Make Your Own Stitch Markers

I take my elderly mother out every Thursday for Mom-Daughter day.  Whatever she wants to do.  Usually, that means taking her somewhere she wouldn't drive to herself.  Today was Hobby Lobby day.  

While perusing the "make your own jewelry" isle, I came across these sweet little gnome charms.  How adorable are these tiny treasures, I ask you?  I instantly thought of stitch markers.

So, over to the findings area where they sell all the things you need to make your own jewelry.  I found these lever back wires typically used to make earrings.  They are just the thing I need to make stitch markers for crochet OR knitting.  The lever back makes it removable for crochet projects.

Some pliers to attach the ring on the gnome to the earring piece and.....

Viola!  Instant stitch marker.

With the half off sale, that makes 3 stitch markers for $3.50 a piece.

I'm going to rummage through my jewelry box to see if there is anything in there to make more!

Best,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

I always pick up little charms when they are in the clearance area in a shop.  I use them to add interest to many of my scarves.  I add them as I knit along with a tiny crochet hook so I don't have to string them all on the yarn before I start knitting. 

My Hand Crafted Crochet Hook Collection

Are you a collector of "things"?  I am.  I love so many things.  Tiny tins, charms of places I travel to for my charm bracelet, Christmas ornaments of the same places and most recently, crochet hooks.

I saw the fox hook on instagram that was posted by repeatcrafterme .  

I popped right over to visit Kelli at TheClayBeanCo.https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheClayBeanCo.  Fell in love with so many of her "things".  The Fox, Fawn and Corn were my hooks of choice.  The shop owner was quick to answer any questions, great customer service and the package arrived on time in great condition.

 

These are just so dang cute and very well made and look just like the picture on the listing.  If you like the fox, just send her a note to make one for you.  I especially like that the thumb rest is left exposed.

 Kelli also has knitting needles!

 

Maybe for my daughter at Christmas.  She does knit, but has a very busy life.  She'd wear these in her hair stuck in a bun.

Mom has a love of hedgehogs, so I'll get these for her upcoming birthday or Christmas.

 

There are adorable stitch markers as well.

 

I love these from Lisa at Polka Dot Cottage.  The granny hook on the right is a fav of mine.  If you buy 3 or more you get $2 off each hook!  They are bright and colorful and very well made too.

 

I'm sure you have all seen the Furls crochet hooks on various social media sites.  To be honest, I haven't tried using this one yet, but it's gorgeous!

 

Not the greatest photo of this one by korutumi.  A little Geisha girl.  These are on Etsy and she has....

Buttons and stitch markers too!

Fun, zodiac gift set would be a great gift for your hooker buddy!

A small collection right now, but a very affordable addiction!

Have a great weekend,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

I never travel with my treasured hooks or knitting needles.  Not even by car.  They can get lost, stolen or confiscated by an airline employee.  For air travel, I take a generic hook or needles in my carry on project bag and pack my better notions in my luggage. 

Back to School Projects

When my daughter was little, I loved this time of year....back to school.  Fall weather on the way, a couple new outfits and new school supplies, which always annoyed me to no end!  If you go to a public school in the USA, no one, not even the teachers, should be purchasing school supplies, it's a public school.  I've even had to pay book fees.  I don't know when all this started, but it was never like that when I was going to school.  

I digress....let's get back to some fun!  I found some fun back to school projects.  This lunch box is super cute!  You could easily change up the colors for a boy.

So is this backpack I found on Ravelry.  Just adorable.

When my daughter was in school, a scarf for teacher was easy to whip up and always welcome.

I knit many of these for college bound students in my neighborhood.  You can find the free pattern for the slouchy hat on Ravelry.  

I have also made some Arm Warmers for students and teachers alike.  Male teachers would like these as well in a brown, gray or black combo.  Here is my pattern on Ravelry.  You can also find it in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.

This cute owl basket for teacher is darling for their desk.  You could also fill it with treats! 

This is handsome for a male teacher or student.  I love the composition book-like style of it.

Are you working on any back to school projects?  I'd love to read about them.

Best,

Sheila

Purls of Wisdom:

When knitting or crocheting for children of any age, keep it simple, fast and inexpensive.  Things tend to get lost, misplaced and banged up.  

Back to School Humor

I came across this on Facebook and smiled through the entire read!  The first paragraph even talks about a crocheted poncho.  

Here's the link if you'd like to read it, especially if you were a teen in the '70s.  I must admit I am guilty of some of the things they mention about parenting today, like taking that first day of school photo on the front porch!

Have a happy week,

Sheila