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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Macro Misses

tiny cream flower bush with spiky leaves

I've been out trying to capture some early wild flowers. It's a real challenge to get the focus right on these tiny little flowers. All of these shots were a bit of a miss. I'll shall have to try again this season. What are your tips for macro shots?

tiny cream flower bush with spiky leaves and my hand for size reference

The white flowers above and the pink and white flowers below are so tiny I can barely seem them clearly with my eyes.

tiny white flowers that are pink on the outside

This fly is one of those really small ones. He is maybe four to five millimetres or three sixteenths of an inch.

tiny white flowers that are pink on the outside with a very small fly having a rest

Are there tiny flowers where you live? 

this little flowers has the most amazing formation and colours

the longer leaf in the background is perhaps 2 inches long showing how tiny these flowers are

Comments

  1. Unknown10 July 2016 at 16:23

    Macro is such a hard thing to get right. I'd suggest getting as close as possible.

    Thank you for linking up

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle14 July 2016 at 14:09

      I was so close I kept bumping the plant. I really needed more light as it was overcast. For shots like these the 17mm-70mm tends to let me down, I'll have to lug hubbies big 150mm macro lens out one day.

      Delete
  2. Coombe Mill - Fiona10 July 2016 at 22:13

    I love the delicate wild flowers on our shrubs and bushes in July. These ones are beautiful and so understated.

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    1. Purfylle14 July 2016 at 14:27

      Understated is an understatement! Nearly invisible I'd say.

      Delete
  3. Rachel C11 July 2016 at 03:23

    They are so beautiful and delicate! #MySundayPhoto

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  4. Winnie11 July 2016 at 16:20

    You've done a great job! Beautiful photos and such BEAUTIFUL and exquisite flowers. I love the elegant soft colors

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle14 July 2016 at 14:37

      Thanks Winnie, I'm not happy with them though, I'll have to try again.

      Delete
  5. Debbie11 July 2016 at 19:26

    Hi Stella, we do do get tiny wild flowers here too, many of them grow close to the ground. As for macro tips? I'm being a good girl in the hope of getting a macro lens for Christmas.

    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle14 July 2016 at 14:38

      Ohhh, Santa is sure to bring you a lovely lens! I've got my fingers crossed for you.

      Delete
  6. PurpleSlob12 July 2016 at 00:11

    Is there a fly there?? lol
    My eyes are going down too!!
    Th 2 purple shots on bottom look good to me. Yes, I put on my glasses! ;)

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle14 July 2016 at 14:39

      Glasses do help - I must remember to use them more often.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous12 July 2016 at 16:43

    Macro shots are really tricky! I use manual focus when I am doing macro and when its windy I dont take photos at all cuz it wont just work.

    We have flowers here but its mostly planted by the council. Yo ucan find wild ones at the seafront and they are really pretty to photograph =)

    #mysundayphoto

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle14 July 2016 at 14:41

      I should practice my manual focus more. It's just hard to see through that little view finder. Our council plants out wildflowers along the 'wildflower walks' to ensure that the tourists get to see them. We try to find more isolated areas to find them.

      Delete
  8. TwoPlusCute14 July 2016 at 23:01

    Depends on your camera but, with my point & shoot, the tricks are:

    - Set for macro (close ups really) & clean the lense to be crystal clear.
    - Do NOT go too close. NOT. Be about half a meter from the subject, let the camera focus and just crop out later.
    - When all else fails, go auto (as in automatic; not car)
    - Flash and exposure compensation help big when you shoot in a sunny day but your subject is in shadows.

    Hope it helps - and I still think your photos are great. Especially with such tiny flowers - that move with the slightest breeze - it's hard to get a crisp shot.

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  9. The Pink Slipper Project15 July 2016 at 07:18

    Try at dusk with high def.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Travelling Lindfields18 August 2017 at 18:58

    I am glad to see that someone else struggles to focus flowers. I took a whole lot of photos of wildflowers in Kings Park, Perth a couple of days ago and they were nearly all out of focus. I figured out that I was standing too close to them - I think.

    ReplyDelete

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