Monday Memo - Sales, RTS and Pattern of the Week!

Good Monday Morning! My morning started bright and early at around 4:00 am. I'm going to have a long week adjusting to hubby's early work schedule. I'm a night owl! Had a super busy week with VBS at my Church last week and the next two weeks the kids have some summer fun swimming lessons in the mornings. So I haven't had a chance to work on my new pattern ideas as much as I'd like.

 I am working on a fun Build your own ("secret") pattern :) - I think you'll enjoy it very much! I have a few other things I need to finish too like the dragon/dino pattern and I know many of you want the beagle alternate pattern I just have to catch up on orders first.

This week's Pattern of the week concludes my June theme of "On the Farm" with the 

Lil Grey Mouse pattern 

You can get it in my instant download shop on Ravlery for only $2.99 

(discount will automatically be applied at check out! )

Any guesses to next months theme for pattern of the week? 

 Since its going to be another hot summer I though we'd cool off with a winter theme of

 Christmas in July! 

I have to apologize if you've been trying to get bundle deals in Ravlery and couldn't get it to work! 

I had it set to only the cape patterns but I hadn't added the new ones to the list so it's wasn't working right. To make it easier there are no restriction on what patterns in my shop you can get. It can be any at any pattern at any price.  If a pattern is $4.50 instead of $5.95 then you will get the bundle for even less.  Let's just call it a special gift from me for buying through Ravelry! 

So go ahead an splurge on some patterns instantly downloaded to your email! Just enter the appropriate code at checkout and make sure you have the right amount of patterns :) 

Click here for my Ravelry shop ! 

Don't crochet!?! I've got a whole album of some lovely one of a kind hats for Nb photography! 

These are a great deal and include free shipping. You can check out the album on Facebook .

Here are a few of my favorites That are ready to ship! 

Have a great week!!! 

Free Pattern - Fear The Beard!

Beard Beanies has been quiet popular for a while now. Living her in OKC with the Thunder basketball in the finals you might have seen or heard the term Fear the Beard! This is in reference to one of our great Thunder players James Harden! His signature look is a mohawk with a long beard! There are beards popping up on buildings and I've even seen a few crochet beards yarn bombed around town! It's so fun. As a huge basketball fan and OKC Thunder fan I had to write out a quick simple pattern so you can show your support too!

This is only in one size right now because I'm super busy. If I find time during the finals I'll try to write up other sizes but I'll try to leave a few tips to help those who want to make other sizes too!

"Fear the Beard!"
Add This to your Ravelry Favorites!! 

Materials : 

J- Hook - Worsted Weight Black yarn 

*Note- you'll be working with two strands at the same time. 

*Substitutions Bulky #5 or even use one strand fun fur and one strand worsted for a fuzzy beard look!

* Turning chain doesn't count as a st in the st count at end of rows(#)

Sized for Toddler - Child 

9 inches from ear to ear , 4 inches long

Row 1 - ch 28, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn (27) 

Row 2 - sc in 1st 10 sts, ch 7, sk next 7 sts, sc in last 10 sts, ch 1, turn (20 sts, 1 ch 7 space)

Row 3 - sc in 1st 10 sts, 7 sc in ch 7 space, sc in last 10 sts, ch 2, turn (27) 

Row 4 - dc dec over the 1st 2 sts, dc in next 11 sts, dc dec over the next 2 sts, dc in next 10 sts, dc dec over the last two sts, ch 2, turn (24)

Row 5 - 2 dc dec over the next 4 sts, dc in next 16 sts, 2 dc dec over the next 4 sts, ch 2, turn (20)

Row 6 - dc dec over the 1st 2 sts, dc in next 7 sts, dc dec over the next 2 sts, dc in next 7 sts, dc dec over the last 2 sts, ch 2, turn (17) 

Row 7 - dc dec over the 1st 2 sts, dc in next 4 sts, dc dec over the next 2 sts, dc in next st, dc dec over the next 2 sts, dc in next 4 sts, dc dec in over the last 2 sts, ch 1, DO NOT TURN (13)

Edging:  sc up the side of the bear to about row 5, ch 8, join to edge of row 1, sl st across the top of row 1 to opposite corner, ch 8, sl st to row 5 (make sure it's even with opposite side), continue to sc around the rest of the side and bottom of the beard, sl st to join to 1st sc, fasten off and weave in ends. 

If you need a smaller or larger beard measure from top of ear under the nose to opposite ear. That is how wide it will need to be, make the ch space large enough for your mouth. Adjust length as needed and keep decreasing on the ends of the rows!. Be sure to check the length of chains to go around the ears too!  It will come out great I promise!!   

I did make one for me and hubby before this pattern and it measures 11 across by 6 long - Using a K hook, but that was free hand so this pattern may not come out that way but you're welcome to try and let me know :) 

Don't crochet and want to print one up for fun! Here is a link to our local news station's free printable! 

Click Here for a Beard Like Harden!

If you have any questions or find an error in the pattern please feel free to leave a comment below or use the contact tab to email me direct! Enjoy!

Copyright ©2012 Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations All rights reserved. These instructions may not be photocopied or reproduced in any manner. They may not be sold. I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete. I cannot, however, be responsible for human error, or variations in individual work.

Actual finished product may be sold. My Etsy shop name ID and URL web page address must be mentioned in listing or wherever item is displayed: Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations by Elisabeth Spivey http://www.calleighsclips.com 

Emma June Photography

     One of the hardest things for me is finding fabulous photographers. I've been blessed to work with many over the past year. I can't tell you how many emails a day I get of photographers asking to work with me. It's a little overwhelming! While I do work with photographers at random I like to have a few I can always go to!

      I've recently had the opportunity to get to know Dawn of Emma June Photography! We had a commonality because she used to live in Oklahoma City and she crochets her own props for her photography. She's tested many patterns for me and is great at finding small details I tend to miss! 

     She's graciously going through some of my older patterns and helping me get images for ones that I never had a chance to get done on a little baby for various reasons. (Will just call those learning experiences and lost in process props that I've not got around to making again.)

     She's already sent me some great photos to use (you can see those scattered through out this post!) I'm getting very excited to see more images of her fabulous work!  She really is a great newborn photographer! I hope to meet her if she ever comes back to OKC!  You can see more of her work on Facebook! Go give her page some love and let her know Calleigh's Clips sent ya! 

Now I know your going to ask!

How do you choose your photographers and how can I be a crochet pattern tester? 

1. I like to work with a few photographers exclusively. I always go to them 1st. If they can't do it I'll offer it up to another. 

2. I'm very picky! I don't just work with anyone. Props aren't free upfront for new photographers. I require a test process. 

     a. You must pay full price for one item

     b. Photograph it properly in use with in a few weeks of arrival.

     c. Send me 3-4 images of it in use at different angles and using proper lighting so you can see the     

         true colors of the prop. Think more product shoot than baby on a few shots

     d. If I love what you've done. I'll offer a refund of half the cost.

    e. After that if I do continue to work with you we'll work out a deal. 

The best advise I can give anyone when it comes to finding the right photographer

1. Find someone local. Do a little networking. 

2. Build a relationship with them. Keep a good line of communication. 

3. Be their go to prop person and give them extras :)

4. Their work is just as important as yours and that editing process is a lot of work too! 

5. Don't settle! If you don't care for a style of a photographer don't work with them. Love them or leave them! You need to find what works for you! 

Now back to pattern testers- How to do you choose?  

     I do have a few behind the scenes pattern testers, same as my photographers I go to them 1st. The others are chosen at random. I post on my Facebook wall and open it up to a few people. I try to choose different people every time. If you do a really good job then I just might contact you again. The problem I find is most people don't find the small stuff, punctuations, grammar, typos, spacing and more! I need those suggestions and corrections. After I've read the pattern for like the millionth time it starts to all look the same. That's why I like to put other eyes on it! So you just have to be in the right place at the right time. 

If you have more questions.  You're always welcome to ask ;)

What's New and On Sale This Week - Jun 11 - Jun 17

Good Monday Morning! I haven't had coffee yet so we'll see how this post goes... LOL !

Lots of exciting thing to share this week! 

The Pattern of the Week is.....

The Pink Piggy Cuddle Critter Cape

 You can get this pattern through Sun. June 17th for only $2.99 in my instant download shop on Ravelry!
(discount automatically applied at check out. Cannot be combined with other offers)

Photography by: Goodger Photography
Do not copy, save, print or download images!

NEW PATTERN RELEASED! 

Flower Garden Bonnet and Leaf Cape Cover

You can purchase this pattern on Sale through Wed. Jun 13th for $4.50 (reg 5.95) 

(no coupon needed, discount applied at check out, cannot be combined with other offers)

This pattern is the first I've release in multiple sizes. The Bonnet can be made nb up to 5+ Years 

the Cape is designed to fit 0-6 months and is easily adjustable to make larger if needed. 

I've got several out to be photographed and I'm looking forward to see these in action! 

Contest! 

I want to have a little contest with the Flower Bonnet! I want you to make one and use whatever color scheme you'd like and we'll put them in an album on Facebook . It will be our little flower garden! 

I'll randomly choose a few winners to receive free pattern of choice. It won't be a voting contest so any one has a fair chance to win. So make one up, take a picture of it and post it to the wall or email me your photo. I can't wait to see all your pretty flowers! 

The rest of my June is looking fairly busy with VBS, Swim Lessons and other Summer fun! 

I have some new designs in the works and hoping to work those out in the coming weeks but I may not be around online as much as I usually am! 

What's On New and On Sale This Week

Good morning! Lots of great thing to share with you this week!

Pattern of the Week

Fleecy The Lamb

You can purchase this pattern for only $2.99 Through Sunday June 10th at Midnight Central

(automatic discount applied at check-out no coupon needed)

New Item and Pattern Coming Soon

Flower Bonnet and Leaf Cape Cover

(bonnet in sizes nb - 1-5+ years) 

This Bonnet and cover will be so darling on your little newborns! 

I can't wait to see these in action! 

The possibilities of flowers are endless!

I wanted to give lots of inspiration so I made a Poppy, Daisy, Sunflower and Basic Rose Colored Bonnet. 

The Leaf Cover is design a little bigger than my other capes so that is can fit nb - 6 mo.

 It's easily adjustable to make it larger if needed. 

I couldn't help but share how cute my Calleigh looked in the sunflower! 

This would make a great costume or just a fun dress up accessory! 

The pattern is out with testers and might (fingers crossed) be ready to release this weekend. Definitely next Monday at the latest. 

If you don't want to miss it you can get a notice to your email with the brand new newsletter!

Click here to sign up! 

I'm going to attempt a Monthly newsletter maybe bi-weekly to let you know about upcoming sales, coupons and new patterns! There will be special coupons for newsletter subscribers! 

Why a newsletter? 

As many of you may have noticed Facebook doesn't always show everyone the posts. I generally only reach about 16-20 % of you and I know many of  you have missed sales! Especially one day specials and flash sales! If you don't want to ever miss out again this newsletter is perfect!! 

Last but not least! We are participating in a giveaway!!! 

Want to win three free patterns of choice from us!

Check out the "Humongous" Giveaway going on over at Snappy Tots! 

If you crochet there are tons of great prizes all related to crochet!! 

Have a great week!!! 

Free Pattern - Crochet Costume Mask & Bracelets for Ninja Turtles

Costume Masks & Bracelets 
An add on for my popular Hatchling Turtle Cuddle Critter Cape Pattern

by: Elisabeth Spivey - Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations

http://calleighsclips.com

I've been wanting to share an add on alternative for my Turtle Pattern for a long time.

( I know many of you already have the pattern but if you don't you can purchase it in my Ravelry shop) 

I've had so many people ask to make it a Ninja Turtle. 

A Special thanks to Jennifer Neerhof for the idea & pattern for the wristlets and this awesome picture of the ones she made. You can check out her Etsy shop here

Image used with permission from Jennifer Neerhof. 

Be Sure to Add This to your Ravelry Favorites !

Skill Level : Easy

Materials: 

Worsted Weight Yarn in colors of choice - I Love this Yarn or Vanna’s Choice are my favorites. 

*Note - For Mask you will be working with two strands unless otherwise noted to make the worsted weight bulky.

*Hook size(s) :  I- 9 (5.5 mm), N/P-15 (10.00 mm)

*Tapestry Needle

Gauge 2” x 2” swatch = 5 rows of 5 sc 

Stitches used:

(ch)chain

(st) stitch

(sl st) slip stitch

(sc) single crochet

(sc dec) single crochet decrease

(dc ) double crochet

Note : chain stitch does not count in stitch count!

**Size (NB -3 mo ) -Easily adjustable for older toddlers or children See - option #2 below

Mask: 

with two strands of worsted weight yarn in color of choice (N- Hook) 

Row 1 - ch 11,  sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in the next 9 sts, ch1, turn , (10)

Row 2 - sc dec over the next 2 sts, ch 4, sk 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, ch 4, sk 2 sts, sc dec over the next 2 sts, ch 1, turn (4 sc and two ch 4 spaces)

Row 3 - sc in 1st sc, 4 sc in ch 4 space, sc in next 2 sts, 4 sc in ch 4 space, sc in next sc, ch 1, (13)

Row 4 -  sl st up the side of the mask to row 1, ch 16, turn

Row 5- sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each chain across, join with sl st to mask, fasten off and weave in ends. You’ll need a to sew the other end shut with the black yarn and tapestry needle. 

Option #1 - Slide the mask onto the hat for embellishment or you can use it on a baby with out the hat

Option #2 - Making ties -  Substitute this for Row 4 & 5 instead 

Row 4 -  sl st up the side of the mask to row 1, ch 25, turn

Row 5- sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each chain across, join with sl st to mask, sl st across the top of row 1 to opposite corner, ch 22, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, and in each chain across, sl st back to mask, fasten off and weave in ends. 

This is pictured on my 3rd old ;) 

Option #3 - on Row 4 instead of ch 16 you could do a sc chain-less foundation chain in place of row 4 & 5 plus it will give you more stretch around. I have a link on my blog how to do a chain-less foundation 

Need a larger mask- See free pattern for Costume Cape and Mask here! 

Bracelets

(Pattern by: Jennifer Neerhof )

(I-9 hook 5.5mm) - Make two - One strand of worsted  

Round 1- ch 18, join with sl st (Be careful not to twist the ch) 

Round 2- working in the back spine of ch - ch 3, Dc in each ch around, join with a sl st to 1st dc,

Fasten off & Weave in ends

These again can be made any size by adjusting the ch to fit a wrist measurement 

If you need help with the pattern or questions at anytime please feel free to contact me and I’ll get in touch with you with in 24-48 hrs. I hope you love this pattern as much as I loved designing and making it! Enjoy!

Copyright ©2012 Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations All rights reserved. These instructions may not be photocopied or reproduced in any manner. They may not be sold. I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete. I cannot, however, be responsible for human error, or variations in individual work. Actual finished product may be sold. My Etsy shop name ID and URL web page address must be mentioned in listing or wherever item is displayed: Calleigh’s Clips & Crochet Creations by Elisabeth Spivey http://calleighsclips.com