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 Granny Square Cushions With A 3D Effect

crochet motif cushions

At last week's FinishItFriday I said I'd share a few bonus projects that were completed last year. These crochet motif cushions are top of the bonus list, bringing the total finished project count up to 14 from 12.

Can I really not count, I hear you ask. How I got from 12 to 14 by completing one project is explained below.

Back in 2014 (yes that long ago) I made a pile of little crochet motifs, which really helped to improve my crochet skills, I would recommend doing this to anyone who wants to get better at crochet.

crochet motifs and joined granny squares

Later that year I tried my hand at various granny squares and my very first crochet tutorial. A month later, which happened to also be the next year, I added an edging to the granny squares.

Shortly after I had them joined with the idea of making them into throw cushions. I was was undecided just which motifs should go where. A few months later I stitched the motifs on and added button closures using buttons from I had on hand. I even took photos and uploaded them to the blog and started a draft post.

trying out different motif arrangements before stitching them to the cushions

But that was as far as I got. The last little step was all that was needed to complete them. Making cushion inserts.

button closures for crochet cushions

Then late last year, a friend gifted me with some cushion stuffing. I had found some pink gingham in my fabric stash. I took it all along to a sewing day and finished it off.

I had long ago decided I didn't really like the cushions. I liked the concept but the colour and style weren't really me despite the fact I really enjoyed making them.

Then this magical little moment happened. One of the ladies at the sewing group loved them! She said how well they would fit into her decor and right then and there I gifted them to her. It made me so happy to have my work go to someone who appreciated it. The following week I also gave her the few matching motifs that didn't get used on the cushions.

Give your crochet granny square cushions a 3D effect with crochet motifs

Project started:

in winter 2014

Last worked on the project:

November 2015

Still to do:

Nothing. IT'S FINISHED!

But wait, I still haven't explained how the finished project count got to 14. I also get to delete that draft post I started back in February last year and I'm totally counting it.

How did you go last week? Have you made progress on an unfinished project since Friday? Tell me in the comments.

#FinishitFriday


See previous Finish It Friday projects.

Comments

  1. Jenny Guldin10 February 2017 at 14:59

    Well now, if you're going to count the draft post, then doesn't this post count as number 15 done? ;)
    From a crocheter's standpoint, I can say that they're lovely work... But like you, it's just not in my taste to have pink frilly things around the house. It's great that you could gift them to someone who loves them! I'm curious as to what she'll do with the extra motifs.

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    1. Purfylle11 February 2017 at 10:07

      The draft post only counts because it's been in draft for a year, so I'd call it a UFO (along with the other 100+ draft posts that are UFO's - I've got to sort that out). I will ask her if she has done anything with those extra motifs when I see her next.

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  2. Natasha11 February 2017 at 02:37

    Oh these are lovely Stella, I love the colour and the design, so pretty! - Tasha

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    1. Purfylle11 February 2017 at 10:09

      If I were to guess I would have thought you would prefer them in blue or garden colours.

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    2. Natasha12 February 2017 at 02:40

      Blues and greens are definitely my favourites, but I love these lavender/mauve/dusky pink shades too, they're very pretty. Thanks for the tip about my blog too, I've just changed things around a bit - having a hard time getting my URL to point to WordPress as I don't have a registered domain so I'm not sure what to do, but hopefully now when you click on My Website, it should take you to my WordPress blog - that's my workaround for the moment! :D

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    3. Purfylle12 February 2017 at 09:09

      Yes, that works great. I think pointing at your G+ URL works too if you have some stuff from your new blog up. I love your new site BTW.

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  3. PurpleSlob11 February 2017 at 03:34

    So excellent, Stella! But what color are they? The top pic, they look lavender. Then in the middle, they look more pale rosy/mauve. In the bottom pic, they look pink.
    ??
    They are gorgeous, whatever hue!! I love the 3D motifs, roses/flowers!!
    ANd the white edging sets it off perfectly!
    How cool that you got to gift them to someone who loved them!

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    1. Purfylle11 February 2017 at 10:22

      Look at you noticing details ;o) They do look different in different lighting and I would call them a dusky pink or a mushroom pink. On my monitor the colour differences aren't as great as your description but perhaps if I turned up the blue hues a little they would.

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