Contest Sponsor - SMARTSTART

Ok, I admit it....when Linda contacted me about being a sponsor for my contest, I became REALLY jealous!! I want to win this prize!! How cool is it that she is offering one hour of her time to personally chat with you about your business and goals!! I know many of my readers have etsy shops, sell at craft fairs, and would love to make money with their crocheting!!

If I haven't told you lately, I am really working on my business lately and learning everything I can about becoming successful. I've joined many online groups, followed many business experts on twitter, and connected with so many wonderful and knowledgeable people lately.

One of the groups I've joined is Professor Linda Lopeke's SMARTSTART. And wow!! What an amazing resource! She has set up "classes" that you can take online like how to correctly brand you business and how to set up a business plan. How cool is that?? You can take them whenever you want to! She even sends out a weekly audio postcard with a tip, trick, or resource that may help you and your business.

For example, this week's audio post card was for a service called Pitch Rate. I signed up for the service and actually found a local reporter looking for stories. I sent her an email about my new booklet with Leisure Arts, and guess who is going to be interviewed on Monday for her local online newspaper???? LOL!!!

So, I am happy that she has offered to sponsor my contest. You can follow Linda on Twitter.

More Voting!

It's time to vote for your favorite in crochet!! The Crochet Liberation Front is holding it's first Flamies Award! You can now go and vote for your favorite magazine, designer, and more!! Unfortunately I was not nominated, LOL!! Maybe next year???

You can vote HERE!

And read all about it at the Crochet Liberation Front Blog or Ravelry group!!

Left Handed Crocheting

So, last Saturday in my "Learn to Crochet" class at Tangle, I had a wonderful little girl who really wanted to learn this fun and wonderful artform! She was so sweet, and tried very hard, but unfortunately had two strikes against her. First, she was only 8 years old. Second, she was left handed!! She was my first ever left handed student and unfortunately I was not prepared. I really had no idea what to do to teach her. I had heard that sometimes they can learn by watching you work and sitting across from you, but that didn't work for us. Now, I know that children her age can learn to crochet, but she just wasn't able to do it. I did manage to show her how to chain, and that is what she worked on for the entire class.....making one big chain...with tons of twists and holes. (sigh) I felt aweful. I had failed her. So, to keep her from getting too frustrated and giving up, I whipped out my stash of magazines and books and showed her pictures of wonderful items she could make if she keeps practicing. That made her feel a little better and she loved looking at all the fun stuff to make!

Once I got home, I immediately emailed my crochet mentor Dee and asked her advice. She suggested that I learn to crochet left handed so that I have a better understanding of how they do it. SO the other night I made my first left handed cocheted dishcloth!! I am actually really surprised how well it turned out! It took a LONG time, but my stitches are relatively uniform and looks pretty good! I did catch myself doing some strange things...throwing the yarn around my hook like I was knitting and occassionally grabbing things with my right hand, but by the end I think I had it all down. What do you think?

Anyone have any other suggestions or resources for left handed crocheting?? I'd love to learn more!

Journal Modiste is giving away an autographed copy of my Top-sy Turvy Book this week!! Stop by and enter!

OOOOPS!!! #14

Somehow I missed entry #14!!! So if you would like to vote for her, leave you "I vote for #14" comment under this thread.....then go and posted that "I voted" under the other one for your chance at the random drawing.

Sorry about that!

Contest Entries

And finally it is time for the entries!! Please vote only once and leave ALL comments under this blog entry ONLY. You can read the rules here:

Contest Rules

And see a list of prizes here:

Contest Prizes

Thank you to all who entered!! I absolutely love seeing what you have made from my designs! Be sure to tell all your friends to come and vote...spread the word!



#1 Leprechaun Hat - Feb 2009, Crochet World Magazine


#2 Leprechaun Hat - Feb 2009, Crochet World Magazine


#3 Retro Rings Tam Hat


#4 Leprechaun Hat - Feb 2009, Crochet World Magazine


#5 Criss Cross Skinny Scarf


#6 Sweetheart Sweater - Top-sy Turvy


#7 Cupcake Scarf


#8 Glamour Girl Scarf


#9 Glamour Girl Scarf



#10 Heart Slider Choker


#11 Retro Rings Tam Hat


#12 Winter Bliss Earflap Hat


#13 Sassy Stripes, Top-sy Turvy

#14 Retro Rings Tam Hat

Contest Rules

RULES!
*One comment = one entry
*All comments should be posted under the picture list of finished items. Comments left under other posts will not be counted.
*Please be sure there is a way for me to contact you in EACH comment.
*Please vote for your favorite finished item. Please vote only once and leave one comment to let me know that you voted. (first entry)
*Become a follower of my blog and leave an additional comment. Already follow me?? Let me know in a comment. (second entry)
*Visit all my sponsors and let me know in one comment. (third entry)
*Let me know what your favorite prize is in one comment. (fourth entry)

~~~~Basically you have the opportunity have 4 entries~~~~

Voting is open until midnight on March 8th. Votes will be tallied and winners announced on Tuesday March 10th. Random Drawing prizes will be chosen via a Random Number Generator based on comment numbers.

Contest Prizes

Here is the list of prizes that can be won in the contest!! Please be sure to click on the links and visit my great sponsors and to check out their items! I will be doing detailed posts on each item during the duration of the contest.

First Place Finished Item
SmartStart one hour business consultation
Autographed copy of Top-sy Turvy by ME
Surprise box of yarn/crochet/knitting goodies
Handmade soap from Mollycoddle Soaps

Second Place Finished Item
Knitware Software
$20 Jaybird Designs Gift Certificate
Tea to Go Wallet from Sidhe Designs

Third Place Finished Item
Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten AND First Grade Books
$10 Jaybird Designs Gift Certificate

Consolation Prizes for all Entries Not Placed
$10 Jaybird Designs Gift Certificate

Random Drawings
Handmade Soap from Mollycoddle Soap
Handmade Scarf from JusShar Designs
Tiny Tote from AggieBags
Baby Beanie from Monarchdancer
$10 Jaybird Designs Gift Certificate

Win a Gift Certificate!

I've joined a new team over at etsy! The Eclectic Artisans!! They are an amazing bunch of talented artists with a touch of whimsy! And a bunch of the nicest women I've met lately!! Check out our new blog for your chance to win! And be sure to search EART Team at etsy!

And for those of you waiting for my BIG contest here, I hope to have it up and running by the end of the day!

How Cool!!

So, hubby and I were doing some research online about dogs and of course looked at Greyhound stuff. We found this site called greyhound-data.com and decided too look and see if Cash was on there. And guess what, HE WAS!! Look at this:

Cash's Pedigree

How cool!! You can see all his brothers and sisters and find out where they are currently. Now, they do have him down as being owned by Heather and Ron Cirka, LOL!! But this actually happens a lot to me. I think I get called Heather more than Jennifer some days, LOL!

Then you can even see his ancestory back to the 1800's!! 28 generations of males! Ok, so I just had to share this cool find with all of you.

BTW, he graduated top of his class at doggie school today. We are so proud of him....and he loves all his new toys that he won.

My Crochet Partner

Isn't he sweet!! I only wish he would stop snoring in my ear!

Entry Deadline Postponed

You now have until noon on Sunday to send me pictures for entries into my contest. And the prize list is getting bigger!! Just wait until you see what I have up my sleeve!!

I've also been working on a new formula for pricing my crochet patterns. Be sure to check them out....some are CONSIDERABLY lower!!!!

There are also two new hats in my etsy shop ready for shipping!!

Lots of Goodies!!

Have you seen the new banners popping up on your left?? I've got some awesome prizes donated so far with a few more to come!! Can you believe that you'll have the chance to win sweater design software???? I can't!! As soon as I find time to breathe, I'll definitely be checking it out!! Plus we've gotten donations for a scarf, some sweet handmade soaps, and a tote!! Be sure to click on their banners and see what else they have available!!

I have a few entries so far....but I'm greedy and WANT MORE!! So get them in as soon as possible!! I can't wait to see them all!!

OK, back to crocheting!!

HUGE! BIG! Mega Contest!!!

I've been so inspired lately by all of the amazing customer creations that I have been seeing that I decided to hold the biggest contest in Jaybird Designs history!!!! Are you ready?? I don't have all the details sorted out in my head yet, but here is the jist of it.

Have you made anything from a Jennifer J. Cirka/Jaybird Designs crochet pattern?? Then send me a picture!! (please size it no larger that 600x800) It can be from one of my published patterns, free patterns, or any pattern purchased from my website or etsy shop!! Send one entry per email to sales [at] jaybird-designs [dot] com. Be sure to include your name and a way to contact you. Deadline is Friday, February 20th at 12noon MST.

Then, next week the readers of my blog and newsletter will be voting on their favorite finished item! There will be prizes for the first, second, and third place winners by popular vote.

Now, for those of you who don't crochet, I haven't forgotten about you!! You will be given chances to win just for voting and doing some other random tasks, LOL!!

So, get those pictures into me as soon as possible so I can get the contest set up! Prizes will include gift certificates, yarn goodies, and whatever else I can think of!!! If you would like to donate a prize and become a sponser of this contest (which will include a banner ad on my blog and in my newsletters) email me at the address above!

Happy crocheting!

Crochet Swap!

I found a fun new crochet forum lately over at crochet mania! The girls there are super sweet and I had the fun of participating in their latest crochet swap!! Look at all the goodies I got!

* 3 skiens of Lion Boucle in Gelato (hmmm what to make???)
* 3 skiens of Peaches & Cream in Gum Drop, Fiesta, and Earthtone (I could use some new kitchen washcloths!)
* one skien Lion Magic Stripes in Denim (PRETTY!!)
* size 9 circular knitting needles (maybe I should practice my knitting when making those washcloths, LOL!!)
* A stunning wooden crochet hook (gotta figure out what size it is!)
* A leather hook case (can never have too many!)
* Coffee!!!! Yum!

Thank you so much to my swap partner Lisa!! I appreciate it!

Cash's Favorites

To All My Readers

Check out my Etsy Shop!!

Have you been there lately?? If not, let me tell you about a few changes I've made. I have moved all my ready-to-ship items there. So now my website only has my original crochet patterns, custom items, along with the new knitting and crocheting accessories. My etsy shop will now consist of my original crochet patterns and ready-to-ship items.

Right now I have my winter-ish items on sale, so be sure to check them out!! And to start my new spring designs I have just listed this sweet lilac cap. It will easily fit both girls and women! It is a wonderful lace design and features a detachable purple flower pin!

Have a great weekend!

Just In ~ Customer Cutie

OMG!!! Isn't she the cutest thing ever!! Meet little Miss Ella!! She is 10.5 months old and the lucky winner of my sample Sweetheart Cap from the Boutique Felony launch. Thank you so much mommy Dawn for sharing your little sweetheart with me and my blog readers!

Another Customer Creation

I met a wonderful woman named Josie over on Ravelry!! She has been crocheting up a storm with my Leprechaun Hat!! She's made one for each of her grandchildren! Aren't they adorable!

And CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Josie too! Grandbaby #5 was just born on the 8th!!! I think this little guy may need a hat too!

Support Jaybird Designs in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Support Jaybird Designs in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

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Rainbow Vest

So, even though the sweater is too small, Heather still wanted it. So, with a few alterations, she can actually wear it as a vest. She is currently in LOVE with anything rainbow, can you tell??? I still wish I knew what I did wrong. Guess head colds and crocheting don't go too well together! LOL!!

And here is a new picture of my little boy. Isn't he the sweetest! LOOK at those eyes!

Customer Creations

Some of my AWESOME crochet friends have started making designs from my Top-sy Turvy book.

They are sure quick!

Wendy made her daughter a beautiful Sweetheart Sweater out of some amazing tangerine and purple yarns!! I LOVE this color combo! WTG Wendy!!! Unfortunately her daughter doesn't care for it...she wants the pink! Ahhhh!!! Gotta love their stubborn opinions at this age! So, looks like she is selling this one in her etsy shop. It's a size 7/8 and a steal at only $25!! And I KNOW how much time this baby took to make!!!

Also, the amazing Sandy of Sandyfroglegs Designs made a Sassy Stripes Sweater for her granddaughter. How fun is this going to be for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July!!! I can't wait to see pictures of it on!!

Now, I am making one of the Sassy Stripes sweaters (size 6) for Heather. Unfortunately it looks like it will be too small for her. Frustrating how the editors change patterns so much! So, if anyone is interested in a rainbow themed Sassy Stripes Sweater in approximately a size 2/4, let me know. I'll sell it for cosgt of supplies, LOL!! I will admit that I have had a nasty head cold the last few days, so it is possible that I messed up somewhere.

Sandy did say that she had to go up to a slightly heavier yarn, Red Heart, to meet gauge. On mine, I am using a mix of Simply Soft and Red Heart Soft yarns. With my H hook I am at a gauge of 16sc x 21 rows = 4", which is larger than the gauge given in the book...but yet mine is coming out small. If it helps, the original pattern was written in Peaches n Creme yarn (H hook) with a gauge of 13sc x 15 rows = 4".

Do you have any pictures of items made from my designs?? Comments welcome too! Let me know! I'd love to feature them on my blog too!!

February Free Crochet Pattern ~ Heart Slider Choker

Here it is!! Your free crochet pattern for February!! And you still have plenty of time to whip up one to wear for Valentine's Day! This pattern has not been tested, so please let me know of any errors. Also, please respect my new copyright! (I do give you permission to use a picture from this pattern to promote it on your own blog or website via a link.) You can get a pdf copy here.

Copyright This pattern is for personal use only. You may not reproduce, transmit, or distribute this pattern in any form. This consists of ALL parts of the pattern including -but not limited to- images, diagrams, and text. You may print out copies for your own, personal use, but they can not be distributed for free, sale, or through any form or any venue, including –but not limited to- photocopying, other electrical or mechanical means, recording or any other information storage and retrieval systems. All violations of this copyright are punishable by law and include fines and/or imprisonment. Copyright © 2009 Jennifer J. Cirka/Jaybird Designs

Heart Slider Choker
By Jennifer J. Cirka/Jaybird Designs
Whip one of these up for Valentine’s Day

Materials
• Necklace: Patons Brilliant, 69% Acrylic - 19% Nylon - 12% Polyester, 1.75 oz / 50 g, 166 yd / 152 m, color – 03023 Gold Glow
• Heart: Crochet Cotton size 3, color - red
• C-2 / 2.75 mm crochet hook
• Small Button
• Needle and Thread
• Yarn needle

Finished Size
Fits approximately a 13” neck (easily add/subtract chains for a custom fit)
Gauge
Not important

Choker Pattern
Row 1: with gold, ch 91. sc in second ch from hook and next 9 sts. Ch 70, sk next 70 chs, sc in last 10 chs.

Row 2: ch1, turn. Sc in first 10 sts, ch70, sk ch-70 sp, sc in last 10 sts.

Row 3-4: Repeat row 2.

At the end of row 4, ch5 and join with a sl st to last sc of row 1. This will form your button loop. Finish off and weave in ends.

Heart Pattern

Row 1: ch2, sc in second ch from hook. Ch1, turn. (1sc)
Row 2: 3sc in row 1. ch1, turn. (3sc)
Row 3: 2sc in first sc, sc in next 1 sts, 2 sc in last sc. Ch1, turn. (5sc)

Row 4: 2sc in first sc, sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in last sc. Ch4, turn. (7sc)

Row 5: tr in first sc, ch1, sk next sc, tr in next 3 sts. Ch1, sk next sc, 2tr in last sc. Ch1, turn. (7 tr –counts turning ch, 2 ch-1 sps)

Row 6: sc in each st and ch sp across. Ch1, turn. (9sc)
Row 7: sc in first st, *ch1, dc in next st, 2tr in next, sc in next, ch1*, sl st in next. Repeat from * to * one time. Sc in last st. Ch1, turn work and evenly sc around outside edge of heart, placing a picot at the point. Join with a sl st to first sc. Finish off and weave in ends.
Finishing

With RS facing, insert choker from back to front through the right slit in the heart. Insert choker from front to back through the left slit. Sew button onto end of choker without the button loop.

Copyrights

Ok, what does this mean to you??
The legal purchaser of this pattern is granted license to crochet this item and sell the finished product for profit on a limited basis. Pattern credit is always appreciated. The pattern itself may NOT be shared or reproduced in any form without prior consent of the author.

This is my standard copyright on my purchased patterns and some other "special use" patterns. To me it means that if you buy this pattern, you can make a few of the items...about half a dozen...and sell them to make money. It would also be really nice if you thank the pattern designer in your ebay, etsy, or wherever you sell it, description. It also tells me that I can NOT give my friend Beth a copy of this pattern. I can NOT post this pattern on a blog, newsletter, or anywhere on the world wide web. I can NOT sell copies of this pattern....period. Not on the web, not the printed version.

Does it say anything else to you?? Am I missing something?? Do I need to make it clearer and more detailed on what you can and can not do with this pattern?

Here is a nice article on copyright guidelines.

Now, I do have a separate copyright on my FREE patterns:
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.

I think it may be time for me to update my copyright wording on my patterns. I found an illegal posting of one of them today and am upset about the whole situation. Hopefully the accused will do the right thing, but perhaps I need to "step it up" a notch too and make my copyrights more up-to-date.

I'm Fabulous!!

Did you know that??? Cindy told me so, LOL!! Thank you Cindy!! I needed this today and appreciate it!

Now I have to select 5 blogs and pass this award down. If I leave you a note saying that I am giving you this award then you can come back here and save this award to your own hard drive. Then post it to your blog with a link back to my blog. After that you can create a post with your selections of five bloggers and that is all there is to it.

My picks....
1. Trevor
2. Lisa
3. Cora
4. Robin
5. Jennifer

Support Jaybird Designs in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Support Jaybird Designs in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

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Win a Washcloth Set!!

I'm giving away 2 organic washcloth sets over at the Go Natural Baby Blog! Be sure to enter for your chance to win!!

Or, you can purchase your own here!

Fingers Crossed!!

OH!! What an amazing contest!! I am soooooo keeping my fingers crossed that I win! How cool would it be to win a Flip Video Camera from Craftymamaof4 and Newbaby.com!! Just think of all the great things I could post here!! Crochet instruction videos.....problem stitch combos....and just plain FUN stuff!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me......PLEASE!!!

Momalicious Monday ~ Sweet Dreams

I don't know about you, but when I became a mom, I also received some super hero powers!! SUPER HEARING! Especially in the middle of the night. I could hear the littlest sound and wake from a dead sleep!

And now, even 6 years after my daughter was born, I still have this power. Yes, she has finally been sleeping in her own bed (BTW, it only took 5 years for this to happen!) and only {usually} wakes me one time a night, I still have a hard time remembering the last time I slept through the night without getting out of bed.

Right now, it isn't helping that out new dog thinks he needs to go out in the middle of the night. And of course I am the only one who hears him, thus I am the one to get up and let him out. Or that once he comes in, he is so cold that he crawls in bed with hubby and I. Or that he MUST sleep with his head on the pillow and likes to stretch those long legs of his....usually right into my chest...or on my head....or in my stomach!

So, all I'm asking for on this Monday is a full nights sleep. Uninterrupted. Warm and snuggly. All by myself. Sleep. Yeah....that's what I need right now! Sleep! Here's wishing all of you sweet dreams too!

Please stop by The Gift Closet to read more Momalicious Monday posts and blog your own post to win some great prizes!

Superbowl Sunday!

It's here!! Now, I may not care for football much, but spending the first 22 years of my life near Pittsburgh kinda makes you a Steeler fan no matter how hard you try!! So of course I will be spending my evening watching the Super Bowl! GO STEELERS!

Now, to celebrate, my hubby asked me to make some perogies to eat! YUM!! Now, every time I try to make them they just never turn out as good as I remember! And even though hubby's dad makes them every week at his church, I just don't need a recipe that feeds hundreds!! So I have been on the lookout for the best perogi recipe I can find. And I think I found it yesterday!

Perogi recipe

I made some for dinner last night and they were yummy!! And since I still made too much potato filling, I think I will make more today to eat and give away! SO many people here in western Colorado have never even heard of them, LOL!! I may have to try some other fillings too...hubby wants sour kraut! ewwww!!! Sorry hun, I'm a potato girl!

OK, I also said I'd pick the winner of my bloggy giveaway today. The winner is Lori - Lori said...

Topsy Turvey. And I love the pattern on the cover. I want my husband to make it (he's the crochet-er) for our daughter.

Please contact me with your mailing address and I'll get the booties out to you asap!! Thanks to all who participated!

Ok, time to get to work on those perogi and we also have doggie school today! Have a great one!