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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Stash Delving

Projects always change when you limit yourself to working only from the fabric stash.

At first I vacillated wildly between different styles of Victorian gown to make for the stash-busting challenge. I wanted my inspiration piece to be Australian.

Initially I was going to go with a practical Natural Form Era gown, but when I realised I probably didn't have enough fabric I kept looking.

I wanted something that would be fairly achievable by the end of the month that I could make from stash fabrics.

Mrs Bauer's gown caught my eye because the satin skirt I have in stash would probably work really well for this gown. But then I delved into the depths of the sewing room stash boxes, pulled the satin skirt out and changed my mind, I don't want to transform the skirt after all.

1870 Formal portrait of Mrs Bauer
1870 Formal portrait of Mrs Bauer who is wearing a full length dress and a long wrap. 
Her hair is long and fashioned in ringlets.
image source: Bonzle


This day dress from the Mode Museum would be perfect for our hot weather, no use drooling though. I don't have the fabric and it's not Australian.

Day dress, 1870-80 From the Mode Museum
Day dress, 1870-80 From the Mode Museum
see it on Pinterest here

I was sure I had made up my mind when I found this lovely portrait with the striped gown. I just needed to find a pattern and fabric.

Mother and two children posing for a portrait, Ipswich, 1870-1880
Mother and two children posing for a portrait, Ipswich, 1870-1880
image source: Bonzle

I figured I could use the pattern from the gown in Patterns of Fashion 1860-1940, for this gown.

1871-1873 Dress: white silk with satin trim, English
1871-1873 Dress: white silk with satin trim, English
see it on Pinterest here

I dug deep into the stash for fabric and found stuff I'd forgotten I had. Bucket-loads of horrid polyesters and not nearly enough natural fiber (because natural fibers get used-up very quickly around here). 

That is when I realised this is it! This is the costume to use up some of those bucket-loads of nasty polys that have been hanging out in the stash for years.

I'm going to make a gown out of the cheesiest shiniest fabrics, and my goal will be to use as much of the cheesy trims and fabrics in my stash as possible.

It will be a good way to:
  • use up the costumey and oh too shiney trims
  • use up the nasty fabrics that have hung around waaaay to long
  • make my first Victorian gown
  • make my first gown since I put on weight and get to know how this new shape of mine works
and if I stuff it up I won't be crying over wasted fabric!

It won't be a lovely Australian inspired gown after all. It will be a gaudy costumey frothy thing instead, albeit originally inspired by that lovely portrait.

Comments

  1. Agy11 March 2015 at 16:15

    I'm sure it will be a good learning experience too so it's a win-win! It's great to see someone posting about 19C fashion. It's got me interested in clothes from my culture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle12 March 2015 at 14:50

      Oh I hope you write about your historical garments! I'd love to get to know more.

      Delete
  2. Wholesome Joy11 March 2015 at 22:26

    Beautiful dresses! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle12 March 2015 at 14:51

      That's why it's so hard to make my mind up :o)

      Delete
  3. Audrey13 March 2015 at 04:36

    I'd love to see how it comes out. I wish I could sew more than a (semi)straight line.

    found you on Treasure Box Tuesdays

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle13 March 2015 at 17:32

      Well if all goes well I'll be sharing it by the end of the month. Fingers crossed.

      Delete

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