Happy Halloween!!

WOW!! That's all I can say about the number of entrants in my bloggy carnival contest!! Well, thanks to the random number picker, I have a winner!

Congratulations to pastormac's ann!!

Love that beautiful baby blanket!

I'll be in touch to find out what type of prize you would like! Thank you to all who entered! I am truely honored that you all chose to visit my site! And it definately made my week to read all the wonderful comments that you left!!

So, this being Halloween, I thought I'd share some pictures from Heather's party yesterday. She was a princess riding a unicorn, LOL!! And yup, that's me in the blue. Can anyone guess what I am???

Happy Halloween!

Christmas is Coming!

And will be here sooner than you think!! I know.....it's only Halloween, but I thought I'd warn you! LOL!! I also wanted to show you all the really cute Holiday items I have just listed on my website! (These are just a few, click the link to see more!) They are mostly hats, all custom made and available in sizes from infant to adult! Just think what great gifts these will be and how they will put you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit! Most are available in the traditional Red-White-Green color combo for Christmas or a Blue-White combo for Hanukkah! If you'd like a different color combo....like maybe your school colors or favorite football team, just email me and I'll see what I can do!! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Why Buy Jaybird Designs?

If you’re tired of paying top dollar at the department stores for poorly made, mass-produced clothing, let Jaybird Designs help. For over 5 years, we’ve been producing handmade crocheted clothing and accessories that are trendy, fanciful, and unique. Whether you’re looking for a made to order crochet hat or the perfect baby shower gift, a custom crocheted baby blanket, Jaybird Designs has the perfect product for your needs.

Or, if you’re someone with a knack for doing it yourself, you can purchase one of our easy-to-follow online crochet patterns. Simply purchase the pattern; download the PDF file; and you’ll be on your way to creating your own trendy crochet clothing from the comfort of your home. Additionally, we post one free online crochet pattern each month for your convenience and enjoyment. So, check back often!

When you shop with Jaybird Designs, you know you’ll always get the highest quality of crochet clothing and original crochet patterns. Since all of our boutique clothing is 100% handmade, they are built to last longer with lots of attention to detail. The simple truth is department store clothing can’t come close to matching the quality of handmade items.

But finding the right clothing is about more than just quality. It’s about finding one-of-a-kind designs that make people look. We have a unique, hand-sewn style that can’t be found anywhere else. Why settle for the old, tired department store looks when you can sport one of our eye-catching crochet hat and scarf sets instead?

Our designs have been featured in several top crochet magazines including Crochet World and Crochet Today. This is a testament to our innovation and quality in design.

Take a look through our online store to experience the benefits of handmade crochet clothing and orignal crochet patterns firsthand. From crochet baby blankets and hats to women’s crochet accessories, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. Also, check back often as we offer free online crochet patterns monthly! Shop Jaybird Designs today!

Remember, if you aren’t wearing Jaybird Designs, you might as well be naked as a Jaybird!

October Free Crochet Pattern - Glamour Girl Scarf

Here it is! Sorry it took so long! Again, please respect my copyright and if you want a PDF, downloadable version of the pattern you can get it HERE on my website! There are more pictures in that version! Happy crocheting!

Glamour Girl Scarf
By Jennifer J. Cirka/Jaybird Designs
For those who shine like STARS!

Materials

MC: Cascade Yarns Sierra, 80% Prima Cotton & 20% Merino Wool, Sierra Pink – or any worsted weight yarn
CC1: Cascade Yarns Sierra, 80% Prima Cotton & 20% Merino Wool, Sierra Magenta – or any worsted weight yarn
CC2: Patons Allure, 100% Nylon, Ebony – or any novelty/fur yarn
I-9 / 5.5 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle

Finished Size
One size
Gauge
Not important

Pattern (scarf is worked in two parts both starting at the beginning chain)
With MC, ch 18

Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and each ch across (17sc)

Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc now and throughout pattern). Sk 2 sts, {[2dc, ch1, 2dc] in next st, sk 4 sts} 2 times. [2dc, ch1, 2dc] in next st. sk 2 sts, dc in last st. (3 fan sets)

Row 3: ch3, turn. (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in each ch-1 sp. Dc in turning ch.

Row 4-30: repeat row 3.

Row 31: change to CC1. ch3, turn. (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in each ch-1 sp. Dc in turning ch.

Row 32-35: repeat row 3. Finish off at end of row 35.

With RS facing, join MC yarn with a sl st to first unused loop of beginning ch. Sc in same st and each st across. (17sc). Repeat rows 2-35 for second side of scarf. Do not finish off at end of row 35.
Row 36: Scarf Trim. ch1, turn. Sc in each dc and 3sc in each ch-1 sp across. Turn 90 degrees and place 2sc in the end of each row. Turn again and sc in each dc and 3sc in each ch-1 sp across. Turn 90 degrees and place 2sc in the end of each row. Finish off and weave in ends.


Fuzzy Ruffle (make 2, one at each end of scarf)
Row 1: With CC2, attach yarn with a sl st to first sc of row 36. Ch3, dc in each st across. (23dc)

Row 2-3: ch3, turn. Dc in each dc across. Finish off an weave in ends at the end of row 3.

NOTE: I find that when working with fuzzy yarns it is easier to place your dc in between the sts of the previous row. Just keep counting to make sure you have the correct number.
Want a matching hat?

This scarf perfectly matches the Sweet Shells Hat from my Beanie Collection set of patterns!


Copyright
Copyright 2008 by Jennifer J. Cirka (aka Jaybird Designs) all rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use or for gifts only! Sales of this finished product are discouraged. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the author. Please feel free to link back to this pattern.

Bloggy Carnival Time!

First, let me say THANK YOU to everyone who has left me a comment or taken the time to email me concerning my dear, sweet Nola. It was all GREATLY appreciated!! I am doing much better now, and for the most part the tears have dried up.

But now it is time for something fun~It's Bloggy Carnival Time!! All you need to do is visit my website and post something about it here! What is your favorite product? Your favorite pattern? If you had tons of money....what would you buy? Which one of my models is just too cute to be true?? Anything! Just post!

Winner will be announced Friday, October 31st at 12 noon MST.

Now, I am sure you are asking....What can I win?? Well, how's this sound? You can have your choice of two surprize packages! First, you could choose a "Crocheter's Dream Care package" which could easily include patterns, hooks, yarns, or any type of crochet-related item! And if you are not a crocheter, you could choose the "Surprise Gift" which could be something I've made, yummy smelling bath products, or even a gift certificate somewhere!! Sound good? Then what are you waiting for?? Get POSTING!

Happy Monday!


More giveaways at the Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival!

In Loving Memory

Nola Rizzo Chalupiak Cirka

8/1996 - 10/2008

Sick Kitty

In all my posts about my animals I forgot to introduce you to my kitty, Nola. Nola has been my baby for a very long time now. She is 12 years old!! A long haired tabby, she has always been emotional and I fondly called her "My emotional middle child" when I had three cats. My stress level has always been reflected in her.....she'll puke or have other strange behaviors.

This little girl made the move with me from PA to Colorado back in 1996. She absolutely loved the car ride! We moved in an old '64 Chevy pickup, so there was my ex, me, and two cats all in the front bench seat!! The cats would sit on a large pillow at passenger window height and watch all the cars go by. Sometimes they would even get daring and lay across the dashboard! OH!! What a memorable trip!

She stayed with me after the divorce and put up with a lot from me! Namely a few dogs, LOL!! First there was my sister's dog who lived with us for a while. She did not care for Rosie one little bit and ended up living in my bedroom...I had to move her food and litterbox to my closet! Then when we had a roommate before Heather came, his dog Na-Nook lived with us. Na-Nook was very well behaved and Nola would tolerate her and roam about the house as normal. Now we introduced Cash. She does NOT like him....mainly because he is extremely fasinated with her. Nola has taken to living in my craft room....either in the closet, under the sewining machine, or up on a shelf by the window. She was getting better and braver. Once Cash is locked in his kennel for the night, she would venture out into the house and I have caught her back in my bed a few nights.

Then Thursday night when I went to snuggle her, she didn't seem right. Listless....no purring....just "not right". I went to give her her dinner and realized that she hadn't eaten any from the night before. I'll tell you....I was worried! My baby was sick! I ended up staying up with her for a while and snuggling until she ran off an hid from me. Friday I checked on her more often and she still didn't seem right so I took her to the vet last night. He had us take her immediately to the Emergency Animal Hospital!!! So that's where I spent most of my evening last night. She ended up spending the night there.

It appears that she may have some kind of kidney infection. She is extrememly dehydrated and will not eat or drink on her own. Her temperature is also low and she is not regulating it on her own. They are giving her antibiotics and keeping her in a heated cage with hot water bottles to keep her warm!! UGHHHHHHHHHH!! I don't know what to do!! Luckily we have some money saved, but I am getting really close to my budgeted amount for her. I'm so scared that I'm gonna have to put her down!!

And worse of all is explaining it all to Heather. She loves the cat even though Nola only tolerates her! LOL! Heather spent all evening last night with me at the hospital and says she's "sad" that Nola had to spend the night. How do I tell her if I have to have Nola put down?? She keeps asking me (right now) when we are going to go and bring her home. How do I tell her that we might not?? And I really need to stop all these tears before she sees me! LOL!!

Sorry for the long post....I just needed to get all this off my chest. I can't seem to find a picture of her right now...sorry. But thanks for listening.

Busy Busy!!

Sorry I didn't post yesterday! I've been busy working, LOL!! Thought I'd share my current to-do list with all of you!

~First I am working on a trade with Lisa of Knot Your Average Bow. I am making her daughter a beanie/scarf set with matching beanie for her American Girl doll. In exchange, I will be getting some bows and headbands! How cool! I love trading! I am also planning on making this my free pattern for October! My goal is to have the pattern up tomorrow! Wish me luck!

~My halloween costume! I will be Grumpy Care Bear. I found a blue sweatsuit and matching yarn. I plan on crocheting myself a hat with bear ears, crocheting the tummy badge, and making a pom-pom tail. My mom loved the idea so much she wants one too!! She is looking to see what color sweats she has so that we can figure out which Care Bear to be! She better hurry up....I'll need to have it in the mail to her by Monday if she wants it in time!

~I also have two items to make to send off for reviews. Hopefully I can get them done soon.

Other than that, some other....non-crochet....jobs I need to get done include taking my broken TV down to get packaged so that I can mail it off to be repaird. What a PITA! I also have to pick up my vacuum from the repair shop, and it's time to pack up all the summer clothes and pull out the warmer stuff! I also REALLY, REALLY need to clean my sewing/craft room! It is a disaster!

Whew! So that is what I'll be up to over the next few days. I'll post when I can!

New JBD Ravelry Group!

Are you a member of Ravelry yet?? If not, what are you waiting for?? It's only the BEST social network for knitter, crocheters, and yarn lovers out there!! And you can find me there too under the id Jaybird!

I finally started my own little group there! Jaybird's Nest is for crocheters who are working on JBD patterns, my published patterns, and my friends! I’ll stop by daily to answer questions and to keep you updated on my latest patterns!

And who know!?!? Maybe I'll give away free things too!! So, stop by and join Jaybird's Nest asap!

Do you Twitter?? And Crochet??? Palin too!

I'm looking for some fellow crocheters to follow on Twitter!! Come and check out my page.....follow me and I'll follow you!!! I try to update it as often as I can!!



Also, remember this post about Obama coming to my town, Grand Junction? Well, it took a while, but the republicans will be here tonight!! Sarah Palin will be speaking at Suplizio field! You can read more about it here. Now, she may not be speaking at such a neat location as Obama, but I have a feeling that they had to choose the football field because I think this will have an even LARGER turnout....considering all the McCain/Palin signs I see in a ton of yards! I rarely see Obama ones. I'll definately be listening via the internet!

OK, it's Monday. That means I get to clean the house and do laundry. Yay for me, LOL!!!

Tangle Grand Opening!

Tomorrow I will be at the new location of Tangle Yarns here in Grand Junction! They are now located at 525 Main Street and are having their Grand Opening Celebration tomorrow, Saturday the 18th, from 10am to 4!!

I will be there with hook in hand working on a sample BJ's Baby Blanket for a class I will be teaching there next month! Stop by and say HI!!

See all the wonderful new yarns they have stocked, browse the sales, and they'll even have FOOD!!! I'll be there to answer your crochet questions and visiting!! Hope to see you there!

The New BooBoo

Well, we've been having a difficult time teaching Heather about doggie etiquette with Mr. Cash. She doesn't understand that doggies don't think like people do! She wants to constantly hug him and kiss him and get in his face. Well, it finally happened yesterday. He snapped at her and managed to catch a little skin. He didn't break the skin, but did scrape her pretty good and gave her a nice shiner!

The scariest part for me was how close this booboo is to her eye!! I was upset...understandably! And really wasn't in the mood for the "talk" I got from my husband when he got home from work.

So now we are starting a few new practices in our house. Heather is now in charge of giving Cash his breakfast and dinner plus all "cookies". Maybe if he thinks of her as his food source he will be more gentle with her. But it really isn't his fault...she did scare him while he was sleeeping! Let's not hope it happens again......

Clean Up Day!

Look what Heather and I spent all day Friday doing!! We cleaned the playroom!

Before:

After:

Hot off my Hook!

I just finished this sweet sweater for my niece's birthday this week!! It's a pretty soft, baby pink cardi designed by Anji Beane. I made a few changes and made it mid-hip length for her.

I also listed two things in my etsy shop today! One of my design groups, etsyFAST, had a challenge this month with the theme of CANDY! YUM!! So I listed some fun, candy-box colored flower hair pins and a sweet raspberry truffle crochet beanie!

Now I officially do not have anything that I HAVE to make! Maybe I should make something for myself??? HMMMMM.....any suggestions?

Officially STUCK!!

OK, I haven't posted lately about my weight loss adventure because my body is completely stuck where it is right now!! I can't seem to break the 160lb mark!! It's very frustrating, but in a way nice, LOL!! It seems that as long as I eat somewhat healthy and keep walking in the evenings, my body is perfectly comfortable at this weight. I can have that small piece of cheesecake or some cookies and not worry about it really affecting my weight.

Now, my mind is another story. Am I happy at 160? Do I want to stay in a size 14 jean? I'm not sure. I COULD kick up my exercising......I COULD go back to eating more fruits and veggies and counting calories....but do I want to? I'm not sure. Especially with the holidays right around the corner, LOL!!

So, that is where I am right now. And I'm sure this was also part of my depression the other day. I'm just happy that I am tall and hide my wight well! And it's also a great "pick-me-up" to go clothes shopping in a plus-size store and wear the smallest size they offer!! All the other women there are wishing they had MY body!!

Oh....and for you crocheters out there....I've reduced some of my pattern prices!! Go check them out!

Ever have one of THOSE days?

Well, I did yesterday! It seems that about a week before "Aunt Flo" comes to visit I get into a funk. Definately a little depression going on here! Even though I know it is coming, I still get taken by surprise! I sit on the couch, eat too much "comfort" food, and sleep!

So yesterday my focus was on Jaybird Designs. Why do my sales suck so much? What am I doing wrong? Should I change my concept? Quit altogether? All these things rush through my mind and I ended up doing a lot of thinking.

So, here is what I came up with. I'm planning on focusing more on my original crochet patterns. I want to finish up my Christmas presents and make some things for myself first. Then I plan on re-writing some of my previous patterns. I've learned so much lately that I'm sure there are tons of errors in my older patterns! Then I'll get busy and write new ones and getting more published! YAY! All the items I make while writing the patterns will be sold on etsy, my website, and the Pink Zebra in Texas. I really think I need to get out of the "boutique-y" part of my business since I can't seem to sell any custom made items and even have a really hard time selling my finished objects. What do you all think?

Even thought yesterday was a "yucky" day, I am feeling much better about life today. I'm going to look into advertising more on crochet-related sites (if you know of any, send me a link!!) and just simply enjoy crocheting more. But first I need to finish up my niece's birthday present....gotta have it in the mail by Monday!!

Have a GREAT day!

Wordless Wednesday - "I got me an elephant!"

I've Been Interviewed!!

Come and check out my interview over at Bizziemommy! Click on the picture and it will take you right to it!

Scheduling?

Do you have a "schedule"? I do, well....sorta! I know that on Monday's I do laundry and clean the house. On Tuesday's I volunteer at Heather's school and go grocery shopping. On the second and fourth Wednesday of the month I try to hit my local MOPS meeting. Nothing really planned on Thursdays....so as you can guess I get the majority of my crocheting done then! Friday's Heather doesn't have school so we usually try to do something fun and I usually manage to wipe the bathroom and kitchen down again and vacuum the living room. Weekends are daddy time or lazy time!

My schedule can change, like if I get sick or something. But usually this is what I do. I need it....or else I would never get anything done! I HATE to clean, so if I know that I HAVE to do it on a certain day, it makes it a little easier on me.

I also schedule my dinner menu for the week. Now, I don't necessarily have what I wrote down for dinner on that particular night, but I do know 7 meals that I have all the ingredients for at the beginning of the week. So even though my calendar may say we are having tacos for dinner tonight, I may want them tomorrow instad and will have tomorrow's scheduled chicken for dinner tonight. Makes grocery shopping A LOT easier! Plus saves on the pocketbook with not buying stuff I don't need.

So, yes, I am a scheduler and I admit it. But I am a LAZY one! LOL!! How about you?

RIP Spot

Do you remember when I introduced you all to my fish Spot? Well, he seemed a little "funny" this morning sitting at the bottom of the tank. Well, we had visitors and when I came back down here to check emails, I looked over and there he was! Upsidedown at the bottom and he seems to have turned black! I won't gross you out with pictures! EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! Now what do I do? He's too big to flush. And I don't even think my little fish net will hold him!

I wonder what the average lifespan of an African Ciclid is? I think he's at least 5 years old!! Was it old age? Something nasty come in the last batch of goldfish he ate? It does look like there is a "film" on the top of the water....tank need cleaned? Or is it just from him dying? No idea!!

Oh well, rest in peace little guy! I'll miss you trying to splash me while I am on the computer! Ok, so hubby just called...he wants me to take him out and bury him in the backyard!!!! Anyone want to come and help?

And does anyone think it's tacky that I'm making fishsticks for dinner????

Mister Cash!

Yes, he is a dog (AKC Greyhound)....but he is also part horse and part cat! LOL!! He definately has sleeping down to an artform....and has beds in each of the main rooms in the house!! The living room, the bedroom, and right next to my computer! LOL!! (The picture is the living room bed) I've never known a dog to sleep so much!! We get along PERFECTLY!!

Jaybird Designs Features “Think Pink” Items for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jennifer J. Cirka

sales@jaybird-designs.com

http://www.jaybird-designs.com/

Jaybird Designs Features “Think Pink” Items for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Grand Junction, Colorado, October 1, 2008 - Jaybird Designs announced today the availability of new custom crocheted items with a portion of the sale price donated to The American Cancer Society.

Jaybird Designs, a mom owned and operated custom crochet boutique, features many unique crocheted and knitted designs for babies, children, and women. She specializes in crochet baby blanket sets, boutique style children's clothing and accessories, women's accessories, and original crochet patterns. The designer, Jennifer J. Cirka, is also a published crochet designer with beautiful designs published in major crochet magazines such as Crochet Today and Crochet World. She also has a leaflet of her designs in the works with Leisure Arts. All Jaybird Designs items are handmade with quality materials and attention to details. Buyers are guaranteed that they are working with a professional and all Jaybird Designs items are of the finest boutique quality.

This new line of Breast Cancer Awareness items feature a beautiful crocheted skinny scarf and cozy slippers. The scarf makes the perfect gift for those amazing Breast Cancer Survivors or those still battling the disease and the pink hand crocheted slippers with an attached pink ribbon are the perfect item to show your support while still being comfy! All items can be found on the Jaybird Designs website under the Breast Cancer Research heading.

At the end of October, Jaybird Designs will be donating 50% of the sale price of these items to The American Cancer Society in honor of her maternal grandmother who passed away from cancer in 1987.

“I always get sentimental each October thinking of my grandma. After all, she was the amazing woman who taught me to crochet! If it wasn’t for her, Jaybird Designs would not be in existence!” says Jennifer, who has been a stay-at-home mom for 5 years now. If your child is not wearing Jaybird Designs, they might as well be naked as a Jaybird!