A new cosy - Day 1

Stitch Markers For Crochet

Ok these aren't anything new, but here's a quick "how to".

These stitch markers naturally can be used for knitting as well, but because they're hinged they're ideal for marking crochet stitches & beginning of rounds. Most will fit up to 8mm knitting needles depending on what type you buy.

They are of course just hinged earring pieces, you can add whatever you like to them to make them purdy, & if you join your loops well, they're completely snag free on your work. You'll find some have tighter hinges than others so buy the best you can to begin with.

Everything you need can be found in a bead or craft shop, invest in a pair of round nose pliers from your craft shop to make perfect loops everytime. The posts (wires) I use have a small pin head stop at the bottom & are 5cm long. These will be long enough to make a stitch holder decoration (to attach to your earring piece) approx 3.5cm long.

If you want to make a marker with something dangly like these below, you'll be using these posts instead so you can attach beads, &amp also hang something from the readymade loop at the bottom. These should also be 5cm long to make a stitch marker 3.5cm long. (The one in the photo below is a bit short, I've run out of 5cm ones but it show's you what you need.

Now simply thread on whatever you want.
I usually start with a small seed bead, as some beads have holes larger than the end of the post, using a seed bead first will stop any larger ones falling off. When you're happy with your creation, you need to trim the wire so you can make the final loop to hang onto the earring piece.
Usually I trim the wire to 1cm past the last bead, that gives you a nice size loop, but if you are just learning, perhaps cut it a little longer  until you get used to turning loops.

Now take your round nosed pliers, you'll see why these are essential. Before you start curving the wire bend it out a little just after the last bead, it will make your loop stay central as you bend it.

Grab the end of your wire close to the top of the pliers & turn the pliers to start forming a loop with your wire. 

You'll see how easy it is to use the round arm of the pliers to make a nice round loop. The loop at this stage has to stay open a little, to attach the earring before you finish turning it in, so it meets up, just above the last bead on the wire.

All you need to do now is attach the earring piece & close the loop.

Make the hanging one the same way, no need for a starting seed bead as the loop at the bottom won't let anything past, you can then open the bottom loop & dangle something weird or wonderful from the bottom.

So easy! You'll be buying more beads & making more markers in no time. And of course if they are just too damn pretty for stitch markers, you can always wear them as earrings (one or the other please)!

See you tomorrow,

love Jen.

3 Posts in 3 Days.

3 posts in 3 days, what do you reckon, is it do-able? I might have some fun & see how many I can do in a row lol.


This month I've been trying to boost my donations to Knitting For Brisbane's Knitting, but with a very sore shoulder, thanks to trying to stretch into an evil unreachable space between the shower & vanity, to clean, I've done damage. It's letting me do more things now, so on we go.

The beginning of the month started with a K4BN weekend challenge to make granny squares, in single colours, to be made into blankets for the homeless. So I sent off my little stack to the lovely ladies who are sewing them all together.

I've made a few beanies, fingerless gloves & some scarves, a couple of these in diamond lace stitch (crochet).

 And this one done in Aboriginal flag colours as requested by some of our recipients, done in straight granny stitch. I'll do more of these in some subdued colours as well, they grow quickly & inspite of the holes, are thick & warm & quite wide at 25cm (almost 10 inch). They are good to take with me in my bag as a 'waitncrochet" project as I can always remember the pattern.

I've made a couple of little chicken crochet tea cosies (not my pattern), which I'll have to show you in another blog as they're still in pieces - yay there's another post I can stick on the end of the marathon effort.

What else. Oh that's right, went to the Quilt & Craft Show here in Brisbane at the Convention Centre last Friday. Haven't been to one for a few years as I have so many stitchery/doll/quilt patterns,
I don't really need any more, but I like to stay in touch with what's new.
I must remember to take my camera when I go out, I'll have to just start throwing it in my bag.
It's always magical walking into these places, like a child walking into a Toy Shop at Christmas. Any stress you bring with you is handed in at the door, while you spend a few hours strolling around taking in all the pretty things, & I really like pretty things! I'll be 80 years old, & I'll still be girly, I'm sure of it.
I was very good and only bought a couple of items, but now I'm itching to start a new stitchery project or perhaps finish an old one lol.

I bought this fabulous fabric to make a quilted bag, isn't it gorgeous,

and these bits & pieces to make a fun chunky bracelet for Summer (the small aqua glass beads I already had).

The centrepiece is lovely and opalescent, & considering Opal is my birthstone & I've had a Birthday this month, it had to be bought.

Till next time
love Jen.