Which Stitch Markers Are Best

When I first took up crochet I didn't have any stitch markers, I didn't even know stitch markers existed. It wasn't long before I knew about them and I learnt the value of using stitch markers, aka stitch savers. That first frustrating experience of when a project accidentally unravels because there's nothing holding onto the stitch to stop it coming undone or your crochet circle grows in ways it isn't supposed to and the worth of this tiny tool became obvious very quickly. But there are so many styles of stitch marker to choose from, locking, circle, coil-less, plastic, safety pins, thread, 3D printed... does it really make a difference which one you use? Is it just how pretty they are? I walk you through a dozen different stitch markers from items you have lying around your home to the fancy artisan styles. I share with you what features to look for and those that don't really hold up to the task.
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String Theory

Have you ever wondered about string theory?

Ada cat and a string tote bag

Or more correctly the theory that string would be a good idea to use to crochet shopping bags? 

I made this bag ages ago however it is still technically a UFO.

crochet bag shoulder strap with string end not yet woven in

Even this end bit of string attests to it's unfinished status.

crochet shell stitch

I always had plans of crocheting a drawstring for the top to keep things from falling out. But I couldn't find the rest of the string.

jute string in natural brown and dyed green

This string right here, which obviously I eventually found.

But not before this nasty black stuff happened. I had this bag hanging on the laundry door handle....

oil damaged shoulder strap

....for a very looooong time. Long enough that the oil from internal workings of the door handle has been soaked up by the jute twine and begun to wear away at it. 

The safety pins were added simply because it seemed like a handy spot to put them one day when they showed up in the laundry. 

crochet tote bag

I guess I should try to finish this bag. That means undoing the shoulder strap. And in case you're wondering jute is very scratchy and I would not recommend using it for a string bag. Go for cotton string instead. 

Comments

  1. Unknown14 February 2015 at 09:02

    I have a lot UFO in my craft drawers. Some, well, they will get finished, and some, well, they will never get finished as intended but will probably be turned into something else. That's kind of how it goes around here. Thanks for the post.
    MommyCrusader.com

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle18 February 2015 at 12:11

      This is the year of reduce the UFO's for me. So far I'm not doing very well.

      Delete
  2. Ana Love Craft18 February 2015 at 16:53

    Wonderful work! I love your bag and the sweet kitten! Visiting from Hookin On Hump Day Link Party! Thank you for sharing!
    Hope you have a wonderful day!
    Hugs and love from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sum of their Stories23 February 2015 at 23:56

    Posts like this make me feel Oh so much better about my bags full of UFOs and random things left around the place!
    I made a crochet shopping bag years ago and more by luck then judgement I used cotton string, It has been great and is still going strong, I do save it for the odd shaped groceries though, mostly fruit and veg as it squishes things like bread way too much.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle24 February 2015 at 08:21

      Those UFO's pile up don't they? I've get to keep going through them, there's so many still left to go. I'm going to have to do a nice cotton string shopping bag I think.

      Delete
  4. Anna24 February 2015 at 05:55

    I bought some twine a while ago to make a shopping bag and I haven't got around to it yet! Actual string theory is what I use as a cure for insomnia :) Your cat is very cute.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle24 February 2015 at 08:26

      Oh that's so funny, I think actual string theory would put me to sleep. Insomnia is hard to live with though, I read until I fall asleep.

      Delete

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