Sunday, October 25, 2015

My Free Christmas Cowl Knitting Pattern is Available Now!

Fall is in the air, and Christmas will be here before we know it. So, I'm happy to announce one of my newest knitting patterns... the "Christmas Cowl". Available now as a free download!

Christmas Cowl designed by Christine Marie Chen

Knit it to give away as a holiday gift or knit one up for yourself to wear all winter long! The easy lace panel is perfect for a beginning lace knitter yet special enough that everyone will appreciate it!


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 13: Faina Goberstein talks about "The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting"


I'm Proud to Welcome Knitwear Designer Faina Goberstein to my Bayareaknitter Podcast!
This Interview is actually a part of her Blog Tour! 
You can find the rest of the Blog Tour Schedule Here:


Tanis Knits –9/28
Yarn Thing Podcast – author interview podcast 10 AM, 9/29
Yarn Yenta - 10/8
Bay Area Knitter –10/15
Sheep to Shawl - 11/15

So without further ado, watch our interview now to find out how Faina got her start in knitwear design and to get a behind-the-scenes look into her new book, "The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting". 



SHOW NOTES


Designs Shown During Podcast 
by Faina Goberstein:



Handles by JUL Designs 
photography by Joe Hancock

Volna Scarf from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects



Santorini Cowl from Interweave DVD 

Spiral Hat from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects

Bordo Shawl from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects


Kromka Hoodie from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
photography by Joe Hancock
Koketka Sweater from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
photography by Joe Hancock

Nebo Pullover from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects




The Art of Seamless Knitting is Another Great Book by Faina and Simona



The Art of Seamless Knitting
By Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest

Lace Stockings from The Art of Seamless Knitting

Cabled Top from The Art of Seamless Knitting

Reach out and connect with Faina at these links:



Ravelry FGDesigns Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/fgdesigns

Facebook: Faina Goberstein
Twitter: @inasilver
Ravelry: Faina Goberstein

Books:

Craftsy classes: 

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Follow me!
Instagram, Periscope and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry: needle2needle

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 12: Catching Up, my MKAL and some yummy Yarn!


Follow me!
Instagram, Periscope and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry: needle2needle
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine
Ravelry Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter-aka-christine-marie-chen

SHOW NOTES

Links:

My Bayareaknitter Mystery KAL Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bayareaknitter-mystery-kal

Pictured below are Prizes that will be given away to 3 random MKAL participants that have completed their shawl and posted a photo of it in the group thread! Winners will be drawn on Sept. 16th!
A HUGE thank you goes out to Roundabout Yarn and Justk33pknittin9 for reaching out to sponsor my MKAL and for contributing their beautiful products!!! I've also added a skein of Anzula's Haiku yarn (This is the same yarn I used for my Bayareaknitter MKAL shawl)!

Roundabout Yarn White Pines Worsted Superwash Merino 220 yds/100grams

Knit 1 Purl 2 project bag by Justk33pknittin9

Anzula Haiku Fingering 425 yards 70% Merino, 20% Bamboo, 10% Nylon

Periscope Replays:
http://katch.me/bayareaknitter

Yarns mentioned:

Anzula Haiku
http://anzula.com/

TreLiz Your Owl Yarn
Luxurious Hand Dyed Yarns and Fibers
http://www.treliz.eu

Other Links:

Basilwood Farms
http://www.basilwoodfarm.com/

Listen to my Interview on the Power Purls Podcast with Kara Gott Warner coming in October
(Date to be announced)
http://www.powerpurlspodcast.com

My home-based businesses:
Jamberry Nails
https://christinechen.jamberry.com/
Life Matters
http://lifeshotz.com/christine

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

Monday, August 24, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 11: An Overdue Update and Trying Something New


Follow me!
Instagram, Periscope and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry: needle2needle
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine
Ravelry Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter-aka-christine-marie-chen

SHOW NOTES

Join my Bayareaknitter Mystery Shawl Knitalong:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bayareaknitter-mystery-kal

Yarns mentioned:

Anzula Haiku
http://anzula.com/

Other Links:

Knit 1 Purl 2 Project Bag by JustK33pKnittin9
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JustK33pKnittin9

Ravelry Mini Skein Swap Group
Sock Yarn Minis/Scraps Swapping
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-yarn-minis-scraps-swapping

Last Episode's Podcast Winner:
TinaBW1
Please contact me with your address and I'll get your mini skeins right out to you! 

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Bayareaknitter Mystery KAL

Who is ready for my Bayareaknitter MKAL??? If you haven't heard the word yet, I'm hosting my first ever Mystery Knitalong and it starts THIS WEEKEND! That's right! Only 4 days until you receive Clue #1 ! As you can see in the photos, I've been busy knitting the shawl and writing the pattern up! This is the only sneak peek you'll get! ðŸ˜‰ And do you see that beautiful project bag in the lower right hand corner? My lovely, talented and generous friend Laurie aka @justk33pknittin9 on Instagram was kind enough to donate it as a prize! Thank you Laurie! ðŸ˜˜ One lucky participant will be receiving it! There will be other prizes as well including yarn! Names will be drawn from completed projects at the end of the KAL. If you haven't signed up yet, head on over to Ravelry and purchase the pattern! Click here to go straight to the pattern page: Bayareaknitter Mystery KAL and you'll find it! It's only $3 if you sign up early and join NOW! Otherwise, the price is going up to $6 on Aug.15th! I can't wait to get started!!!  ðŸ˜‚ Feel free to share this post and spread the word!!! The more the merrier!

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 10: Countdown to my MKAL and a Mini Skein Giveaway!


Watch now to see how you can be entered into my Mini Skein Giveaway! I will choose 1 lucky winner to receive a little bundle of mini skeins (perfect for your sock yarn blankie)!

Follow me!
Blog: http://bayareaknitter.blogspot.com
Instagram and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry: needle2needle
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine
Ravelry Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter-aka-christine-marie-chen

SHOW NOTES

Join my Bayareaknitter Mystery Shawl Knitalong:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bayareaknitter-mystery-kal

Yarns mentioned:

Zombie Yarns...Lorna Dyes Again
Lorna Miser's new line of hand dyed yarns: Zombie Yarns...Lorna Dyes Again, is already sold out. Two shops currently have it at the moment. Yarns at the Adobe http://yarnsattheadobe.com and The Knitting Tree LA http://www.theknittingtreela.com.
Stay tuned for more info on where you will be able to get your hands on this amazing new yarn!

I had a wonderful time visiting Awesome Acres 'Pacas & Pyrs last summer!

Awesome Acres 'Pacas & Pyrs
Quietly breeding Oklahomas finest Suris
All yarn, roving, and raw fleeces are from their own herd of Suri Alpacas, bred and raised in Oklahoma City. They are full-time and visitors are welcome.
http://pacasnpyrs.com/store/

I fell in love with this baby at Awesome Acres 'Pacas & Pyrs last summer!

Gingerbread Man (as seen in my sock yarn blankie)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeverEnoughThymeYarn

Anzula
http://anzula.com/

Debbie Bliss
http://debbieblissonline.com/yarns/

Willow Yarns
http://www.willowyarns.com/

Red Heart
http://www.redheart.com/

Deborah Norville
http://www.deborahnorville.com/

Lorna's Laces
http://www.lornaslaces.net/

Happy Fuzzy Yarn
http://happyfuzzyyarn.com/

Patterns mentioned:

Haylie's Hug
...coming soon to Ravelry

Other Links:

http://www.KnittingDaddy.com
Check out his Knitting Origin Story:
http://www.knittingdaddy.com/2013/10/08/my-knitting-origin-story/

Knit 1 Purl 2 Project Bag
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JustK33pKnittin9

Zen Art Coloring Book by Kristin Omdahl
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KristinOmdahl

Ravelry Mini Skein Swap Group
Sock Yarn Minis/Scraps Swapping
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-yarn-minis-scraps-swapping

Listen to my Interview on The Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2015/07/30/designer-christine-marie-chen

Last Week's Podcast Winner:
Knitsforsanity
Please contact me with your address and I'll get your yarn right out to you!

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Did you get a chance to listen to my Interview on the Yarn Thing Podcast?

Did you get a chance to listen to my Interview on the Yarn Thing Podcast? If you missed my live interview with Marly Bird last Thursday, you can still have a listen! You also still have a chance to win one of my patterns by leaving a comment on her show notes at this link: http://www.marlybird.com/designer-christine-marie-chen


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 9: Diana is back and we have a Mystery Yarn Giveaway!


Watch now to see how you can be entered into my yarn giveaway! I will choose 1 lucky winner to receive a random Mystery skein of yarn from my own personal stash!

Follow me!

Join my Ravelry Group!
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter-aka-christine-marie-chen

Instagram and Twitter: Bayareaknitter

Ravelry: needle2needle

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine

SHOW NOTES

Special Guest:
My friend Diana (aka deesadie on Ravelry & Instagram)

Yarns mentioned:

PepperBerry Knits
www.pepperberryknits.com

Zen Yarn Garden Serenity 20; Art Walk Series; Composition Storm
http://zenyarngarden.co/

Plucky Knitter; One Hit Wonder
www.thepluckyknitter.com

Mini skein
KnitPicks Hawthorne; LaurelHurst colorway
www.knitpicks.com

Bamboo So Fine Yarns by Kristin Omdahl
http://styledbykristin.com/

Manos del Uruguay
http://fairmountfibers.com/

Patterns mentioned:

Through the Loops 2015 Mystery KAL
aka TTL Mystery Shawl 2015 by Kirsten Kapur
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ttl-mystery-shawl-2015

Nymphalidea by Melinda VerMeer
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nymphalidea

Classic Silk Mayfaire Camisole
by Corrina Ferguson
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/classic-silk-mayfaire-camisole

Sun Tea
by Laura Aylor
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sun-tea

Kristin Omdahl's Project Bags are in her Etsy shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KristinOmdahl?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav

Erin Lane Bags
www.erinlanebags.com

Ravelry Swap Group
Sock Yarn Minis/Scraps Swapping
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-yarn-minis-scraps-swapping

Listen to my Interview on The Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2015/07/30/designer-christine-marie-chen

Join my Bayareaknitter Mystery Shawl Knitalong:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bayareaknitter-mystery-kal

Sheep Camelbak Water Bottle
http://www.ravelry.com/minimart

Last Week's Podcast Winner:
Margaret Elias
Please contact me with your address and I'll get your book right out to you!

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 8: A Special Guest, her FOs and a WIP!


Watch now to see how you can be entered to win a copy of the book "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs! I will choose 1 lucky participant and will announce the winner on next week's Episode 9!

Follow me!
Instagram and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry Username: needle2needle
Ravelry Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/browse/show/bayareaknitter-aka-christine-marie-chen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine

SHOW NOTES

Special Guest:
Patricia aka @sanjoserose on Instagram

Patterns Mentioned:

Wanderer Cap
by Jared Flood
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libra...
Published in Weekend Hats
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sourc...

Light and Lacy Shawl
by Kris Percival
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libra...
Published in the Knit Knack Kit
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sourc...

Yarns mentioned:

Schulana; Kid-Seta
70% Mohair 30% Silk
http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/...

Anzula Luxury Fibers; Haiku: Charcoal and Mauve
http://anzula.com

Links:
My Ravelry Group: Bayareaknitter
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/browse/...
Join now to find out more about my Bayareaknitter Mystery KAL
We're using hashtag #BayareaknitterMKAL

Special Announcement:
I will be a guest on The Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird! This will be a live interview at 10:00am Mountain Time on Thursday, July 30th! Here is a direct link to the Episode that I will be on:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthin... 

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 7: A Mystery Knitalong and other Fibery Goodness!!!


Watch now to see how you can be entered to win a copy of the book "The Friday Night Knitting Club"! I will choose 1 lucky participant and will announce the winner on next week's episode!

Follow me!
Instagram and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry Username: needle2needle
Ravelry Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine

SHOW NOTES

Yarns mentioned:

Manos del Uruguay; Clara
http://manosyarns.com/

Anzula Luxury Fibers; Haiku: Charcoal and Mauve
http://anzula.com

Phydeaux Designs; Creme: Alchemy
http://phydeaux-designs.com

Noro
http://eisakunoro.com/

Snoqualmie Valley Yarn
http://www.toltyarnandwool.com

Jamieson's; Double Knitting: Moss
http://simplyshetland.net/Jamieson-DoubleKnitting.html

Links:
My Ravelry Group: Bayareaknitter
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter
Join now to find out more about my Bayareaknitter Mystery KAL
We're using hashtag #BayareaknitterMKAL

Baa Baa Black Sheep Project Bag
by Justk33pknittin9 on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JustK33pKnittin9

HopeKnitLove on Instagram

Last Week's Podcast Pattern Winners:
bella0500 & joy snow-workman
Please get in touch with me so I can get the pattern of your choice gifted to you on Ravelry!

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

Thursday, July 16, 2015

I'm hosting a Mystery KAL!!!



Have you heard the news? I'm so happy to finally announce that my Bayareaknitter MKAL is finally up and available for purchase on Ravelry! For a limited time you can join for $3.00! Once the first clue is released on Aug. 15th the price will go up to $6.00! Join my Bayareaknitter Ravelry Group for all the details! http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter 

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 6: Introducing my new Ravelry Group, a Mystery KAL & HopeKnitLove

Watch now to see how you can be entered into my Pattern Giveaway! I will choose 2 lucky winners to receive one of my patterns! 

Follow me!
Blog: http://bayareaknitter.blogspot.com
Instagram and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry: needle2needle
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine



SHOW NOTES

Yarns mentioned:

Anzula Luxury Fibers
http://anzula.com

Malabrigo
http://www.malabrigoyarn.com

Links:
My Ravelry Group: Bayareaknitter
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/bayareaknitter

Coupon Code: Podcast (receive 50% off my Ravelry in store Patterns)
http://www.ravelry.com/stores/christine-marie-chen-designs

HopeKnitLove on Instagram
Come join my new movement as we shower others with love!

Last Week's Podcast Yarn Winner:
TNTtrouble32
I will be contacting you! 

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Pattern Sale ends at midnight tonight!



If you missed my previous post, I don't want you to miss out! I'm having a 4th of July Weekend Sale on ALL of the patterns in my Ravelry pattern store! Receive 50% off as many patterns as you would like! No minimums! You DO need to enter a coupon code! The code is: July4
Promotion ends at midnight tonight (the 5th) California Time! Click here to save now! http://www.ravelry.com/stores/christine-marie-chen-designs Enjoy And Happy Knitting!!!

Friday, July 3, 2015

I'm having a 4th of July Pattern Sale!

Happy Fourth of July weekend to everyone! I hope you'll find time to squeeze in some knitting between all the fireworks and BBQs! 
To help you celebrate, I’m having a 4th of July Sale on ALL of the patterns in my Ravelry pattern store! Receive 50% off as many patterns as you would like! No minimums! You DO need to enter a coupon code though! The code is: July4 
Promotion is going on right NOW and runs through midnight on Sunday, the 5th! Enjoy! And Happy Knitting!!! 
http://www.ravelry.com/stores/christine-marie-chen-designs

Thursday, July 2, 2015

You're invited to join my new Bayareaknitter Ravelry Group!!!

Ok y'all!!! I did it! I'm throwing the doors open wide and inviting you to join my Bayareaknitter Ravelry Group! Just search "Bayareaknitter"! It's brand spanking new as of yesterday... So please have patience with me as I learn the ropes! I'm using a temporary logo until I get the one I really want. But I have lots of exciting plans for our future, including Contests, a Knitalong every now and then, etc... Feel free to invite your friends too!!!


 Bayareaknitter Group on Ravelry

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

The Summer Crunch

Design in progress for Manos del Uruguay

By now everyone has probably settled into a summer routine. I'd love to hear what you're doing or have planned this summer! Camping? Visiting distant relatives? Or are you just relaxing as much as possible and enjoying the lazy days of summer? I'm not sure what we're doing yet. The hubby isn't one for making set plans! Sometimes we take the kids on a mini vacation to an amusement park or we head north to Lake Tahoe or Seattle. Right now the cooler weather would be my choice! We reached 102 degrees here yesterday and it's supposed to be hotter today!
Some of us do still have to work though. As you know... I work from home, doing what I love most, that being a stay-at-home mom and designer of knit and crochet patterns. I'm actually working on designs for 2 separate yarn companies at the moment, and the deadlines are quickly approaching! Silly me, thought I'd have more time to focus on my designs over the summer, but now that the kids are on summer vacation, the days seem busier than ever and just seem to fly by! I'm wearing many hats right now! Chauffeur, nurse, chef, referee, you name it! It's a challenge finding any "me time"! I've been staying up late, after everyone's gone to bed, to just enjoy the silence. It's so soothing to my soul. But then morning comes... My son has been waking up at the crack of dawn! Why is it that I have to drag the kids out of bed to get ready for school, but during the summer they're full of energy and waking up with the twittering of the birds? I don't know how long I'll be able to manage on 4 hours of sleep! Looks like I need to start trying to go to bed earlier as well.  
On another note, I've even started podcasting! It's something I've wanted to do for quite awhile. But it never seemed like the perfect time to get started. So I finally just decided to take the leap and jump right in! Otherwise it might have never happened! Scroll down to my previous posts and you'll find all 5 episodes that I've recorded so far! Have a watch and please let me know what you think! I have lots of plans and ideas for future episodes including more guests, giveaways and maybe even a few tutorials! Tell me know what you would like to see!
Well... my kids are in need of some attention this morning, so I'll end here for now. Please comment below and share some of YOUR summer plans with me!

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Bayareaknitter Podcast Episode 5: A Special Guest, Lots of FOs & WIPs, and a Surprise Yarn Giveaway!


Watch now to see how you can be entered into our yarn giveaway! I will choose 1 lucky winner to receive a skein of yarn from Blue Ridge Yarns! 

Follow me!
Blog: http://bayareaknitter.blogspot.com
Instagram and Twitter: Bayareaknitter
Ravelry: needle2needle
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnittingwithChristine

SHOW NOTES

Special Guest: 
My friend Diana (aka deesadie on Ravelry & Instagram)

Yarns mentioned:

Bamboo So Fine Yarns by Kristin Omdahl 
http://styledbykristin.com/

Madelinetosh
http://madelinetosh.com

Anzula Luxury Fibers
http://anzula.com

Pediboo® Yarns from Frog Tree Yarns
http://www.frogtreeyarns.com

Ella Rae Yarns
http://knittingfever.com/brand/ella-rae/

Plymouth Yarn
http://www.plymouthyarn.com/

Swans Island
https://www.swansislandcompany.com

The Fibre Co.
http://thefibreco.com/

Awesome Acres 'Pacas & Pyrs
Pacaphernalia - a Made In Oklahoma Business
http://www.pacasnpyrs.com/store/

Manos del Uruguay
http://fairmountfibers.com/

Colour Mart Yarn
http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/brands/colourmart

Yarn I gifted to Diana:
Cascade 220 Sport
http://www.cascadeyarns.com/

Patterns mentioned:

Kimmy Knit Lace Top by Kimberly K. McAlindin
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kimmy-knit-lace-top

Bleaberry Tarn by Louise Tilbrook
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bleaberry-tarn

Through the Loops 2015 Mystery KAL
aka TTL Mystery Shawl 2015 by Kirsten Kapur
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ttl-mystery-shawl-2015

Gather Together by Joji Locatelli
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gather-together

Nymphalidea by Melinda VerMeer
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nymphalidea

In Stillness by Alicia Plummer
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/in-stillness

Lake Breeze by Amanda Woeger
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lake-breeze

Needles mentioned:

ChiaoGoo
http://www.chiaogoo.com/

Wooden Yarn Bowl: 
Hand Crafted by James Wolfe (aka WolfePhotos on Instagram) 
http://WolfeFarms.net 

Other Podcasts We Enjoy:
Wolfe Farms - http://wolfefarms.blogspot.com/
Stockinette Zombies - http://www.stockinettezombies.com/
In a sKnit - http://inasknit.com/
Susan B. Anderson - http://susanbanderson.blogspot.com/
Knitmore Girls - http://www.knitmoregirlspodcast.com/
The YarnThing Podcast with Marly Bird - http://www.marlybird.com/podcast/

Last Week's Podcast Winners:
needle_crafter02 & TinaBW
I will be contacting you ladies! So be deciding which one of my patterns you would like, and I'll get it right out to you! 

Thanks for watching! Until next time... Happy Knitting!!!