voted in the “Follow Your Heart” Valentine’s Day project contest!  It was so much fun to see everyone’s projects, they were all so awesome!  A total of 23 fabulous projects were entered, which you can check out on my facebook fan page photo album here.

Even though I said there would only be 2 winners (one winner by votes, and one at random), I wanted to award the 2nd and 3rd place winners as well and spread the love some more ;).  All 4 will be getting a fun little Vday package from me, as well as a Girly Knits pattern of their choice, yay!

Here are the winners:

1st Place:

“Heart Me Forever” by Celeste!  Celeste did a beautiful job photographing her knitting in progress, her finished work, and modeling her skirt!  Celeste actually entered a total of 5 awesome projects into the contest, but this one was the clear fan favorite.  Congratulations Celeste!  You can find her project details for this skirt on Ravelry here, and see more of her knitted creations for her and her two adorable daughters here.

celeste heart me forever skirt

2nd Place:

“Be My Valentine” by Denyse!  Denyse made fingerless mittens for all 3 of her daughters, making each pair unique by using different color combos and interchanging the word charts.  The photo of all of their hands together is so super sweet!   These were a Valentine’s Day gift for her daughters, and the photos really do give a fun representation of the Holiday ♥  Congratulations Denyse!  You can find details on these fun fingerless mittens on her project page here, and see more of her beautiful creations here!

denyse i heart you mittens

3rd Place:

There was actually a tie for 3rd place, and the projects were by the same knitter!  Congrats to Grisleda for her “Your Time to Shine” and “Eye Candy” projects!  Griselda did a wonderful job photographing her projects using fun colorful backgrounds, and flashing us with her beautiful smile 😉  I also love how she made each project her own.  You can check out all of her wooly wonders on Ravelry here!

griselda your time to shine   griselda eye candy eye mask

“Winner at Random”

For the “winner at random”, I used a random number generator to determine who it would be, and the winner is…drumroll please…Jen!  Jen actually entered two projects, “Sweeter then a Cupcake” and “Your Time to Shine“.  Jen took fun progress shots of her projects and made some pretty sweet hats 😉  Congrats Jen!  Check out more of her projects (which include a ton of fun hats!) on Ravelry here.

jen sweeter than a cupcake  jen your time ti shine

Thanks again to all of the awesome knitters who entered the contest, and congratulations to the winners!  You can find out more about the fun knitting patterns used for these projects here:

http://knittingisawesome.com/followyourheart/

Happy Knitting!

♥Lauren

How to Knit Glove Fingers Video Tutorial

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how to knit glove fingersHave you knitted fingers on gloves before?  If you have, then you know that they can be quite tricky and take some patience!  If you haven’t but want to learn, I made a video tutorial below walking you through all of the steps and techniques!  I use my “Be My Valentine” pattern as an example that you can follow along with, though the techniques I show you can be applied to other glove patterns.

My cat Ezzy also makes a guest appearance in my tutorial! (she just loves the camera 😉 )  I hope the video helps you with knitting fingers, and please let me know if you have any questions in the comments section!

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day Knitting Project Contest!

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vday gk project contest

The last Girly Knits project contest in September was so much fun, that I couldn’t wait to do another one!  This time it will have a Valentine’s Day theme, as the contest will culminate on February 14th, and the winners will be getting a very special package with fun Vday goodies from me!  To enter, just post your projects from the “Follow Your Heart” collection on either Ravelry of Craftsy by February 14th, and you will automatically be entered to win!  You can enter as many projects as you like.  You can also enter the Heart Puff Necklace, which is a free pattern 🙂

I will be choosing 2 winners – 1 by votes (I will post the projects on my facebook fan page on February 15th where fans can vote for their faves) and 1 at random, so make sure to post your projects from the new collection in time!  For inspiration, check out the winners from the last project contest!  Having fun photographing your projects always makes for a great project photo 😉  Can’t wait to see your projects!  Happy knitting!