As you may recall, I’m into other arts and crafts that aren’t yarn-related. Like making steampunk coasters, for example. This means that I not only have a yarn stash but also a craft supplies stash (all beautifully organised in my crafting space, which continues to delight). I have more beads than I know what to do with, and lately have been adding charms to my collection – like the ones I used to make the cute safety pin brooch that accompanied my goth cardigan.
My sister and I are going to sell at our first craft fair together at the end of this month – a prospect both exciting and nerve wracking. So in preparation, I’ve been buying more supplies to noodle about with. Then I took myself on a sidebar (as is my special way) and decided one night to make myself some stitch markers.
I started with some star, rainbow and lightning charms. The fun thing about making my own stitch markers is that I can make as many as I need for the project I’m working on, and can also make some that are designed to show when a special thing is supposed to happen. For example, when I was working on my second Wingspan, there are points at which you work to the third, sixth or ninth stitch marker, then wrap and turn. I used wee lightning bolts to give a visual cue.
These were great for the 3.25mm needles Wingspan used. I also made beaded markers in the same size, and started out using them on the Topographical Scarf which is on 4mm needles. They’re a bit neat and sometimes trap the yarn under them, so I went to nice big jump rings that feel good for, at a guess, up to 6mm needles. These are also more robust rings so hopefully less chance of being bent out of shape over time (or by an accidental twist of the needle).
I have a fine selection of charms now, and intend to make them up into brooches. But maybe I’ll do a couple of batches of markers with those that don’t have so many tangle-attracting nooks and crannies, in case any knitters happen along?
The Crafty Yarnster 