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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Upcycle T-Shirts to Pet Rug

Having just decluttered a lot of old t-shirts you just knew there would be t-shirt yarn upcycle projects  coming didn't you?

Crochet Pet Rug from Old T-Shirts

I wanted something to put either beside our bed or in the kitchen for winter because our floors get very cold. 

With that in mind I also thought it would be a great opportunity to use a  this crochet pattern from Craft Chic I stumbled across last October and have been waiting for just the right opportunity enough t-shirt yarn to give it a go. 

It worked perfectly and is quick to make up. I made this rug in an afternoon.  The only problem is that the instant I finished making my floor rug this happened. 

Crochet Pet Rug from Old T-Shirts

Stolen by Geri the Wonder Dog. I had laid my rug out to take a photo and went to grab the camera on the other side of the room.

Crochet Pet Rug from Old T-Shirts

See that look on her face that says, 'I'm not moving. You can't make me!'? Then she promptly fell asleep. Well I couldn't disturb her then could I?

Crochet Pet Rug from Old T-Shirts

Ever since it's been a highly sort after commodity. 

Upcyle T-Shirts to Pet Rug Crochet Project

Upcyle T-Shirts to Pet Rug Crochet Project

I guess I'll be making another one in the very near future. 

Upcyle T-Shirts to Pet Rug Crochet Project

Then I'll be able to make one for me. Well I wasn't thrilled with those colours anyway. 


Comments

  1. Agy20 April 2015 at 17:34

    Looks very comfy but I think your doggy wants a bigger one though! I tried doing this with my t-shirt yarn but found that it was really difficult to get the tension right especially when all the yarn came from different types of t-shirts. No way did it turn out pretty. Eventually, I met this lady who told me that the next best thing is to buy t-shirt yarn that has been made from the jersey making process. The factories have huge amts of this waste, and some manufacturers take this to make t-shirt yarn. :-)

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    1. Purfylle20 April 2015 at 21:22

      My brindle girl fits on it just fine if she wants to, my big black boy though...he needs everything in super extra large.
      I had trouble with tension too but I found that so long as you keep your stitches nice and loose the tension issues went away. I do try to choose t-shirts of a similar weight but I've got quite a few going on in this one.
      I don't think I could bring myself to buy t-shirt yarn. There's too many other types of yarn I want to spend my money on. Besides I remain unconvinced that it's made from offcuts.

      Delete
  2. collettakay21 April 2015 at 20:48

    How sweet is that!! I know my dogs would do the same thing. I love to crochet also. I'll have to check out the pattern.

    I hope you can stop by:

    http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2015/04/family-time-pizza-making-42115.html

    Colletta

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    1. Purfylle22 April 2015 at 20:44

      I'm working on the next one already. I can't have them fighting over it :o) Good luck with making your own.

      Delete
  3. Unknown22 April 2015 at 21:47

    what sweet pups! Of course each should have their own and how impatient they must be waiting on the 2nd. I haven't made a special rug or blanket for our Macy, as she prefers to lay on someone but we did do a quilt for Layla (she's a bit big for laps).

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    1. Purfylle26 April 2015 at 22:15

      Mine are definitely too big for laps but they are both convinced they are lap dogs. I've nearly got the second one finished but I need to source some more yarn. I think if I keep delving I'll find some.

      Delete
  4. Unknown22 April 2015 at 23:13

    Geri the Wonder Dog has good taste! Although, he might need a bigger rug. This post was really interesting.

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    1. Purfylle30 April 2015 at 12:24

      I'm working on that bigger rug, Geri should have waited until one was made to the right size.

      Delete
  5. Lou Lou Girls27 April 2015 at 03:49

    This looks so incredible! I'm always so amazed by your talent. Pinned and tweeted. Please join us on Monday at 7 pm and party with us! It is so super fun to see what you have been working on! Lou Lou Girls

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  6. Anonymous28 April 2015 at 01:28

    This is an awesome idea! I know my dogs will curls up to anything owned by my husband, even his shoes. I bet they would love to have a bed of his old shirts. What a creative use for old t-shirts!

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    1. Purfylle30 April 2015 at 12:28

      That must be why they love it so much! Thanks Bonnie =D

      Delete
  7. youngonesfive28 April 2015 at 20:31

    Wow this is such a fabulous idea. :-)

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  8. Coombe Mill - Fiona28 April 2015 at 20:39

    So clever, and very popular looking too! #AnimalTales

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  9. jessie224728 April 2015 at 20:54

    I've always wanted to try one of these tee shirt rugs. I'll be adding this pattern to my ever growing list because yours turned out so nice!!! And so beloved by the animals that I'll have to make one for friends with fur babies too!

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    1. Purfylle30 April 2015 at 12:29

      It's quick to make up. It takes just about the same amount of time as actually cutting up the t-shirts. They are nice and sturdy too.

      Delete
  10. chickenruby29 April 2015 at 21:28

    fab idea, i'll give it a go

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  11. Debbie1 May 2015 at 22:20

    How clever! I never knew you could crochet old tee shirts.Our pets would have to make do with a tee shirt as is, but a crochet rug looks so much better! I haven't crocheted for years, but think I'll check out the pattern for future reference.

    #AnimalTales

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    1. Purfylle3 May 2015 at 10:08

      It's nice to be able to use those old t-shirts that aren't good enough for donating. It's a nice simple pattern if you do give it a go. Just keep your stitches really loose.

      Delete
  12. A Green and Rosie Life2 May 2015 at 16:43

    FABULOUS - I reckon you need to be scouring charity shops for more T-shirts and making these rugs commercially!
    Thank you so much for adding this brilliant canine idea to #AnimalTales (and for joining the Animal Tales Pinterst board - https://www.pinterest.com/ecogiteslenault/animal-tales/)

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    1. Purfylle3 May 2015 at 10:10

      I don't think my wrists could take the punishment! (but the thought has crossed my mind - I'll probably end up donating some to a shelter)

      Delete
  13. Alexandra EyeLoveKnots3 May 2015 at 00:15

    I love this! I have a hanging cat bed in mind for my Shiloh made with tshirt yarn but I haven't cut up the shirts yet. I really should get on it. Hehe.
    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.blogspot.com

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    1. Purfylle3 May 2015 at 10:11

      I would love to see it! I bet Shiloh will love it. Cutting the shirts up takes about the same amount of time as the crocheting.

      Delete
  14. Susan Jackson16 May 2015 at 03:11

    Super comfy, super creative, super awesome! Found your post today at Craft Challenge

    ReplyDelete

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