Simply J Crochet

V.I.P CLUB

2011-02-14T10:04:00.002-05:00

This is the biggest thing that I have tried to do...and it's a big change within my shop! You know me, I love a good sale...I love giving them! I love raffles even more! I will still do them now exclusively through my NEW V.I.P. Club!

Starting Monday, February 21, 2011, I will no long have 'open' sales. To take advantage of the current sales, raffles, freebies...a V.I.P. membership is a must. These will be my BEST SALES EVER! Believe me...you will want to be a memeber, just for the free stuff alone!

Join today and be sure to visit my main shop on 2/21!

Shop Temporally Closed

2010-09-14T10:00:00.002-04:00

Both of my shops (www.SimplyJCrochet and www.SimplyJCrochet.etsy.com) are closed for the next couple of weeks.

August was both exciting and crazy! I had 4 weeks of back to school sales that totally exceeded my expectations!

I'm running a few days behind my shipping time frame I gave...not by much, but I'm still behind.

If you placed an order between August 18th and 29th, please know that I'm working extremely hard to get your order out ASAP! I probably have already emailed you about the delay.

I have the best customers! Everyone that I have contacted told me 'no problem'! I'm so happy that they don't hate me :)

Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns.

My shop will be open in a few weeks...stay tuned!

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS!

2010-04-05T15:44:00.003-04:00

I'm lunching a new item....Flower Headbands! I'm working with one of my favorite photographers, Lindsey Wiatt, to take some super cute pictures.

If you are a photographer and interested in doing a work trade...LET ME KNOW!

FAQ:
What is a photo work trade? A photo work trade is where I make one of my crocheted items and mail it directly to the photographer. Once the photographer has taken and processed/edit the pictures, they email the finished pictures to me at jenelstgermain@aol.com No money exchange hands.

Do I qualify for a work trade? In order to qualify for this work trade you have to be a professional photographer who has a website, blog, photo stream, etc, that can be view online.

How many hats/items can I have to shoot? If this is our first photo trade there is a limit of 1-2 hats/items. There are exceptions, so please let me know when you contact me. If you have a question please leave a comment or email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com

Raffle Winners!

2010-02-01T11:02:00.004-05:00

Okay, your wait is over! I have 3 winners...my little boys picked them for me using a very high sophisticated method...Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe :)

The winner of the 6-12M Newsgirl Cap is... ALISHA K.

The winner of the 8QTY Large Flower Hair/Hat clips is... AMANDA W.

The winner of the super cute 18M-2T Earflap Beanie is ... JEN T.

Winners please email me (using the same email address you used to send in your entry) and provide your mailing address!

Stay tune for my raffles coming in April...

January Raffle Continues!

2010-01-11T21:01:00.005-05:00

Hello all! So sorry for the delay, but this next raffle will be super fun!

Starting today through January 31st enter to win 1 of 3 items:

1. 6-12M SJC Newsgirl Cap- chocolate, peacock and cream

2. SJC Large Flower Hair/Hat Clips (8qty)

3. 18M-2T SJC Earflap Beanie- tangerine, white and peacock

To enter, send an email to sjcraffles@aol.com and tell me which item you're entering to win. If you want a chance to win all three items, send 3 separate emails noting.

The winner(s) will be announced February 1st!

Week One WINNER!

2010-01-11T20:53:00.004-05:00

Okay, the winner of the super cute Striped Flapper Beanie is.....Beth B.!!!!!

Beth, please email me (using the same email address you used to send in your entry) and provide your mailing address!

Stay tuned for Week Two raffle.....

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!

2010-01-05T18:39:00.003-05:00

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!

I am hoping to be a first-time home owner! A dream that I've had for many, many, many years! I'm soooooo close...but I'm not quite there yet!

This Friday, January 8th my shops will be open and I will be hosting my first SUPER SALE of the year with all proceeds going toward the down payment of my new home.

Take 15% OFF any one item in my shop and enjoy FREE shipping anywhere in the United States.

If you would rather make a donation, there will be 'donation items' listed in my main shop: www.SimplyJCrochet.com. With each donation you can earn 'Thank You' gifts!

SJC 1ST TIME HOME OWNER FUND:
Since you are helping me with my first home...I want to help someone else with there first home purchase!

If you are looking to become a first-time home owner or you know a friend/family member who will be one this year send an email nominating them or yourself to sjcraffles@aol.com by May 1, 2010. Please include in the email the following:

Who you are nominating (yourself or friend/family member) and
Why this person should win

The winner receives....
...well, you will have to say tuned to find out! I'm currently working with/ contacting several business (like Home Depot, Lowes, etc) for donations for this fund. The total is undetermined at this time but the winner of my first SJC 1st Time Home Owner Fund will be announced June 1, 2010.

For more details of this fund send all questions or concerns to sjcraffles@aol.com, subject 1st TIME HOME OWNER.

January RAFFLES!

2009-12-30T09:35:00.005-05:00

I'm super excited to welcome back my raffle! I really love hosting them, but because the increase of business I had to stop having them.

Well for the month of January I will be hosting a raffle every week!

WEEK ONE RAFFLE ~JANUARY 8th-11TH:

Enter to win this Striped Flapper Beanie size 3M-6M! Simply send an email to sjcraffles@aol.com on January 8th-11th. The winner will be announced on the 12th!

NOTE: Size, style and colors of raffle item can not be changed.

2010! Here we go!

2009-12-21T12:00:00.004-05:00

WOW! I have blogged in some time! I have been so busy with orders and motherhood I haven't been able to!

I'm super excited that 2009 is almost over! Though, it went by too fast! I'm actually looking forward to the new year!

I will be adding new year colors and fun wearables!

If you haven't already, please join my mailing list so you can be up-to-date with the latest SJC News!

Thank you all for such an exciting year!

Cable Newsboy Caps

2009-10-14T11:19:00.004-04:00

Absolutly my favorite cap! Perfect for men and looks great on women too!!!
Sizes 3T/5T to Adult.

September Raffle CANCELED

2009-09-14T16:36:00.004-04:00

I really hate to do this, but I can't see how I can keep up....

My September raffle is canceled. I've had just a wonder response to the raffle, like every month, but now that we are getting closer to the holidays I find more orders coming in. I feel as if I slacking on my raffle and not devoting the time to reply to people who enter...and I don't like that.

I am, however, giving all who are interested an opportunity to get your hands on this beanie for 50% OFF!

Now through Wednesday, September 16th 11:30am, get this beanie half off the price!

Sizes available:
0-3M was $18, now only $9

3-6M was $18, now only $9

6-12M was $20, now only $10

18M-2T was $22, now only $11

3T/5T was $24, now only $12

Preteen was $26, now only $13

SJC Friends and Family Contest

2009-09-01T11:25:00.004-04:00

I've been debating to have another picture contest and I've decided to try a new one...

SJC Friends and Family Contest!

CONTEST DETAILS:
Participants will have a choice to receive small advertising cards (the size of a business card) or an email advertising the same as the card. If you like you can do both!

Each card and email will advertise my shop and offer your friends and family a discount on their first SJC purchase.

The promotion code they enter at check out will be a unique code that lets me know this purchase is from one of your friends/ family!

For every $10 your friends/ family spends, you will earn 1 point. The person who earns the most points will be the winner!

PRIZES:

I figured, the prize would have to be a good one! So the winner will receive ALL OF MY SJC HATS!

Yes, the winner will receive one of each of the following:

Newsboy Cap

Earflap Beanie

Visor Beanie

Textured Visor Beanie

Cable Newsboy Cap

and Flapper Beanie!

The winner will pick size and colors!

CONTEST DURATION:

This contest starts TODAY and end November 30, 2009. The winner will be announced December 2, 2009.

HOW TO ENTER:

Simply email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject FRIENDS/FAMILY CONTEST or leave a comment. Let me know if you prefer the advertising cards, email or both.

NOTE: The email is a professional one that you can be forwarded to your friends.

If you have any questions please email me or leave a comment!

front of card

back of card

September Raffle

2009-08-31T11:25:00.004-04:00

...and the raffle continues! Enter to win my SJC Striped Flapper Beanie- eggshell, cream, celery and chocolate!

TO ENTER: Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours.

NOTE: If you post a comment please be sure I can reach you throught your blog profile (a few of you last month didn't receive a ticket because I could reach you).

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: You actually have a couple of ways to earn more tickets throughout the month.

~ 1 additional raffle ticket if you place an SJC order (www.SimplyJCrochet.com or www.SimplyJCrochet.etsy.com)

~ 1 additional raffle ticket when you follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SimplyJCrochet

~ 2 extra ticket by blogging about this raffle or any of my products! Please let me know you did by posting a comment

~ 5 extra tickets by placing my button on your blog or website. Let me know you did by posting a comment.

RAFFLE BEGINS: September 1st and ends September 28th. The winner will be announced on the 30th

Please read my RAFFLE RULES and details!

First Day of School

2009-08-28T11:21:00.010-04:00

It was a nightmare come true...my little boy is a man...well, not quite! Monday, August 24th was the first day of school and I was probably more excited and nervous than Jaxon!

The school opened the doors at 7:45am and most of the students, grades K-8th grade were in the gym waiting for the 8am bell. The kindergarten parents were allowed to stay with the little ones for a bit so we...OH, I mean, so they can feel comfortable :)

Jaxon started kindergarten like a big boy even telling me I could leave after being there for only 5 minutes! I could see on his face he was a little nervous, maybe because of all the kids, but he held it together. Me, on the other hand, I fought back tears! I didn't want him to see me cry.

At 8am, the bell ring and the kids were dismissed from the gym to their classrooms. The kindergartners went first. Students and parents followed the 7th and 8th grade safety's to the classroom. I love that the older kids help the little ones.

Jaxon put his backpack away and found his chair right away along with all the other kids. The teacher had little headbands with each child's name and on each table were crayons and pictures for them to work on. All the parents and grandsparents were still in the room taking pictures and comforting a few that were a little upset.

After being there for a few minutes, Jaxon again gave me the okay to leave...but I wasn't ready! I didn't leave until 8:45am! Okay, I think I overstayed my welcome, but there were other parents there too!

This whole week has been very exciting! The kindergarten parents have been allowed to stay, but next week we can't even come into the school! This morning when I drop Jaxon off I took him in at 7:45am and left 2 minutes later! I didn't want him to think momma was aways going to be there. He was just fine! I have come to conclusion that it was all me! I was the nervous one...not Jaxon!

I'm so very proud of my Bubba!

(Isn't he beautiful?!)

I asked...I received

2009-07-13T13:49:00.010-04:00

WOW! Don't you love these pictures!?

One thing you'll notice in my shop are a ton of cute and adorable pictures of little girls and precious little boys...what I've been wanting is to have some cools pictures of young men and adult men wearing my hats! But of course it had to be a cool hat! I think I nailed it!

I posted, a while back, about a photo work trade and Meghann Street answered the call!

This is my new Cable Newsboy Cap that can be found in my shop

Please tell me what you think!

If you are interested in a work trade check out what photos are needed.

Picture Contest II Winner

2009-07-03T20:19:00.003-04:00

Congratulations baby #2! You have won!

What a fun contest! Thank you everyone for voting!

Now on to the prizes...

You have $50 SJC Bucks that can be used in my shop and $25 Target Gift Card (I love Target)!

I will for sure have another contest...lets shoot for September...more details of Picture Contest III will be blogged later...

...stay tuned!

June Raffle Winner

2009-07-03T20:13:00.002-04:00

...and the winning ticket is: SJC7147998

Congratulations!!! You have won my SJC Watermelon Purse! You have through June 6th to claim your prize.

Please email (jenelstgermain@aol.com) with your shipping information.

NOW JULY'S RAFFLE...

I won't be having a July raffle...so sorry...I've working working on a few projects and I feel a little overwhelmed.

My next raffle will be in September 2009.

Stay tuned!

New Online Store and Storewide SALE!

2009-06-25T14:30:00.004-04:00

Now open my new online store! I've been wanted to offer a better organized shop and I think I've done it!

As a way to celebrate my new Grand Re-opening take 30% OFF any one item in my shop!

www.SimplyJCrochet.com

offer ends July 5, 2009

I would love to know what you think of the new shop! Please leave a comment!

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

2009-06-16T16:13:00.004-04:00

Calling all photographers who are wanting to do a photo trade! I'm super in love with my new cable newsboy caps! I wanted a more 'grown up' hat for preteens and adults, men and women.

I would love to have some photos of this cap on teen or adult men. If you are interested in a work trade email ASAP: jenelstgermain@aol.com; subject line PHOTO WORK TRADE

Read more about it here!

New Cable Newsboy Caps

2009-06-15T14:10:00.005-04:00

Now introducing my NEW Cable Newsboy Caps! I wanted to make a more 'grown up' hat for preteens and adults...this must have cap is made in sizes 3T/5T to adult. These are perfect for men and women and can be found in my shop.

Beautiful pictures by Ashley Morgan.

Ronald McDonald Hat Donation- UPDATE

2009-06-08T09:14:00.003-04:00

WOW! I'm truly taken back by the response to my hat donation project! Everyone has been extremely supportive and wanting to help. We have raised $52 ! I think that's more than enough to purchase the materials to make these hats! Thank you everyone for reaching out and donating! Any donation collected from today through the end month will be given directly to my local Ronald McDonald House.

I want to give a special THANK YOU to Deborah Voizin! After reading about my project she contacting me right away wanting to do help me reach my 250 hat goal! To my surprise she actually made some hats for these little ones!

You have to visit her ETSY shop! Don't you love this picture?! It's so beautiful!

Thank you Deborah!

To my disappointment, I wasn't able to make 3 more hats last week :( So far I've made 5 hats. I plan of making more this week and dropping them off to the RMH.

As always, I will keep you posted :)

Picture Contest II

2009-06-01T11:06:00.005-04:00

TIME TO VOTE!

Below are the pictures submitted by a few of my customers for you to vote on.

Now through July 2nd vote on your fav! Two votes per person: (1) the poll is located on the left hand side of this blog and (2) leave a comment!

Now, the prizes! There will be one winner! I haven't finalized the prize yet but it's going to be a good one or two!

May Winner & June Raffle

2009-06-01T10:52:00.004-04:00

...and the winning ticket is: SJC7147974

Congratulations!!! You have won a SJC Newsgirl Cap- Beanie- grape, apple green, purple and white!

You have through June 3rd to claim your prize.

Please email (jenelstgermain@aol.com) me your size choice: 0-3M, 3-6M, 6-12M, 18M-2T, 3T-5T, or Preteen.

JUNE RAFFLE

...and the raffle continues!

Enter to win my SJC Red Watermelon Purse!

TO ENTER: Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours. NOTE: If you post a comment please be sure I can reach you throught your blog profile (a few of you last month didn't receive a ticket because I could reach you).

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: You actually have a couple of ways to earn more tickets throughout the month.

1 additional raffle ticket for every $10 spent in my shop and/ or buying gift certificates

2 extra ticket by blogging about this raffle or any of my products! Please let me know you did by posting a comment

5 extra tickets by placing my button on your blog or website. Let me know you did by posting a comment.

NOTE:If you post a comment please be sure I can reach you throught your blog profile (a few of you last month didn't receive a ticket because I could reach you).

RAFFLE BEGINS: June 1st and ends June 28th. The winner will be announced on the 30th

Please read my RAFFLE RULES and details!

Photo Work Trades

2009-05-31T16:29:00.001-04:00

PHOTOS NEEDED as of July 13, 2009:

ITEM: Stripe Flapper Beanie

MODEL GENDER: girls
AGE GROUP: infant - preteen

ITEM: Cable Newsboy Cap
MODEL GENDER: Boys/ Men

AGE GROUP: 13 years old & Up

ITEM: Flapper Beanies

MODEL GENDER: Infant girls

AGE GROUP: newborn-6M

Contact me ASAP if you are interested!

Email: jenelstgermain@aol.com Subject Line: PHOTO WORK TRADE

FAQ:

What is a photo work trade?

A photo work trade is where I make one of my crocheted items and mail it directly to the photographer. Once the photographer has taken and processed/edit the pictures, they email the finished pictures to me at jenelstgermain@aol.com

No money exchange hands.

Do I qualify for a work trade?
In order to qualify for this work trade you have to be a professional photographer who has a website, blog, photo stream, etc, that can be view online.

How many hats can I have to shoot?
If this is our first photo trade there is a limit of 1-2 hats. There are exceptions, so please let me know when you contact me.

If you have a question please leave a comment or email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com

I need your help to make 250 hats!

2009-05-27T18:03:00.009-04:00

This is something extremely close to my heart! I'm teaming up with my local Ronald McDonald House RMCH, here in Toledo, Ohio, to make 250 preemie crocheted hats! Yes....I said 250!

If you're like me, you want so desperately to help...someone...but you don't know what to do or where to go!

When I called the RMCH I asked if my donating a few hats to parents and their little ones would help. With excitement, they said it would help! They told me the majority of children they treat/help are premature babies.

I asked what the average head circumference of these babies. I was told the size of a peach!!!! These babies are only 12 inches on average! I had such a lump in my throat and an overwhelming desire to do this!

I have never seen a baby that small! My first born, Jaxon, was 5 weeks premature and weighed 4 pounds 11ozs. Well, these babies are only 1-2 pounds!

The RMCH told me they see about 200 babies a year and I'm determined to make at least 250!

So the plan is to make 125 little girl hats and 125 little boy hats.

Here's where you come in...
If you would like to help, please donate a $1. This donation will go toward purchasing all the materials, mainly 100% cotton yarn, to make these hats. You can donate more, but only a dollar is needed. No more, no less!

NEW Purse Sets

2009-05-22T08:29:00.006-04:00

OMG! Could you die!? First, I have to give credit to , my girl, Jamie Baldwin for the beautiful pictures! Isn't she great?! I LOVE HER WORK! You have to check our her flickr photostream and total fall in love with it

Jamie is defiantly one of my fav photographers! When these sets were made I could only picture her little girl with it and Jamie taking the pictures! She did such a great job!

The cupcake and watermelon purses can be found in my shop!

BUY 1 GET 1 SALES!

2009-05-18T14:36:00.001-04:00

I have a crazy little sale going on right now in my shop!

LIMITED TIME ONLY!

New Flapper Beanies

2009-05-11T16:27:00.001-04:00

One of my fav's! You can find these in my shop!

April Winner & May Raffle

2009-04-30T23:15:00.001-04:00

...and the winning ticket is: SJC7147678

Congratulations!!! You have won a SJC Flapper Beanie- pastel pink, wine and white! You have through May 3rd to claim your prize.Please email (jenelstgermain@aol.com) me your size choice: 0-3M, 3-6M, 6-12M, 18M-2T, 3T-5T, or Preteen.

MAY RAFFLE...

....and the raffle continues! Even though my shop is closed for a few days, I thought I would still have my monthly raffle!

Enter to win my Newsgirl Cap- grape, apple green, purple and white!

TO ENTER: Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: You actually have a couple of ways to earn more tickets throughout the month.

-1 additional raffle ticket for every $10 spent in my shop and/ or buying gift certificates.

-2 extra ticket by blogging about this raffle or any of my products! Please let me know you did by posting a comment

-5 extra tickets by placing my button on your blog or website. Let me know you did by posting a comment

RAFFLE BEGINS: May1st and ends May 28th. The winner will be announced on the 31st

Please read my RAFFLE RULES and details!

Picture Contest WINNERS!

2009-04-27T13:04:00.005-04:00

The winners of my first Picture Contest was picture #2, coming in 1st place, and picture #1 in 2nd place!

Thank you so very much for everyone who entered and voted!

PICTURE CONTEST II

WOW! I was blown away with amount of participation with this contest! Not only from the people who entered and the votes received, but by all of you who emailed me saying they should have entered this contest!

Well, Picture Contest II is a contest you will want to enter! The prizes will be BIGGER and BETTER!

The next picture contest will start June 1st! If you would like to enter please forward a picture of your child (niece, nephew, friend, family member, etc) or yourself wearing one of my hats to: jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: Picture Contest II. All pictures must be submitted by May 25, 2009.

The voting will begin June 1st and end June 30th. If you have already sent a picture to me, please resend it for the contest.

Etsy Shop Temporally Closed

2009-04-21T10:05:00.002-04:00

My Etsy shop will be closed for just a few days while I get caught up on orders and prepare for the GRAND OPENING of my new Etsy shop on May 1st:

Shop: www.simplyjsappliques.etsy.com
Blog: www.simplyjsappliques.blogspot.com

B U Y ~ I T ~ N O W:
There are a few items that you are able to purchase on my blog for 10% OFF...for a limited time!

P L A C E D ~ O R D E R S:
Those who have placed an order, don’t worry, I'm shipping orders everyday in the order they were received. For most of you, your orders will be shipped the week of April 20th. You will receive a tracking number once I have placed your order in the mail.

M O N T H L Y ~ R A F F L E:
Even though my shop is temporally closed, the raffle must go on! Visit my blog and enter to win today!

Karen Hunter Photography

2009-04-17T14:54:00.007-04:00

Okay...that's it...I'm taking photography classes!!!! I have met so many photographers who truly have inspired me to take beautiful pictures! I carry my little Cannon PowerShot in my purse...it takes clear, clean pictures but not like this!

Karen Hunter has too much talent...if there's such a thing! Don't you love the color Karen was able to capture?! I'm jealous ;)

Of course, you can find these fun hats in my Etsy shop!

All Dressed Up

2009-04-08T15:14:00.008-04:00

I just had to share these pics with you!

My boy are simply gorgeous! Okay, okay...yes, all mothers BELIEVE that their children are...but come on, I'm right about this one! I'm an extremely proud mother and I don't feel bad about telling all how beautiful my kids are ;)

My Ian, the 2 year old, said to me 'Momma, you so precious'. I about died!!! He also calls me 'My darlin'.

My Jaxon, the 4 year old, is so loving! He always gives me hugs and kisses. One day, not too long ago, I was soooooooo sick and Jaxon asked if he could sleep with me because he could protect me! Could you die?!

Now, don't get me wrong, my boys 'test' me somethings, but for the most part they are good boys. And these fun moments totally out weigh any 'bad' ones.

Maybe all kids are this fun, loving and caring...I would love to hear your fun little story! Leave a comment and share!

Shannon Morgan Photography...take two!

2009-04-05T00:35:00.006-04:00

I love working with Shannon! Her pictures make you feel as if you are there on location, in the moment. They have a truth about them that I adore!

These pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I love how natural and peaceful they are.

If you haven't check out her blog, visit ASAP! The hat featured here is my Textured Visor Beanie, beige, that can be found in my shop.

My Coffee Buddy

2009-04-04T22:16:00.006-04:00

My boys and I have 'dates' all the time. We have a date once a month to go out to eat at a different restaurant; and we have a date at Barnes and Nobles once a month to pick out a brand new book.

I also like to have one on one dates with them. My Jaxon is with family, spending the night, so it's just The Ian and The Momma. I'm letting him stay up with me while I work.

My Ian and I did a Starbucks run around 9:30pm. He's my coffee buddy. Don't worry...he has hot chocolate...but he thinks it's coffee. Shhhh....Don't tell!

Isn't he cute!?!?

VOTE FOR ME!

2009-03-31T14:58:00.004-04:00

I was notified today that one of my items was selected for Etsy's Fall Fashion item poll! How cool is that! You can vote for me here:

http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=39

March Winner & April Raffle

2009-03-28T07:59:00.000-04:00

...and the winning ticket is: SJC7147589

Congratulations Susan!!! You have won a pair of my booties! You have through April 1st to claim your prize.

Please email (jenelstgermain@aol.com) me your choice: Lil Button Loafers (beige and chocolate brown) or Mary Jane booties (black and white). Sizes: 0-3M, 6M, 9M, 12M, OR 18M.

APRILS RAFFLE...

....and the raffle continues!

Enter to win my featured item of the Spring and Summer...my NEW SJC Flapper Beanie- pastel pink, wine and white!

I truly love this beanie! It's perfect for spring and summer and looks good on everyone...even me, and I'm not a hat person ;) This is fast becoming a very popular beanie!

TO ENTER: Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: You actually have a couple of ways to earn more tickets throughout the month.

1 additional raffle ticket for every $10 spent in my shop and/ or buying gift certificates.

1 extra ticket by blogging about this raffle or any of my products! Please let me know you did by posting a comment

2 extra tickets by placing my button on your blog or website. Let me know you did by posting a comment

RAFFLE BEGINS: April 1st and ends April 28th. The winner will be announced on the 30th

Please read my RAFFLE RULES and details!

Picture Contest ~ VOTE TODAY~

2009-03-25T16:17:00.005-04:00

I hope this picture contest is the first of many! I love, love, love seeing my hats on little heads! I get the best pictures from my customers so I decided to turn it into a contest!

Below are the pictures submitted by a few of my customers for you to vote on. Now through April 25th vote on your fav! The poll is located on the right hand side of this blog. One vote per person.

Now, the prizes! There will be two winners: the runner up will receive $25 SJC bucks (to be used in my shop) and the winner will get a $50 gift card to Target (one of my favorite places) and $25 SJC bucks.

Flapper Beanies

2009-03-15T11:25:00.012-04:00

I have two beautiful and fun styles of flapper beanies! The Striped Flapper Beanie and the original Flapper Beanie (open weave).

Very cute and great year round! Sizes 0M-Adult!

MY OTHER WORK:
Visor Beanies
Earflap Beanies
Newsboy/girl Cap
Textured Beanies
Booties
Dolls
Cotton Yarn Colors
Simply J Appliques

Shannon Morgan Photography

2009-03-13T08:47:00.005-04:00

I receive pictures from my customers all the time! I love to see their little ones wearing my handmade items. I love them so much I started a Picture Contest outlined in 'March Madness'

I recently received a few pictures from one of my customers, Shannon Morgan (who happens to be a gifted photographer) of her little boy wearing one of my newsboy caps. I'm so in love! She has such a great eye...I wish I could take such wonderful pictures!!!!

You HAVE to visit her blog! It's so beautiful! Check out her portfolio! The love the Baby Moments http://www.flickr.com/photos/31724827@N06/sets/72157613730318568/show/

Of course you can find this cap in my shop!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2009-03-11T15:21:00.006-04:00

I have had the privilege to work with Pascale twice! She is extremely talented photographer and I love her work!

I had the opportunity to send her a few hats to match a couple of dresses for another Etsy shop owner, Julie of ZozoBugBaby! If you have a little girl you have to visit her shop! She has the cutest dress ever!!! Almost makes me want to have a little girl...almost ;)

I'm so in love with these pictures! Fun spring and summer colors! You can find the hats in my shop and the dress at ZozoBugbaby!

March Raffle

2009-03-01T15:36:00.002-05:00

...and the raffle continues!

MARCH RAFFLE: Pair of Lil button Loafers or Mary Jane Booties

The winner will choose either a pair of loafers (as pictured) or booties (as pictured), available in sizes: 0-3M, 6M, 9M, 12M and 18M

TO ENTER: Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: Earn more tickets throughout the month. You will receive 1 additional raffle ticket for for every $10 spent in my shop and/ or buying gift certificates.

Get an extra ticket by blogging about this raffle! Please let me know you did by writing a comment.

RAFFLE BEGINS: March 1st and ends March 25th. The winner will be announced on the 28th.

MARCH MADNESS

2009-02-28T10:27:00.007-05:00

We all go a little mad...sometimes! I have the whole month full of FREE stuff and contests!!! Check it out:

FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE in the world on the first item!

FREE HAIR CLIP with each order, while supplies last! I will inlcude one of these great flower colors!

RANDOM WINNERS will be given 10% OFF there order! If you are a winner you will receive a 10% refund with in 48 hours of your purchase. It will be sent via PayPal.

FREE GIFT CARD to those whos order is a gift. If the order you are purchasing is a gift, let me know so I can include in your order this beautiful gift card. Envelope included.

MARCH RAFFLE: Lil Button Loafers or Mary Jane Booties

RAFFLE BEGINS

PICTURE CONTEST: I get the cutest pictures from my customers! So I desided to it into a contest! Enter a picture of you husband, daughter, son, grandma, dog...you get the picture...wearing on of my hats! I will post them all on my blog and put it to a vote.

Now, the prizes! There will be two winners: the runner up will receive a $25 SJC bucks (tobe used in my shop) and the winner will get a $50 gift card to Target (one of my favorite places and $25 SJC bucks.

All pictures must be submitted by March 23, 2009. The voting will begin March 25th and end April 25th. All will be able to vote on line and the winner will be announced on April 28th.

Send pictures to: jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: Pic Contest. If you have already sent a picture to me, please resend it for the contest.

February Winner is...

2009-02-27T17:10:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone! I'm announcing the winner today because I will be out of town this weekend and away from a computer...not a bad thing :)

February raffle winner is, Christina C. , Ticket number: SJC71474233

Congratulations you have won a Chocolate Brown Adult Newsboy Cap!

Please email the your size choice to (jenelstgermain@aol.com) : Sizes: Adult Regular or Large

Be sure to enter my March 2009 Raffle and check out MARCH MADNESS!

Think Spring

2009-02-22T01:34:00.005-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for spring! I so sick of the snow storms, ice, scraping the car...I could go on.

Fun colors always makes me feel better! So I decided to make a few hats that are bright...that screams spring! You can find the 'Think Spring' line in my shop.

Fresh Designs Studio

2009-02-19T10:29:00.002-05:00

I have to tell you all about this very cool blog I found! Fresh Designs Studio! Well, I can't take all the credit, one of my wonderful customers, Shannon, told me about it. I made a comment about her blog, how great it looked and Shannon gave me the link to the lady who designed it!

You have to visit her blog...very nice! When I visited the blog this morning I seen that she is doing a give-away. I have entered and fingers crossed, I hope I win!

New Gift Card

2009-02-16T11:30:00.006-05:00

I love this card! First, I have to tell you about the company I use to print all of my cards (business, postcards, thank you cards, etc). The company is Vista Print. Some of you may have heard of them. They are great!

I created this flat gift card with them:

{front}

{back}

It can be found in my shop as an add-on. Basically, you add this card to an order that is being shipped directly to a friend or if you want you want to hand deliver the gift with this card attached.

GET THIS CARD FREE: When buying a gift certificate there are two ways for it to delivered: (1) via email, directly to the recipient or (2) mailed to you or directly to the recipient via USPS.

When you having the gift certificate delivered via USPS you will get this card for FREE!

Photography by...

2009-02-04T14:45:00.024-05:00

I've been blessed to work with a couple wonderful photographers...Jamie Baldwin and Pascale Wowak Photography! We make a great team: I supply the hats and they provide their expertise, talent and gorgeous kids for some of the best pictures on Etsy ;)

Jamie Baldwin:

Pascale Wowak:

Suggestions Please

2009-02-02T23:38:00.002-05:00

I really love my new raffle that I'm doing every month! I'm always thinking of different prizes and contests...but I need your help!

I invite you to forward suggestions to me of any contests you think would be fun! A prize will go to the person who's suggestion is picked!

You can email at jenelstgermain@aol.com or just leave a comment.

Breaking News...

2009-01-31T20:28:00.001-05:00

The CPSIA Mandatory Testing & Certification Proposed 1 Year Suspension!

From Etsy’s blog:
We are so excited to announce that the Commission has voted for a “Stay of Enforcement of Certain Testing and Certification Requirements of CPSIA” — which means that the burden of lead testing and certification has been suspended for a year while they take more time to review the rules and plan enforcement! All of your hard work has paid off (for the time being at least!). You don’t have to pay to do the certification and testing, though you are still liable if your products are found to have lead. We are so pleased that artisans and vintage sellers got their voices heard. Your hard work is not over; we must continue to play a role in advocating for small business people throughout the coming year.
“The action taken today provides breathing space to get in place some of the rules needed for implementation, but it should not be viewed as a full solution to the many problems that have been raised.” —U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission
Read the press release and full article here

February Raffle

2009-01-29T20:37:00.000-05:00

...and the raffle continues!

FEBRUARY RAFFLE: Teen or Adult Size Chocolate Brown Newsboy Cap.

TO ENTER: Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: Earn more tickets throughout the month. You will receive 1 additional raffle ticket for for every $10 spent in my shop and/ or buying gift certificates.

RAFFLE BEGINS: February 1st and ends February 25th. The winner will be announced on the 28th.

And the winner is...

2009-01-28T08:01:00.002-05:00

January raffle winner is Alaine G. Ticket number: SJC219782

Congratulations! You have won a Newsboy Cap!

Please email the your choices (jenelstgermain@aol.com) :
Sizes: 0-6M; 6-12M; 18M-2T; 3T-5T; Preteen/ Teen
Colors: Chocolate, Navy, Army Tan, Rose or Baby Pink

Be sure to enter my February 2009 Raffle! Starts on the 1st!

Winkle, Winkle...Just like a diamond...

2009-01-25T22:04:00.005-05:00

I just had to share this video with you! Baby 'E' (Ian) is too cute!

This is the remix...

No, I'm not old...

2009-01-25T21:36:00.014-05:00

Okay, this past weekend I allow my inner child to come out and play...I should have told that child 'you are a crazy fool and you have business sledding!'

Yes, sledding! I got suckered into doing it and I'm feeling it now! I opted out of posting any pictures of me with my face in snow, but I just had to show you this hill! What's even crazier, I allowed Jaxon and Ian to go down this hill! At one point, I most have been at least 2 feet in the air when Jaxon and I were going down and we hit a bump! I seen my life flash before my eyes!

Ian, the two year old, was screaming 'FASTER' and Jaxon, the four year old, is screaming 'SLOW DOWN!' We really had a fun time, but I've been sitting on a pillow ever since!

Good times!

Last Call

2009-01-25T20:54:00.004-05:00

Some of you may or may not be aware of a law that is going into effect February 10th, CPSIA. I blogged about it, what I knew and inserted a few articles that were written about this law.

I'm will be opening my Etsy shop on February 1st so you able to order, possibly for the last time, some of my items that won't be available in sizes: 0-6M, 6-12M, 18-2T and 3T-5T. Those booties and loafers that everyone talks about will not be available after February 10th.

I'm offering FREE SHIPPING (on the first item) for orders being shipped in the United States, and $1 each additional item.

I have a limited quota to fill and once met my shop will close...not forever, just a few weeks.

My MONTHLY RAFFLE will continue! January's raffle is closed and the winner will be announced on January 28th.

February's raffle will begin on the 1st. Be sure to enter!

CPSIA

2009-01-21T13:33:00.008-05:00

I've talked to so many crafters about this new law. I don't know all the particulars about it but I do understand it's going to hurt (to say the least) a lot of businesses and possibly make handmade items extinct.

To my understanding, if this law isn't amended crafters, like myself, will no longer be able to make and sell toys and wearables for children ages 0-12 years old without having their finished product tested for lead.

There is a possibility that this will be amended, but as of today, to my knowledge, this law will be in effect as of February 10, 2009. Of course, if nothing changes, I will have to change some of the things I offer to my customers.

Many have sent letters and emails asking for a this law to be reexamined. I found this letter to be interesting: http://tinyurl.com/7r4nn4

We can still make a difference by emailing, calling and writing to:

Henry A. Waxman
California- 30th, Democrat
2204 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515-0530
Phone: (202) 225-3976
http://www.henrywaxman.house.gov/contact.htm

You have to read this blog posted by Kathleen at Fashion-Incubator:
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/dont-throw-yourself-under-the-cpsia-bus/

Here's a clip of an article that was written by Walter Olson, 1/16/09

'Scrap The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act'

"If someone you know volunteers at a thrift store or crochets baby hats for the crafts site Etsy or favors handmade wooden toys as a baby shower gift, you've probably been hearing the alarms about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
Hailed almost universally on its passage last year--it passed the Senate 89 to three and the House by 424 to one, with Ron Paul the lone dissenter--CPSIA is now shaping up as a calamity for businesses and an epic failure of regulation, threatening to wipe out tens of thousands of small makers of children's items from coast to coast, and taking a particular toll on the handcrafted and creative, the small-production-run and sideline at-home business, not to mention struggling retailers. How could this have happened?

"Congress passed CPSIA in a frenzy of self-congratulation following last year's overblown panic over Chinese toys with lead paint. Washington's consumer and environmentalist lobbies used the occasion to tack on some other long-sought legislative goals, including a ban on phthalates used to soften plastic.

The law's provisions were billed as stringent, something applauded by high-minded commentators as a way to force the Mattels and Fisher-Prices of the world to keep more careful watch on the supply chains of their Chinese factories.

"The first thing to note is that we're not just talking about toys here. With few exceptions, the law covers all products intended primarily for children under 12. That includes clothing, fabric and textile goods of all kinds: hats, shoes, diapers, hair bands, sports pennants, Scouting patches, local school-logo gear and so on. And paper goods: books, flash cards, board games, baseball cards, kits for home schoolers, party supplies and the like. And sporting equipment, outdoor gear, bikes, backpacks and telescopes. And furnishings for kids' rooms. "

"Barbed with penalties that include felony prison time and fines of $100,000, the law goes into effect in stages; one key deadline is Feb. 10, when it becomes unlawful to ship goods for sale that have not been tested. Eventually, new kids' goods will all have to be subjected to more stringent "third-party" testing, and it will be unlawful to give away untested inventory even for free.

Monthly Raffle!

2009-01-05T09:36:00.018-05:00

Something new this year...SIMPLY J RAFFLE! Each month I will be raffling off one of my hand-crocheted items.

TO ENTER: Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES: Earn more tickets throughout the month. You will receive 1 additional raffle ticket for for every $10 spent in my shop and/ or buying gift certificates.

RAFFLE BEGINS: Each monthly raffle will begin on the 1st (with the exception of January) and end on the 25th. The winner will be announced on the 28th.

JANUARY RAFFLE: Newsboy Cap

WINNER CHOOSES THE FOLLOWING:
Sizes: 0-6M; 6-12M; 18M-2T; 3T-5T; Preteen/ Teen
Colors: Chocolate, Navy, Army Tan, Rose or Baby Pink

January Raffle Starts: Monday, January 5th
Ends: Sunday, January 25th
Winner Announced: Wednesday, January 28th

ENTER THE FEBRUARY RAFFLE

The Newsboy Cap

2009-01-04T10:23:00.005-05:00

Aren't my boys gorgeous!? Oh...and the hats are cute too :)

This is by far my favorite hats I make! I love that it looks great on every one...man, woman, child and baby! I make them in solid colors only, but you have over 120 colors to choose from! Starting this year, I'm giving people an option of adding a clip on flower to their newsboy cap...no extra charge! Of course, you can find these on in my shop!

January Etsy Featured Shop

2008-12-31T14:33:00.008-05:00

A little something new: I'm totally in love with Etsy! I love that all items found on it are handmade. I love the diversity and uniqueness it offers!

Each month I'm going to feature one shop. Here's January's pick:

I found this wonderful lady on Etsy. Her name is Angela and she makes the most beautiful children's clothing!!! Once I seen her shop I had to contact her! You are going to love her it too! http://www.angelfishboutique.etsy.com/

What A Year!

2008-12-09T00:47:00.005-05:00

This year has been full of surprises! I'm excited about the success of Simply J Crochet and I'm even more excited that the year is almost over!!!

I'm constantly thinking and planning for next year...new colors, styles, items...etc. I would love for you to help me out! Through out the next couple of months I will have a few polls posted on this blog. Tell me what you would like to see, new colors, sizes...whatever.

I know for sure I'm going to include my boys, Jaxon and Ian, more in my blog. A lot of people ask about them! I will include some fun stories of them and crazy stories of being a mom. SUPERMOM!? :)

Also, I would like to include all the pictures my customers have sent me of their little ones! This should be real fun!

Thank you so very much for visiting and I hope you come back soon!

New Sets

2008-11-17T10:29:00.014-05:00

I really like this new set! I will be creating some new ones soon! The set includes a Newboy Cap and Mary Jane Booties. Sizes newborn to 18 months. If you would like to give a suggestion please contact me!

Fall 2008

2008-11-13T15:03:00.003-05:00

Just a few new looks for the fall!

Back Open!!!

2008-11-11T15:48:00.001-05:00

It's so good to be back open! I really hated to close my shop last week, but I really needed to. I placed some new items on my shop. Stop by and check them out: http://www.simplyjcrochet.etsy.com/

Temporally Closed

2008-11-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

As much as I hated to do it, I had to temporally close my Etsy shop :(

I did this in an effort to ensure that all my orders are completeted in a timely fashion. I will, however, be back open on Monday, November 10th.

Look around in my blog to see some of the items I offer! And be sure to visit me on Monday:
http://www.simplyjcrochet.etsy.com/

Earflap Beanies

2008-11-03T11:56:00.007-05:00

Extremely fun beanies from sizes 0-Adult! They can be found in my shop!

MY OTHER WORK:
Visor Beanies
Newsboy/girl Caps
Flapper Beanies
Textured Beanies
Booties
Dolls
Cotton Yarn Colors

Simply J Appliques

Newsboy/girl Caps

2008-11-03T11:48:00.009-05:00

Hands down, this is my favorite hat! It looks great on everyone! It can be found in my shop

MY OTHER WORK:

Cotton Yarn Colors

2008-11-03T11:31:00.003-05:00

I work with all of these great yarn colors! All 100% cotton! When creating a custom SJC hat you can pick any one if these fab colors!

MY OTHER WORK:
Visor Beanies
Earflap Beanies
Flapper Beanies
Textured Beanies
Booties
Dolls
Newsboy/girl Caps

Simply J Appliques

Visor Beanie

2008-11-01T18:24:00.007-04:00

I like these beanies because you are able to 'build' a custom hat to match any outfit! These hats can be found on my shop.

MY OTHER WORK:
Newsboy/girl Caps
Earflap Beanies
Flapper Beanies
Textured Beanies
Booties
Dolls
Cotton Yarn Colors
Simply J Appliques

Dolls

2008-10-31T09:39:00.002-04:00

ANN & ANN DOLLS: These dolls are crazy cute and crazy to make, but I really like them! Surprisingly, I have made quite a few orders for this brother and sister team.

AFRO-PUFF DOLLS: I'm crazy about these dolls!

MY OTHER WORK:
Visor Beanies
Earflap Beanies
Flapper Beanies
Textured Beanies
Booties
Newsboy/girl Cap
Cotton Yarn Colors
Simply J Appliques

Beret Beanie & Flower Clips

2008-10-31T09:18:00.001-04:00

BERET BEANIE W/ FLOWER ACCESSORIES: Hands down, this is my most popular hat! I personally love the fact that you can wear this hat with every outfit!

I make the beret in ecru or white in sizes newborn to adult. The cool thing about this hat is the flower accessories! Each beret and flower have a snap button sown on them so you can change the look of the hat to match any outfit! So far I have available 15 colors to choose from for the flower accessories.

FLOWER CLIPS: Now these are fun! These flower clips are super cute! You have the same 15 colors chocies for the flowers, but these flower has a 60mm (2 3/8") size rectangular clip fastened to it.

Of course, you can find these in my shop: http://www.simplyjcrochet.etsy.com/

Photo Shoot

2008-10-30T22:59:00.000-04:00

I'm super excited to be having my first professional photo shoot on Saturday, November 8, 2008!

I have created new styles and color combinations that I think will blow your socks off!

I will, of course, post all the pictures on my blog and list them in my shop for sale: www.simplyjcrochet.etsy.com

I can't wait! It should be crazy fun!

My photographer is Kristen, super sweet lady. You have to check out her work: http://www.kristennicolephotography.com/

Booties

2008-10-30T14:49:00.002-04:00

I'm in love with this booties! I only wish I made them when my little ones were small! These Mary Jane Booties and Lil' Button Loafers are made in sizes 0-18M and can be found in my shop.

MY OTHER WORK:
Visor Beanies
Earflap Beanies
Flapper Beanies
Textured Beanies
Newsboy/girl Cap

Dolls
Cotton Yarn Colors
Simply J Appliques

Textured Beanies

2008-10-30T14:14:00.006-04:00

These beanie are fun and perfect all year around! They can be found in my shop.

MY OTHER WORK:
Visor Beanies
Earflap Beanies
Flapper Beanies
Newsboy/girl Cap

Booties
Dolls
Cotton Yarn Colors

Simply J Appliques

Buy It Now

2008-10-29T16:29:00.044-04:00

Looking for something special? You can search by: color, size, or style.

Give it a try and buy-it-now! You can still use any current promotion codes:

Now through July 5th take 30% OFF any one item on my NEW online shop! Promo. Code: GRANDOPN30

About Me...

2008-10-29T16:29:00.012-04:00

Hello! My name is Jenel, aka Simply J. I'm a mother of two extremely cute little boys, Jaxon 4 years old and Ian 2 years old. They truly make being a mom 'easy'. They are such good little boys!

I absolutely love to crochet! I've been doing it for some time now and it's completely relaxing. I never really thought I could sell my items...didn't think anyone would like it but me. I think I start selling at craft shows in 2002 and was excited to see that others really liked my stuff! I opened my Etsy shop late August 2008. I'm thrilled by it's success...I never dreamed that it would be like this!

I work full time outside my home, care for my boys and crochet. So many have asked 'when do I find the time?' Well, you have steal a few minutes here and there and you have to learn how to crochet FAST.' ;)

I decided to open a blog...because everyone else had one :) ...but I thought it would be fun! You can connect with a lot of people via blogging.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you return soon!

Wholesale

2008-10-29T15:54:00.003-04:00

Yes, I do sell my items wholesale! Please email me to request my 2009 Wholesale Rates letter.

Send request to: jenelstgermain@aol.com; subject line: WHOLESALE LETTER.

Host a Giveaway

2008-10-26T16:43:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love doing giveaway/ raffles! I have one every month on my blog. Recently, several people have contacted me asking if they can host a giveaway on their blog! I've done a few and I'm willing to do more.

If you are interested in hosting a giveaway on your blog please contact me (jenelstgermain@aol.com) and we can set up arrangements.

Hurry!!!!! My Giveaway Calendar is filling fast....so contact me ASAP!

BUY IT NOW

2008-10-26T12:35:00.002-04:00

Visit back on May 11, 2009 for a new line up of BUY-IT-NOW...where you will find exclusive deals!

Raffle Rules & Details

2008-10-26T09:16:00.007-04:00

WHAT I host a monthly giveaway on my blog raffling one of my hand-crochet items.

WHEN Starting April 2009, each raffle will begin on the 1st of every month and end on the last day of the month. The winner is announced on the 1st on my blog.

HOW TO ENTER Email me at jenelstgermain@aol.com, subject line: SIMPLY J RAFFLE. I will email your raffle ticket number within 24 hours.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES You actually have a couple of ways to earn more tickets throughout the month.

1 additional raffle ticket for for every $10 spent in my shop and/ or buying gift certificates.

1 extra ticket by blogging about this raffle! Please let me know you did by posting a comment

2 extra tickets by placing my button on your blog or website

WINNER All raffle tickets are entered into a bucket and one of my lovely assistants (my boys) draws one raffle ticket.

IMPORTANT The winner is posted on my blog on the 1st and has through the 3rd to claim their prize. I DO NOT contact the winner via email. So please visit back to see if you are the winner!

QUESTIONS If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me: jenelstgermain@aol.com

HOST A GIVEAWAY If you are interested in hosting a Simply J Crochet giveaway on your blog email me (jenelstgermain@aol.com) for details.

My Boys- Miscellaneous Pics

2008-10-25T13:54:00.003-04:00

My Boys

2008-10-25T13:43:00.005-04:00

My Work

2008-10-25T11:25:00.011-04:00