My friend’s dog sent Speck and Rita some adorable gifts recently and he (or someone claiming to be him) wrote Speck and Rita a nice note in this card.
Card
It’s such a cute card and it has a little charm that says “Believe”. I thought . . that would make such a stitch marker – the kind when you only need one special one, like for marking a beginning of round when knitting something circular, and every time I saw it, I would think of my thoughtful friend and her sweet dog. I should have read the card and said “cute” and stuck it in the drawer for Chad and Nicole to find when they clean out all my stuff some day. But . . no, that’s not how things work around here.
I love stitch markers and it’s a bit frustrating how many of them I lose and how expensive they are. I’m not saying . . break the bank expensive but it’s usually $10 to $14 for 15 or 20 stitch markers and I can lose that many during one project. They’re in the chair, on the floor . . I eventually find them all but they are easy to lose. And, I like for mine to match so if I need 8 and I only have 7, that’s a problem. Shouldn’t be, but it is.
I kept looking at that charm on the card and thinking . . stitch markers can’t be hard to make! Wire and beads! How hard can that be? Down that rabbit hole I went!
First, I watched a couple of youtube videos. Piece of cake . . I can do this!
Wire
I ordered wire. The video I liked best said 16 gauge wire. I’m thinking I might would have liked 18 gauge better but for now, it’s 16 gauge.
Tools
I stuck the little jump ring spindle things in an empty pill bottle. And there’s the glue the lady on the video said I needed!
The video said I needed “flush cut wire cutters” and she specifically said “get Lindstrom”. They were expensive but that’s what I got! I wasn’t going to make crappy stitch markers because I bought a less expensive flush cutter. Jump ring maker . . I can see how that’s needed and it was dirt cheap.
Bead Organizer
Of course you need beads and you’ll need a bead organizer.
Bead Organizer
This thing is so neat. I love it but do I really want to dump all my beads into those little cups?
Beads
Don’t ask me why but I already had a bunch of the beads. Not sure I’m going to dump the beads into the little bead organizer, and it looks I need more beads because this is really a drop in the bucket as far as how many of those little compartments I would fill with these few containers of beads.
Charms
And then you need a few charms for those special markers . . the ones that want to remind you to do something different. These came from Walmart. I need to go to Hobby Lobby. Hey . . there’s a Hobby Lobby in Joplin, MO. Another reason to go to Missouri . . see how I think! 🙂
More Tools
While at Walmart and looking at their charms, I saw this whole packet of tools in a handy case for about 1/3 of what I paid for that one flush cutter.
Tools
I’m glad I got the set. They are so cute and they make me smile . . with all the different colored handles. Look at the “tweezers and scoop”. Doesn’t that look fun to use?
So . . you never know where sending something as simple as a gift and a cute card to a friend’s dogs might lead!
And now I’m thinking . . maybe those stitch markers at the yarn shops aren’t so expensive!
Melody Wathor says
You make me smile. Probably because I recognize myself doing some of the same things. 🙂
Angie Kiker says
LOL! That saying “one thing leads to another” applies!
Glenda says
And it’s not just the cost of the tools and beads etc. Storing all that stuff takes up space and when you are looking for something else you’ll come across this and you’ll stop looking for the first thing and start thinking about making stitch markers. Then it will be hours or days before you get back to what you started out to do.
That’s the way it goes for me!
Sheri Berger says
Funny! (Been there, done that. I always want all of the tools and supplies when I start something new. That’s half the fun!)
pattilynn9 says
What? Aren’t you gonna tell us how much money you’re saving by making your own?!? haha! Have fun!
Vivian says
And if you think stitch markers are cute, just think of the cute little personalized bracelets you could make for your grandaughter with those tools, beads and charms — I’m just saying, um, enabling……..
Linda in NE says
And so it starts! I’ve given away two yarn stashes over the years, and a clothing fabric stash, and a craft supply & pattern stash and have a quilting fabric stash that never declines no matter how much I sew. I VOW to never start a new hobby that involves a stash to fill my house. So…….when I thought scrapbooking might be fun I started reading digital scrapbooking sites & blogs. I now have an untold number of gigabytes of digital elements, but it didn’t involve building new shelves. I do, however, have a 12 x 12 plastic container of papers & a few doodads. If I ever get it scanned that will find a new home too. My sister-in-law is into making jewelry and has given me a few pieces. I’ve seen some great looking designs but I’m not getting hooked. I swear!!!
Nancy says
LOL as I read your post I was thinking that the stitch markers are cheap in comparison of what you are spending on supplies. We crafty people always get sucked in so easily with a new craft.
Bett says
I call it “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” syndrome. Sadly, it is very contagious when the original person shares her project/recipe/new gadget.
PegD says
This post makes me laugh only because I recognize myself. Let’s face it, making is fun. I have relaxed into that realization. Have fun with your stitch markers. I made some myself when I first started knitting.
dezertsuz says
You made me smile a lot. I use a lot of beads in crazy quilting, and I store mine in the round stacking cases you can buy at fishing stores. Of course you can buy them in JoAnn’s and craft shops, too, but they cost less at the fishing store. Mine came from Cabela’s along with a couple of other fishing containers for flies. Very handy things! And guaranteed worm free. That’s always good, right? LOL Oh, I also used the La Vie metal candy tins – I glued felt in the bottom and then I can dump some beads in and easily pick them up with the needle without them rolling around. =)
danielle says
LOL – glad I kept reading – cause all I could think of was – all this to make ONE stitchmarker??????
Carolyn says
I am on my way to WalMart….I love that tool set! One can never have too many tools.
Bon says
Oh, Judy, you make me laugh. And you take so many down the rabbit trails too. Not me………this time.
Beth Cunningham says
Love it!!! I can’t wait to see your markers. I so want to try this!!!!