knitting

“It Was All a Dream” Knitted Dress Collection

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it-was-all-a-dream-cover-pageI am so excited to share that by brand new collection of knitted dresses, “It Was All a Dream” is finally here!  This collection has been a year in the making, and I’m thrilled to now be able to share it with you.

“It Was All a Dream” is a collection of 7 stylish dress designs that will have you and everyone around you falling in love with knitted dresses. From warm cozy cables for the Fall and Winter to light and breezy laces for the Spring and Summer, you will never be without a knitted dress to wear for your next occasion with this collection.

“It Was All a Dream” features many fun and feminine knitted details to explore from beaded lace, to a convertible cowl, to elegant cables, to the addition of ribbon, ruffles, and bows to your knitting. 3 out of the 7 designs in the collection are versatile 2-piece sets that can be worn together as one amazingly awesome knitted ensemble, or as separates paired with other items in your wardrobe!

All of the dress designs in this collection are knit seamlessly in the round for ease of finishing, with detailed instructions on how to customize the length of the dresses and tops to suite your style perfectly.

The collection is available on Ravelry for $28 here, or as individual patterns for $8 each.  Here are more details on the 7 designs included in the collection!:

“Sweater Weather” Raglan Cable Knit Dress

sweater-weather-teal-cable-knit-dress-knitting-pattern-1Get ready to get super cozy and cute this Fall and Winter with your new favorite cable knit dress, “Sweater Weather”! Not only is this dress stylish, it is the definition of comfy and totally fun to knit too. Featuring a top down raglan construction, there is zero seaming, and you can knit the dress and sleeves as long as you please! The intertwining cable pattern down the front offers a fun twist on a basic knit dress. Pair it with tights and boots, and it’s the ideal Winter ensemble! It will work for anywhere your day may take you, from the office, to a date, to a night out on the town with your girlfriends. This pattern also features an option to make this design a long tunic style sweater, perfect for pairing with skinny jeans or leggings. The Dress features Knit Picks “Preciosa” in Crest and the Tunic Knit Picks “Swish Worsted” in Marine Heather. Get the pattern and learn more here!

sweater-weather-teal-cable-knit-dress-knitting-pattern-3  sweater-weather-teal-cable-knit-dress-knitting-pattern-5sweater-weather-cable-knit-tunic-knitting-pattern-2  sweater-weather-cable-knit-tunic-knitting-pattern-4

“Cowl Me Later” Textured Cowl Neck Dress

cowl-me-maybe-knitted-cowl-neck-dress-knitting-pattern-6What do you get when you combine a cozy knit cowl, and your favorite sweater dress? This fabulous wooly wonder that is sure to impress! This classic cowl neck dress is a wardrobe staple, and while wearing this dress you will look nothing but graceful. While the drape of the cowl says elegance and class, the cut out in the back offers some sass! This incredibly versatile cowl can be folded to cover your arms and back in the cold, or to keep your ears warm by being worn as a hood! The flattering open back offers a sweet surprise that is sure to turn heads, while the dazzling diamond knit and purl patterns will get you knitting street cred. Knit with 100% Baby Alpaca that is incredibly soft, it’s so cozy and warm you will never want to take it off! Cowl me maybe? Cowl me yes! This design features Knit Picks “Andean Treasure” in Royal Heather. Get the pattern and learn more here!

 

 

cowl-me-maybe-knitted-cowl-neck-dress-knitting-pattern-7  cowl-me-maybe-knitted-cowl-neck-dress-knitting-pattern-4  cowl-me-maybe-knitted-cowl-neck-dress-knitting-pattern-1  cowl-me-maybe-knitted-cowl-neck-dress-knitting-pattern-8cowl-me-maybe-knitted-cowl-neck-dress-knitting-pattern-2  cowl-me-maybe-knitted-cowl-neck-dress-knitting-pattern-9

“Take a Bow” Lace Dress and Top

take-a-bow-knitted-chandelier-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-6Indulge in your love for lace and all things girly with this adorable chandelier lace dress! This is the perfect versatile dress – you can dress it up for a date with jewelry and heels, or wear it to the office with leggings and boots. This dress has positive ease for a totally roomy and comfortable fit, with an optional added knitted bow belt that will cinch in the dress to accentuate your waist and flatter your figure. While this dress is delicate and feminine, it is knit with DK weight yarn so it won’t take forever to knit! Knit in the round, this dress is also an entirely seamless knit, woohoo! You can easily customize the length of your dress to make it longer, or you can even make it shorter to knit it as an equally beautiful lace top! This design features Knit Picks “Gloss DK” in Blackberry. Get the pattern and learn more here.

 

 

take-a-bow-knitted-chandelier-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-1  take-a-bow-knitted-chandelier-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-4

take-a-bow-knitted-chandelier-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-3  take-a-bow-knitted-chandelier-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-5 take-a-bow-knitted-chandelier-lace-top-knitting-pattern-2  take-a-bow-knitted-chandelier-lace-top-knitting-pattern-1

“Crop it Like it’s Hot” Sweater and Skirt Set

crop-it-like-its-hot-cable-knit-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-1 Stylish, chic, and oh-so-cozy, you are sure to fall in love with this super cute cable knit cropped sweater top and pencil skirt set! (Whew! That was a mouthful!) This delectable design features 2 elegant cable panels that run up the front and back of your curves for a sexy and sassy look. Not only does this versatile set look amazing together, it would look just as awesome worn as separates paired with other items in your closet. The skirt is knit from the top down with a fold over waistband to encase elastic for a personalized fit, and the skirt length is completely up to you! The raglan top is also knit to fit so that you can show as much or as little midriff as you wish, and the sleeves are knit from the top down enabling you to give your top your favorite sleeve length. Are you ready to crop it like it’s hot? I hope so! Get the pattern and learn more here.

 

 

crop-it-like-its-hot-cable-knit-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-2  crop-it-like-its-hot-cable-knit-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-3 crop-it-like-its-hot-cable-knit-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-7  crop-it-like-its-hot-cable-knit-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-8 crop-it-like-its-hot-knitted-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-2  crop-it-like-its-hot-knitted-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-4

“Sheer Elegance” Beaded Lace Dress

sheer-elegance-knitted-beaded-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-3With a picot lace hem, a sprinkling of beads, fine eyelet details, and sparkly cap sleeves, this romantic knitted dress is nothing but sheer elegance. Knit with a sensuously soft kid mohair and silk blend yarn, it is light as can be, with a delightful fuzzy texture that will have you feeling feminine and free. The dazzling beaded details offer a hint of flair, making this dress the perfect pick for your next special occasion or affair! This design is also sure to suit your unique style with its reversibility – wear it with a high neck and sexy scooped out back (my favorite way), or more traditionally! Either way you will look sexy yet sweet, and will be sure to enchant whomever you meet! Get the pattern and learn more here.

 

 

 

sheer-elegance-knitted-beaded-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-1  sheer-elegance-knitted-beaded-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-2 sheer-elegance-knitted-beaded-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-4  sheer-elegance-knitted-beaded-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-5 sheer-elegance-knitted-beaded-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-6  sheer-elegance-knitted-beaded-lace-dress-knitting-pattern-7

“Twirl Of Your Dreams” Crop Top and Skirt Set

twirl-of-your-dreams-knitted-daisy-lace-crop-top-and-skater-skirt-knitting-pattern-2With daisies, ruffles, a ribbon bow and without seams, this knitted ensemble will give you the twirl of your dreams. This 2-piece set is not only super flirty and fun, you can wear it as separates or rock it as one! With the daisy lace top featuring frills on the sleeves, you are guaranteed a good time twirling around in the leaves. The skater skirt features a perfectly matching picot lace hem, that will show everyone around you that your knitting skills are the creme de la creme! Perfect for a festival, the beach, brunch, or anywhere there is sun, a day prancing around in this outfit will be sure to be won. This design features Knit Picks “CotLin” in Swan. Get the pattern and learn more here!

 

 

 

 

twirl-of-your-dreams-knitted-daisy-lace-crop-top-and-skater-skirt-knitting-pattern-1  twirl-of-your-dreams-knitted-daisy-lace-crop-top-and-skater-skirt-knitting-pattern-4 twirl-of-your-dreams-knitted-daisy-lace-crop-top-and-skater-skirt-knitting-pattern-5  twirl-of-your-dreams-knitted-daisy-lace-crop-top-and-skater-skirt-knitting-pattern-6 twirl-of-your-dreams-knitted-daisy-lace-crop-top-knitting-pattern-8  twirl-of-your-dreams-knitted-daisy-lace-skater-skirt-knitting-pattern-9

“Better Lace Than Never” Crop Top and Skirt Set

better-lace-than-never-knitted-cold-shoulder-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-1 Indulge in the decadence of knitting a beautiful and unique diamond lace pattern in luxurious fingering weight yarn with this stunningly gorgeous 2-piece set. The skirt is high waisted and fitted down to the knee for a look that is both sassy and classy. The coordinating crop top features a sexy and trendy cold shoulder detail, and criss-crossed straps at the neckline for an edgy look. A delicate picot hem finishes the sleeves and the waistband for the perfect feminine touch. Wear these pieces as one outfit or as separates, they will look equally as lovely paired with a shirt or jeans. And while the intricacy of this fine knitting pattern will be an investment well worth your time, you know what they say, better lace than never! Get the pattern and learn more here.

 

 

 

better-lace-than-never-knitted-cold-shoulder-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-4  better-lace-than-never-knitted-cold-shoulder-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-3better-lace-than-never-knitted-cold-shoulder-crop-top-and-pencil-skirt-knitting-pattern-5  better-lace-than-never-knitted-cold-shoulder-crop-top-knitting-pattern-7

I hope you enjoy the new collection!  It is available on Ravelry for $28 here, or as individual patterns for $8 each here.  I can’t wait to see what you make!

Happy Knitting!

♥Lauren

Behind the Scenes at Craft University

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lauren riker teaching to knitThis past December, I had the honor of traveling out to Ft. Collins, Colorado (home of Interweave Knitting) to film two knitting courses for their online learning platform, Craft University.  I am so grateful to have had this amazing opportunity to teach!  I wanted to give you a peek behind the scenes, because I thought it would be fun for you to learn more about what went into creating these courses 🙂

I was in Ft. Collins for a week, and while there I taught a “Learn to Knit” Course, where I teach all the knitting basics from choosing yarn and needles to how to cast on, how to knit different stitch patterns, and finally how to knit your very own customized hat and glove set!  I also taught a “Learn to Knit Cables” Class where I teach all about cables, and we knit a super cute mug cozy and cowl together.  These courses are now available on the Interweave site!

hats and gloves   cozies

The first step in this process was months of preparation.  First, I had to create an extensive outline for each course, outlining what topics would be covered, what the key learning points would be for each and every video, an estimate of how long each video would be, what items I would need on set for each video, and exactly what I would say.  This part took a while!

lion brand yarn lions pride woolspunOnce I had the course outlines down, the next step was reaching out to a few yarn and knitting needle companies for support on the materials end of creating these courses.  I needed A LOT of yarn and A LOT of knitting needles since I had to knit lots of samples and swatches!  I am very grateful to Lion Brand Yarn for providing their lovely “Lion’s Pride Woolspun” in a variety of colors to teach with for both of these courses, and Susan Bates for providing knitting needles, stitch holders, and cable needles for the courses.  Knit Picks also provided yarn for a show and tell video that we made showing various types of yarns, and provided their super cool Chart Keeper that I used during my cables course so we could read through the cable chart together.

yarn show and tell   knit picks chart keeper

Even though I’ve made a lot of you tube tutorials, I’ve never done that much planning and preparation, so this was a new experience.  For example, when I was teaching my Bra Top Tutorial, I just knitted the bra top off camera, and stopped every so often to film what I was doing at places where I wanted to show special techniques.  When you are on TV, or for a course like this where everything has to be filmed in a condensed amount of time, you have to knit everything ahead of time in steps.  For example, when I was teaching the hat, I had to knit it at 3 stages – after the ribbing portion was finished and we were ready to knit the main part of the hat, at the point where we were ready to start decreasing for the crown of the hat, and up to the last few rows of the hat so that we could finish the hat together.

As you can see below, each item was knit up to 2 or 3 points in the pattern so that when teaching in the video, I could seamlessly move from demonstrating one technique to the next without stopping to knit up to the next point (which, as you know, could take hours!).  And in case you’re wondering, yes, that’s my cat’s paw in the photos.  She has to make her way into every photo! 😉

hat and glove steps   cable steps

After all of the knitting was done, the next step was to put together Girly Knits patterns for each of the new designs I was teaching, and writing up multiple course handouts for the students to reference during the course.  I just love teaching knitting and get so excited about someone learning for the first time, so I had a lot of fun with this.

rack of outfitsThen the last step was…OUTFITS!  Even though it wasn’t required that I change outfits for each video, I uh sortof ummm, insisted that I did.  I’m a fashion designer, what can I say!  There was a total of 10 segments, plus a few extra videos that we made for marketing purposes, so I planned accordingly 🙂  I tried to mostly wear items that I had knitted or store bought knits that I liked, but threw in some of my favorite everyday clothes in there as well.

 

And then of course the very very last step was getting a gel manicure right before I flew out so that my nails would look nice and pretty for their close ups!  I got purple because, you know, it’s my favorite color and I can’t help but always picking it for like, everything.  A lot of people on set asked me if I had intentionally chosen this color to match my knitting but I didn’t – I just always have purple everything!

purple nails purple knitting   purple everything

welcome laurenI flew out there on a Monday, and the first day was just for me to unpack and get acquainted with the set.  This was my first time doing anything like this (aside from being a guest on Knitting Daily TV), so it was really nice to have a chance to set myself up for the next morning and get organized rather than jump right in.  They had a green room set up for me with a little welcome sign and plenty of space to put all of my things, so I felt right at home.

The next morning, the first course of action was getting beautified, woohoo!  Interweave has a fabulous makeup artist Keegan, who actually specializes in doing bridal makeup!   I loved that because I’m a super girly girl – I’m all about the full coverage, hot pink lips, and false eyelashes – she totally got me and we were insta-friends!  She also airbrushed my face which was a first for me and super fun!  And in case you’re wondering who did my hair, I can take credit for that – all of the years of practice curling my hair for shows with my dance troupe have paid off 😉

getting airbrushed makeup   in the makeup seat

teaching knitting

Next step…filming!  I was definitely nervous as first because I’m so used to making videos on my own at home with no one watching – I often will film the same thing multiple times because I totally lose track of what I’m talking about, say a word that makes no sense at all, or make a weird face (which I have the control to edit out at least!)  This was very different because there were quite a few people watching, I had to release control over how it was edited, and we did most segments in one take.  If I made a a flub or mistake, I just corrected it and kept going!  And that’s totally fine, I think it comes off more natural that way anyway 🙂

I have this irrational fear that once the camera is on and people are watching I suddenly won’t be able to make coherent sentences, but I actually find the opposite to be true.  Despite my fear of speaking in front of people and being shy, I love being on camera!  Once we did the first segment I felt totally at ease and in the zone.  It was interesting because the talent coordinator was telling me how some people are used to teaching to real people at workshops so they don’t feel comfortable talking to a camera, but since I have mostly taught knitting to cameras, I realized I was pretty in my element there!

Below is a candid moment with Lindsay, the producer, and Garrett the camera man trying on one of my hats – the Large size is perfect for a man!  And he didn’t mind the purple, haha.

   garrett camera man

Filming on this set was really neat because as you might be able to tell from the photos, there were multiple cameras on me at all times, including one above me to get close in shots of me knitting.  So I could just do my thing while Garrett made sure to get close up shots of whatever I was talking about or doing.  Lindsay was in the control room watching all 3 camera angles to make sure that everything was shot nicely and that everything I was saying and doing was clear for the students.  We made a great team!

in the control room   tv in the control room

In addition to teaching the courses, we made a fun you tube video of me showing how to make a mini garter stitch bow that you can pin in your hair.  Here is Garrett below getting some “interesting” angles for this video!  The finished video is now on you tube and you can check it out here!

Lastly, Interweave had their in house photographer take some up close photos of me demonstrating casting on, knitting, and purling for the students to reference after watching the videos.  The photos came out really neat!

on camera   demonstrating knitting

After 3 straight days of filming I was pretty spent, but as you can probably tell, we had a lot of fun and I was doing what I loved so it didn’t feel like much work as all 🙂  After the last day of filming, the talent coordinator Jill  (who is to credit for taking most of these behind the scenes photos, thanks Jill!) took me out for a night on the town in Ft. Collins!  They have an adorable downtown where we did beer tasting at a local brewery, had a delicious dinner, and got to enjoy the festive holiday decor.

downtown ft collins

I hope you enjoyed getting a peek behind what goes into filming an online knitting course, and if you have any more questions about the process, ask away!  If you are interested in learning how to knit, I hope you will join me in my “Learn to Knit” course which starts on April 15th!  If you already know how to knit but know someone who would like to learn, I would love if you shared this course with them, it’s a lot of fun!  And make sure to be on the lookout for my upcoming course, “Learn to Knit Cables” 🙂

learn to knit with lauren♥Lauren

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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

Buy a Pattern, Help Those in Need

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Hey Guys!  I’m happy to tell you that I have survived Hurricane Sandy – I holed myself in my apartment knitting through the whole thing, and am so very fortunate to live in a neighborhood in Manhattan that was not subject to power loss or flooding.  Millions of others in Sandy’s path were not as fortunate though.  Without going into sad details, many have lost their entire homes and possessions, are stranded in areas without resources, and are in desperate need of the basics such as food, water, clothing, and shelter.

Today I will be donating 100% of Girly Knits pattern proceeds to the Red Cross, who provide these basic needs to people when disaster strikes.  If you buy a pattern today (available on Ravelry and Craftsy), not only will you get a fun new knitting pattern, but you will be helping those in need.  Alternatively, if you would like to make your own individual Red Cross donation which you can do here, please forward a receipt of the donation to me at girlyknits@gmail.com and I will give you a coupon code via Ravelry for one free Girly Knits pattern of your choice.   I hope together we can make a difference!

Image source: http://www.luulla.com/product/15771/heart-pin-brooch-knitted-in-bri…

Knitting Photo Contest! Lots of fun Prizes, enter by Sept. 30th!

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Photo Contest!

I want to see your Girly Knits projects and awesome photos!  When I started this blog, I had a dream of sharing fun photos of girls from around the world knitting, and showing off their amazing knitted creations.  Here is a great opportunity to get creative and share!  To inspire you, I’ve put together some fun prizes!

Here’s the Deal:

You have until Sept 30th to share your Girly Knits projects on either Ravelry or Craftsy with a photo of the project.  Once you have added the project please send a link to me at girlyknits@gmail.com.  If you need help with how to add projects, feel free to contact me with questions, or check out this article here!

Here are the Rules:

1) Your photo must be of a Girly Knits pattern, all available at girlyknits.com (I have 3 free patterns that are perfectly fine to use too!)
2) You must have knitted the item yourself and either have taken the photo or be in the photo
3) You can enter up to 3 photos, including projects you have already posted
4) A work in progress photo works too!  If you wanted to use a picture of you knitting the pattern, or take a picture of it still on on the needles, even if you just started, please do!

How the winning photo will be Judged:

1) Creativity of the photo – think about interesting places you could take the photo and what you would be doing in the photo.  What unique place could you be knitting or wearing your knitwear?
2) Humor – how much it makes people smile, silliness is good!
3) How much Fun you had with the photo!  “Knitting is Fun” is the Girly Knits motto 😉
4) Quality of the photo and project.  Having a well lit photo always helps!
5) Your Vote – I will be adding your photos on my facebook fanpage where fans can vote on their favorite photo.  The one with the most fan votes one won’t necessarily win but it will get you bonus points!

I will be judging the photos along with 2 other judges.

Prizes!

Grand Prize:

*All of the materials needed to make these Lion Brand Norwegian Wristers!  Includes the printed pattern, 2 skeins of LB Organic Wool in Eggplant and Natural, and a set of 5 US Size 8 double-pointed needles (total value of $26.25)

*1 free online learning class from Craftsy (up to $49.99 value)!

*$25 gift certificate to your favorite yarn store!

*$25 gift certificate to spend on Girly Knits patterns!

2nd Place:

*1 free online learning class from Craftsy (up to $49.99 value)!

*3 Girly Knits patterns of your choice or a $15 gift certificate to spend on Girly Knits patterns!

*A copy of the current issue of your favorite knitting magazine!

3rd Place:

*3 Girly Knits patterns of your choice or a $15 gift certificate to spend on Girly Knits patterns!

Even More Prizes:

*3 entrants at random will receive a copy of my newest pattern Smitten Mittens for free!!

All winners will have their projects featured on this blog knittingisawesome.com!

If you have any questions or comments and to enter, please e-mail me at girlyknits@gmail.com.  And remember the deadline is Sunday Sept 30th!  The winners will be announced on October 10th.

If you need inspiration, check out the photos on this blog!  All eligible patterns can be found at girlyknits.com.

Adorable Knitted Lingerie!

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I am super excited to announce that I have a new knitting pattern up called “Bow-dacious Bikini”, a sparkly knitted bra and panty pattern that it super cute!  It features a ruffle on the bottom band of the bra and on the sides of the panty, and bow details on the backside.  It is knit using Vanna’s Glamour, a very gilttery yarn, so it sparkles!  I also love the flirty keyhole in the back of the panty!  I hope you are as excited as I am, if you wanted a Valentine’s Day knitting project, this is perfect! ♥  You can get the pattern on Ravelry here.

Knitting Photoshoot Mood Board

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When I photographed my first collection of knitwear designs for girlyknits.com, I thought it would be a good idea to create a mood board to set a feeling for the shoot.  I came up with this one, and while the shoot didn’t totally reflect the mood of this board, I still really love it!  It brings out the sensual and romantic aspect of knitting, don’t you think?

Trend Alert! Knitted Owls!

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Has anyone else been seeing cute little knitted owls everywhere?  When I was out Christmas shopping I couldn’t help noticing the trend!  These ear muffs are especially cute!!

The trend is definitely apparent on Ravelry too, here are a few of my favorite owl knitting patterns, and they’re free!  I also have my very own owl hat design here and owl purse design here 🙂

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lucys-owl

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-snowy-owl

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hoot-coffee

Enjoy!