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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Crochet Cat Coasters

Crochet Cat Coasters #handmadeXmas2016

For the last couple of years I've been doing my best to give handmade gifts for Christmas.

I made these adorable little coasters as a gift for my cat loving friend last Christmas and I'm so excited I finally get to share them with you!
I scoured Pinterest for all the best cat coaster crochet patterns and created a special crochet coaster board so so you can find the patterns that appeal to you. I will continue to add patterns and ideas to the board throughout the year.



I made one a night and I had a full set by the end of a week. Here are the crochet cat coasters I made and links corresponding patterns. I wanted each coaster to be different and have it's own personality, just like real cats do.

Round Eared Kitteh

Round Eared Kitteh| Crochet Cat Coaster

This cute little round eared tabby kitty-cat is a free crochet pattern from my friend Alexandra at EyeLoveKnots. A simple and beautiful pattern with excellent easy-follow instructions.



Pointy Eared Kitty-Cat

Pointy Eared Kitty-cat | Crochet Cat Coaster
This Pointy eared black cat was inspired by Amigurumissholly, it's not in English but the images helped me to figure out what was what and I almost got it right.
kitten coaster free crochet pattern

Fat Cat

Fat Kitty-cat with feet | Crochet Cat Coaster

Fat tabby cat with his short little feet poking out the bottom is a free pattern from MissCraftyMess, the extra kink in the tail is my own addition.


Ginger Puss

Ginger Puss-cat with feet | Crochet Cat Coaster

Ginger puss here is a my own blend of mix and matching ears and tails. 

Peeking Cat

Peeking Puss-cat | Crochet Cat Coaster

Peeking cat was a bit more challenging and I'm still not sure I got that head quite right. I decided to leave off all whiskers and buttons on my kitties to minimise any chance of an upset cup (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). Peeking cat is another free pattern from JansCrochet.


Furry Puss-Cat

Furry Puss-cat | Crochet Cat Coaster
This furry fellow is inspired by a free potholder pattern over at the CrochetingCrab. 


This year I think I might try crocheting some bird or owl coasters, but if you're not a yarny I've started a pinterest board for DIY coasters made with fabric, wood, tiles, leather and whatever else you can imagine. If you've made some coasters and blogged about it leave me a link in the comments and I'll add it to my boards. 





Comments

  1. Unknown8 April 2016 at 21:14

    these crochet cat coasters are adorable! love how you made them all different too. The kinky tail is my fav for sure!

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle9 April 2016 at 12:45

      Nothing like a tabby cat with attitude =D

      Delete
  2. Gail @Purple Hues and Me8 April 2016 at 21:29

    These are too cute, Stella! As I've said before - wish I could crochet! You are so talented! I am a cat lover and the kinky tail coaster is my favorite, too!!!

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    1. Purfylle9 April 2016 at 12:48

      I think that his was my most successful tail ;o)

      Delete
  3. Pili9 April 2016 at 05:56

    Those coasters are too cute, Stella! Love the pointy eared the most, seeing these cute things make me want to learn crochet! Also, handmade gifts are the best!

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    1. Purfylle9 April 2016 at 12:49

      I think that one might be a Siamese kitty. Once you have the basics few stitches down in crochet these are a nice beginner project. Perhaps it's time to learn?

      Delete
  4. Mary K.9 April 2016 at 18:20

    These are really adorable Stella. The detail on them is spectacular and makes them special. I really need to find time to relearn how to crochet. My mom had taught me when I was a kid, and I used to make lopsided scarves.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle10 April 2016 at 13:28

      Lopsided scarves are the best kind. If you've crocheted before, relearning won't take you long at all and you'll be able to do it when you relax at the end of the day.

      Delete
  5. Alexandra EyeLoveKnots17 April 2016 at 02:24

    I love this! I will be sharing, and giving some of these a try. Love the idea of a handmade Christmas, and getting a head start is always a plus. I accidently deleted your comment on my link, but I reposted it - so sorry! Thanks for the link and share, and I'm looking forward to following along with this blog hop!
    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle17 April 2016 at 12:39

      I accidentally delete stuff all the time lol. Thank you so much for the pattern too!

      Delete
  6. Sew Crafty Crochet25 June 2016 at 02:53

    These are so fun! I really like the black and white cat face coaster. I've been meaning to make some crochet coasters. I'll check out your Pinterest board.

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    1. Purfylle25 June 2016 at 09:28

      I've been meaning to add more to the pinterest board :o) Thanks for the reminder.

      Delete
  7. betty-NZ16 July 2016 at 15:10

    Oh, dear! I showed Hubby and he wants some for a co-worker!They are just too cool!

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle6 December 2016 at 07:33

      Did he learn to crochet so he could gift them?

      Delete

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