March 7: A Tour through Crochet Country

Before I talk about today’s featured designers, I want to say a little about the two non-profit organizations we’re helping to support this month. Don’t forget to keep reading for some gorgeous eye candy from Jennifer Cirka and Annette Stewart.

1. Crochet Guild of America

All of our featured designers are either professional or associate professional members of CGOA. Donna and I are both individual members of CGOA, and Crochetville itself is a corporate member. We are very proud to help support this wonderful organization. I was proud to serve on the board of directors from 2009-2012 and as president from January 2011 through December 2012.

CGOA is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of crochet. For only a $35 membership fee, members get a print subscription to Crochet! magazine plus access to all the digital issues, our special Chain Link newsletter inserted into your print issue of Crochet!, discounts on classes at our two Chain Link conferences each year,

Later this year we plan to start an official Crochetville cyber-chapter of CGOA. Everyone is welcome to join our cyber chapter, regardless of where you live. Instead of chapter dues, we will encourage those who are able to join the national organization. We’ll also try to get groups together to attend the Indianapolis conference in July and the Charlotte, NC conference in October.

[button link=”http://www.crochet.org” size=”large” style=”info”]Click Here to Visit the CGOA Website[/button]

2. Project Night Night

We hope you’ll help us support Project Night Night this month. If you’re able to make a financial donation, please visit the Project Night Night website and make a donation directly to them.

We know how much Crochetville members love crocheting items for charity. Project Night Night would love to receive any crocheted blankets you would like to make this month. You can also visit their website for a mailing address.

If you choose to make any kind of donation to Project Night Night, please use this form to tell us about your contribution (blankets or dollars). Let’s have a big group total!

[button color=”teal” link=”https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bbw8bxFSzXmJzZS7wGJhHPgMC2EsQYvqOnohux1PgBQ/viewform” style=”info”]Add to the Project Night Night Donation Totals[/button]

Today’s Designers

Today is the last day of our first week of A Tour through Crochet Country. I hope you’ve had fun visiting everyone, and I hope you’ll be able to stay on the tour for the entire month. I’ve heard through the grapevine that there are many more exciting things coming up throughout the month.

[button link=”http://jaybirddesigns.com/”]Today’s Stop 1: Visit Jennifer Cirka [/button]

Jennifer Cirka of Jaybird Designs is a designer who sees the value of multiple income streams. She has had a book of girl’s sweater designs published by Leisure Art and her designs have been featured in a number of major crochet magazines such as Crochet Today, Crochet World, Crochet!, and Interweave Crochet. She also self-publishes many of her patterns which are available at places like Ravelry, Patternfish, and Etsy. In addition to design work, Jennifer also sells finished items such as women’s hats and accessories and the hugely popular infant portrait props for photographers.

Here’s a sneak peek at a couple of my favorites of Jennifer’s designs:

This design is perfect for when you want to make a special hand-made gift for a friend or family member. Add some hand-crafter soap, place it all in a pretty gift basket, and you have a spectacular present!

This is an adorable hat for that special young child in your life.

Jennifer’s offering a special discount on her independently-published patterns all month long, so you’ll definitely want to head over to her blog to get that coupon code!

 

[button link=”http://myauntiesyarnstudio.blogspot.com/”]Today’s Stop 2: Visit Annette Stewart [/button]

I spent some time on Annette’s blog and found out some very interesting information. Did you know she was the first person to pass CGOA’s Master of Thread course? Although that course is not currently available, that’s a pretty major accomplishment! Annette’s first published pattern was her Tunisian Ribbed Necklace and Earrings, appearing in the September 2009 issue of  Crochet! magazine. She has also won many ribbons at county fairs for her crochet work. There are so many wonderful crochet tidbits on her blog. Before you visit, you’ll probably want to grab a snack and your favorite beverage, and prepare to be enthralled.

Here are a couple of Annette’s designs to get your interest going.

While you could certainly make this scarf in any color, I love the hot pink color of Plymouth Yarn’s Encore Worsted, a blend of 75% acrylic and 25% wool.

I collect teapots. I also love to drink hot tea in the wintertime. This cute little tea pot cozy is actually a free pattern available for download on Annette’s blog.

Good-Bye Until Tomorrow

I hope you enjoyed today’s stops visiting with  Jennifer and Annette. Please come join us again tomorrow when we’ll visit with Andrea Graciarena and LeAnna Lyons.

[button link=”http://www.agmode.com/”]Visit Andrea Graciarena[/button] [button link=”https://www.facebook.com/leanna.lyons”]Visit LeAnna Lyons[/button]

Our Little Giveaway: Autographed Pattern Postcard

Todays’ entries are closed. Winners: Congratulations to Taralee Duffin and Cheryl Thoms!

Each day of A Tour Through Crochet Country, we’ll be giving away two promo postcards, one to each of two winners. These are only available at our 2013 consumer show booths, and will be autographed by both of us, Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka, co-owners of Crochetville! The postcard includes Amy Shelton’s exclusive X Marks the Spot scarf pattern.

To enter, please leave a comment below answering this question: Do you crochet items for use anywhere in your home (other than clothing and accessories)? If so, what sorts of things do you make?

The fine print: Must be 13 or older to enter. Entries must be received by 12:00 midnight Pacific time on the date of this post. Winners will be selected by random drawing and notified by email the following day. Void where prohibited by law.

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All photos used with permission or under the Fair Use Exclusion of US copyright law.