Stuff Knitters Want and Gotta Have™

2008-08-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

2007-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Making Your Own Beads!!

Create polymer beads from canes or ropes and shape into beads, and more! Seeing how this clay takes to shaping, you can create various objects for beads- sheep, pie, watermelon, dogs, cats...no limits there!!

Polymer Clay comes from a variety of companies, different brands have different qualities. Experiement with them and find which works well for you.

Using polymer clay there are a few simple safety guidelines:
1) small animals, birds especially should be removed from the area where the fumes from baking the polymer clay could affect them.
2) do not use polymer clay on any item intended for human consumption. Go to the dollar store for supplies such as rolling pins, claytools ( check out the playdough section too!), baking sheets, skewers and more.
3) Color can migrate onto hands and items, it does wash off.
4) Do not walk away from baking clay, I have had a few students do so and set their toaster oven on fire....use toaster oven, oven but not a microwave. If you burn the clay, be sure to open the windows- get air circulating.

Basic Polymer Beads I

Polymer Clay in 2 -3 colors
Xacto Blade knife or straight edge
Basic PC Supplies & Tools:
Cutting board or work surface
Baking Sheet
Skewers or Size 00-0 (US) Metal Needles for holes

Clay will not harden in air, though I keep mine on disposable food trays in plastic to keep it clean.

Knead by hand the three clays. Break up into small sections to knead, the warmth of your hands will get the clay pliable.

Roll into strands.
Twist the strands together.
This is a basic round cane.

1) You could roll out a thin piece of clay and wrap that cane with the thin piece creating a bead.
2) Cut the basic cane and shape the discs into beads.
3) Cut slightly twisted canes into beads for a shaped bead.

4) Roll the cane beads into balls or flatten and cut into shapes with a small aspic cutter- fondant cutter - check the Wilton Cake Decorating or Polymer Clay section in your craft stores for cutters.

5) Make hole and string onto wire or metal needles for baking.
6) Use a disposable pan to raise the strung beads off baking surface while baking.

7) Follow baking directions.
8) Finish with sanding rough areas if need be- you can use a nai shaper for that.
9) Finish if desired with polymer clay surface finisher

Then you can make your markers!!

2007-06-04T01:53:00.000-07:00

Knitting Angel Stitch Markers
Supplies:

Pictured:
Right Side Top to Bottom:
Head pins in Brass or Silver, shown in Brass
Split Rings to fit you needles in Brass or Silver
Note: make sure they slide easily on your needles.
Spacer Bead in Brass or Silver
Note: I use "heishi" brass spacer beads
Left Side Top to Bottom:
Wire cutters
Needle Nose Pliers or Round Tip Pliers

Beads:
Heart or Tulip bead for skirt
Pearls for head size 4mm-6mm
Angel Wings size medium

Local Craft Stores carry most of these supplies in their
jewelry making section.
Specialized beads such as angel wings can be found at:
abeadstore.com

Click on Pictures to Enlarge for Details

Step 1: Bead the head pin in this order:
Skirt Bead- Wings- Head Bead then Halo

Step 2: With needle nose pliers create a loop :
Using the tips of the pliers to create a round loop- using your wrist to twist the wire.
Step 3: Slide ring onto loop.
Cut wire of loop where it meets the straight wire from the beads.
Close the loop.

Three easy steps to create your own Knitting Angel Stitch Markers.

2007-05-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here is the listing of exchanges for the Summer Months. We will keep you informed as to when the Exchanges are available for sign ups.

Pictured: Fimo Beaded Marker Exchange and Woodn't You love These Stitch Markers Exchange Samples
Click on the pictures to enlarge for details.

Knitting Angel Marker Only Exchange- Sign Up: May 15 In
Partners Hands June 15
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers.
More Details to come.
Angels in charms, beads or assembled with parts from Rings & Things or abeadstore.
Check the Rings & Things catalogue for their tutorial and the sites below:

http://www.abeadstore.com/
For angel wings, drops, tulip sand hearts for skirts
Tutorial above.

Charmed I'm Sure Marker & Extra Exchange- Sign Up: May 15 In
Partners Hands June 25
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers & something extra.talk to your
partner $$ limit. Find out from partner what type of charms she wants,
from animals, flowers, objects, charms are unlimited. Along with
charms find out her favorite color to accent the charms, size needles
she uses and extra could be a needle holder or edible goodies...talk
to her about it all.

Favorite Bead Marker Only Exchange- Sign Up: May 25 In
Partners Hands June 25
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers.
Is your favorite bead cloisonne? lampwork? Millefiori? Ceramic? Let
your partner know colors & beads, size needle you use. This is a
marker only exchange, no extras.

WOODn't You Love These Markers Exchange- Sign Up: ****In
Partners Hands****
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers.
Wood is the key element. There are many gorgeous wood beads out there
to use for markers. Choose tribal styles, lathed ribbed beads, animal
wood beads, painted wood beads...you imagination is the limit.This is
a marker only exchange, no extras.

Lemonade & Watermelon Time Exchange- Sign Up: **** In
Partners Hands ***
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers + .
Think Lemonade in Pink or Yellow.. . Limeade.... Ice Cold Watermelons...
YUMMY FUN SUMMER COLORS!
This is a : STITCH MARKER PLUS exchange.
Accessorize this exchange with a Summer Color Cloth or Mug Rug- give
pattern to partner too ! some tea? or summer treat? Talk to your
partner and see what each other is thinking about this exchange. Sit
back and enjoy lemonade while knitting with some fun summer inspired
markers. Check out Oriental Trading Bead Catalogue for some good ideas.

Fimo Bead Stitch Marker & Needle Holder Exchange- Sign Up: **** In
Partners Hands ***
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers & needle holder .
Purchase or make fimo beads to use in stitch markers and needle
holder. Several types of needle holders can be made. See tutorials on:
http://stitchmarkerexchange.blogspot.com/
Check with your partner on her colors, likes, needle sizes she
uses...This is a stitch marker& needle holder exchange. Talk to
partner about extras and $ limit.

Craft stores that carry Blue Moon beads, may have their line of fimo
cane sliced beads.

Craft stores also have tutorial tear sheets for the Fimo aisle in the
store. Check out what they have. Fimo is fun and easy to use. I
caution those with Birds in the House to not have them near the
kitchen fumes when baking Fimo, have had a friends bird get sick from
the fumes.

A tutorial on Fimo Beads and FInishing will be added to the site
soon: http://stitchmarkerexchange.blogspot.com/Knitting Angel Marker
Only Exchange- Sign Up: May 15 In
Partners Hands June 15
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers.
More Details to come.

Large Needle Markers Only Exchange- Sign Up: *** In
Partners Hands ***
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers to fit your partners large
needles, discuss with her what size, type of marker, bead colors, etc.

Wrapped Bead Markers Only Exchange- Sign Up: ** In Partners Hands
***.
Learn how to make wrapped beads, tutorial coming.
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers.

Pretty in Pink Stitch Marker Plus Exchange- Sign Up: *** In Partners
Hands ***
Requirements: 1 set of stitch markers +.
Is your favorite color Pink? This exchange is for you. Let your
partner know the needle size or do you want to use shepherd hook
markers? This is an exchange + talk to your partner on exchange extra
$$ limit.

2007-03-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Large Needle Holders
Supplies:
Elastic Cord
Charms
Crimp Bead with loop
Crimp Pliers
Scissors

Elastic cord can be ponytail holders, elastic cording, rubber cording found in craft stores. Needs to be stretchy.
Cut cord to 3" length.
Crimp Bead- foldover style
Add charm.

Great for double point needles- larger needles.

2007-03-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Whats in Your Tool Box?? At your workstation??

Now you know I use ice cube trays for small beads and findings...

My last trip to the hospital i got some new specimen cups- with screw on lids-- these work for big bags of beads...so check out medical supply stores for storage areas...don't check into a hospital to get them!!

Plastic Divided Trays
Our 99c shop got some tv trays in bright plastic that I use to put my findings on while working on large projects. One tray for brass one for silver, etc. Its easy to grab the stuff you need in this manner.

Toe Nail Scissors: You will want a pair of small scissors to cut thread on your beadwork projects. While you can purchase specialty scissors for the job, a more economical way is to use a pair of toe nail scissors. You can find these almost anywhere, including dollar stores or discount stores. The curve works well for cutting close to the beadwork and findings, and you won't break your bank on an expensive pair of scissors.; Your beading tools will vary depending on the type of work that you do. However, standard tools for most tool boxes include smooth needle nose pliers and round pliers. Below is a list of essential tools for a variety of beading techniques.; Needle nose pliers and wire cutters. Most of these items can be picked up at a dollar store, and do not need to be specialty beading tools.
: You can purchase specality tools such as a jump ring opener/closer. This tool saves time and my nails. Inexpensive and easy to use.; Wrap wire jewelry: You will need smooth needle nosed pliers, a wire jig, coiling jig, fine diamond file and nylon jaw pliers.

2007-03-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

Crochet Open End Stitch Markers

Supplies:
Wire gauge 20-22 gold or silver
Crimp beads
Assorted Beads
Round Nose Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters
File
Size 11 needle
Wire Jig ( could be used)

With round nose pliers, create a small loop.
Hold Loop end on size 11 needle.
Wrap wire around the size 11 needle, creating a "shepard's hook"
Put needle nose pliers in small loop, crimp loop- see picture
Cut to desired length ( 1 1/2" from top of loop to last crimp bead is what I did).
Place crimp bead-decorative beads/charms crimp bead.
Crimp beads
Cut wire end.
File edges.

Hint: to make the same length marker each time: Line up the first one made to the new one not yet crimped. Place needle nose pliers at the top of the bead section before the top crimp. This ill keep your crimp bead where you want it, crimp.

2007-01-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

BEADED NEEDLE HOLDERS
Supplies:
Eye Glass Holder ( i get mine from Rings n Things)
Eye pin, head pin about 2 inches or wire
Assorted Beads and Charms
Tools:
Needle nose pliers
Wire cutters

Bead the wire, if using eye pin- open the eye, slide onto the eye glass holder loop and close. Finish wire with crimp bead at the end. See photos.
If using head pin, bead wire and then create a loop in wire and wrap to close.
Great to add to a stitch marker set.

2006-12-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

The fastest way to make stitch markers is to start with:
Supplies: split rings, beads, eye wire( wire with a loop at the end available in 2-3" lengths, crimp bead.
Tools: crimp plier, needle nose plier.
!) Open the eyewire loop and slide it onto the split ring (the part that goes on the needle) close the loop.
2) slide beads on wire.
3) slide crimp bead up to the last bead. Crimp using the crimping pliers.
You can also create them this way:
Head pin ( 2-3" length), beads
Tools: needle nose pliers
Option: knitting needle size u want to fit held in a vice.
1) place beads on pin.
2) place wired onto needle and wrap around the needle.
3) with pliers, wind the wire around the wire. cut close to bead.

Sign up and join the fun! Join stuffknitterswantandgottahave yahoo group.

2006-12-16T04:39:00.000-08:00

Chinese food box container available at restaurant supply stores.
Slick or Puffy Paint by Tulip in your local craft store
Paint a snowman face, let dry and fill with soap, washcloths and truffles!!

2006-11-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Edible Candy Cane Ornie
I make these each year for boutiques with the story of the candy cane attached on the label.
Supplies:
Heart or Star Cookie Molds ,Jello Molds ( star ones used are from the 40s and for jello )
Starlight Mints, unwrapped
Non Stick Spray- non aeresol
Sugar glue: confectioner's sugar -100% cane sugar and water to make a paste.
Heat oven to 200 degrees
Spray molds
Place candies in mold, stars I use 6.

Place in oven and watch, about 5-8 min.

Note: You want the candies to melt and join together not to foam and cook.

Remove from oven, cool. Once cool remove from mold.

Add ribbon with sugar glue.

Mele Kalikimaka,
Maile

2006-11-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Note: still adding pictures to this site

NEEDLE ROLL
Supplies:
1 quilted placemat
Flat Elastic 1/2-3/4 inch wide
Matching thread
Matching ribbon 1/2 yard
Fabric invisible marker- after 24 hrs the color dissipates
Straight pins
Scissors
Sewing Machine ( straight sew)

1) First decide what size needles this roll is for. The one pictured is for needles 16 inches long and sizes 2-13. I am using the length of the placemat. ( Note: for short needles you can turn the placemat the other way.)
2) Layout the needles, decide on the spacing.
3) Mark with a fabric invisible marker the needle positions on the elastic, using a ruler measure for needles 1-8 3/4 inch incriments.
Note: I place two rows of elastic for these long needles.
4) Place ribbon on one side, see picture.
5) Sew straight lines at each marking on elastics and sew ribbon to the roll.
6) Place needles inside the elastic loops, just sewn.
7) Roll needle, secure with ribbon.

Note: For a gift and not knowing the needles the person uses, sew 1/2 and 3/4 inch sections, If they use large needles, they can place one needle per section.

Notepad & Stuff Catchall
Supplies:
Assorted sizes of zip lock bags
1 Quilted Placemat
1/2 elastic
Matching Thread
Matching Ribbon- 1 yard
Straight pins
Scissors
Dissapearing marker for fabric
Velcro Dots or roll to match
1) Mark center with fabric marker.
2) Place ribbon down center, fold back the cut edge for a clean surface ( 1/4",pin, allow 1/4" foldback on other end, cut, fold back and pin.
3) Place zip lock bags under the ribbon. Create layers of different sizes. It is okay that the bags extend out of the right side of the ribbon, you will cut after sewing.
4) Place notepad on right side of the placemat. Cut a piece of elastic the same width, pin elastic where u want the pad to be placed.
5) Cut 1/2" length of elastic, pin where you want a pen/pencil holder. Fold in half or keep flat and you will sew two sections.
6) Sew the far left side of the ribbon ontop of the plastic bags. Do not back stitch. Once sewn, trim the bags from the right side of the ribbon, so no bags show from under the ribbon. Sew the right side of the ribbon. Sew ends of the ribbon down. Trim thread.
7)Sew the elastic for pad holder, only at the ends of the elastic, to slip the pad between the elastic to hold.
8) Sew the pen/pencil elastic.
9) Place velcro dots at the middle of the two ends of the notebook, sew .Place and Sew riibbon in the middle of the end of each placemat. Refer to picture.
10) Slide pad in its holder, pens/pencils. Fill the zip locks with crochet hooks, circular needles, notions. Sharp scissors should be avoided in these bags.

2006-11-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

Stitch Marker Exchange and Knit a long coming soon for this ensemble.

Candy Corn Mug Rug and Stitch Markers featured in the Dishcloth 2007 Calendar:
Click link to go to the blog for calendar information. Pre sale orders being taken now. Contact: janet at jnogle@cox.com
http://designknitting.blogspot.com/

Stitch Markers
Supplies:
4-6 candy corn glass beads
found at Oriental Trading.com or contact Maile at keepnuinstitchs@aol.com
glass e beads in white and yellow
4-6 brass eye pins
4-6 brass jump rings to fit your needles.
brass crimp bead medium
needle nose pliers
crimp bead plier
wire cutters
jump ring tool
1) open eye pins and put on jump ring, close eye pin.
2) place white e bead, candy corn bead, yellow e bead on pin.
3) place brass crimper bead at the end, crimp.
4) cut wire and file to smooth.

More Stitch Marker patterns to come matching Cloths in the Calendar. Purchase the calendar and follow along each month with a cloth and stitch marker. Great for knitting group exchanges.

2006-11-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

2006-10-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Christmas gifts for the knitter!! Give a gift of stitch markers and a charmed stick it notepad, keyring ( pictured ) keyrings purchased and charms and beads added on. Great for exchanges, guilds or just knit wit friends! If you can make stitch markers you can make the accessories!

2006-09-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Stitch Markers & Row Counter Bracelets On Sale
You may contact me at: KeepnUinStitchS@aol.com for special orders or order stitch markers you see on this page. I also sell through EBAY: Seller Id: IMMAILE2 or type in the search box KEEPING YOU IN STITCHES
I accept PAYPAL and PERSONAL CHECKS- checks have a wait time for clearance.
Holidays and Exchanges are a great time to add this to a gift of yarn, pattern books...

2006-09-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Row counter bracelets- fast to make fun to wear and use.
Supplies:
Cording- I used leather cording 1mm black, though it comes in a variety of colors
FireMountainGems has a large selection.
Beads 9 small and 10 larger
1 blk ponytail holder
Charms ( 2 or more )
Findings:
jump rings
Clasps
Crimp bead with loop
How to make:
I cut cording to fit wrist minus 1/2 inch.
Fold cording in half.
Place ring of toggle or part of clasp onto cording,slide to end.
Start placing small beads on the top strand of cording 9 total
Place larger beads on lower strand of cording, 10 total
Cut pony tail holder to half inch, fold in half, seal with crimp bead with loop end, place charm on loop end with jump ring.
Place at one end of the beads.
Put charm with jump ring at other end of bracelet.
With two ends of the cord, place in crimper with loop, seal. Add other part of closure toggle to the crimp bead lopp with jumpring.

How does it work?
9 small beads represent 1 row, slide small bead thru the elastic ring to other side. Knit 9 rows- 9 beads on other side, slide back and slide a large bead over- represents 10 rows. You can count up to 100 rows on this counter before starting over.

How many rows have I knitted??

Another way of making these is with beading wire- I use .015 diameter beading wire in bright and in gold.
All materials are the same except for the elastic separator you need thin elastic cord and make a daisy with them, will show u tomorrow what I am talking about- I am out of elastic cord so will get some and finish this bracelet.

2006-08-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Charms for Sale
Stuff Knitters Want and Gotta Have Charms found at: http://keepinguinstitches.blogspot.com/
Blog for Charms: Pewter, Stamped Brass and Wooden Letters is up and running.We had such a great response with this blog, we sold out of many of our charms. New stock comes in next week. Back ordered charms will be sent out upon the arrival of new stock, thank you for being patient!

Purchase price is slightly over wholesale prices.Compare prices with wholesale and retail stores.

Keeping You In Stitches,
Maile
Check out the store: http://keepinguinstitches.blogspot.com/

2006-08-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

Sept-October Exchange 2- Taking participants until Sept 15, names published for exchanges on Saturday Sept 16. Must join yahoo group and fill out database prior to joining in an exchange.
Deadline: "puffy" is to be in exchangees hands Oct 31.
Puffies can have just stitch markers- set of 4-6. Communicate with your exchangee if other small items are to be exchanged.
Some people like beads, charms, theme or non theme, find out what your partner desires.
Learn some new techniques.
Have fun!!

2006-08-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

FALL EXCHANGE DEADLINE TO ENTER IS AUGUST 25th.

You need to Join the Group Prior to this Date to participate in this exchange: September- October Exchange. Exchange has to be in partners hands by October 31. Plenty of time to create markers and ship.Theme is fall, but talk to your partner and decide if she wants Halloween, Fall, Harvest Themed markers or just beaded..non theme.
Go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StuffKnittersWantandGottaHave_Exchange/ to join the group.
We have great fun, share tips and how-to's and get inspired by each other..don't miss the fun!!
We have an International Group now from Australia to Canada and throughout the USA, please let me know if you desire domestic or offshore partner.
This exchange you can have up to 3 partners.

2006-07-24T04:05:00.000-07:00

Everyone is practicing for the exchange. Names will be posted August 1 for the first stitch marker exchange. You can join anytime and join an exchange.

Im having fun with small polymer clay flower beads...tiny stitch markers. The picture with the coin is for size comparision. THey fit up to size 7 needles.

2006-07-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

Just a storage idea..I use ice cube trays to put my most often used findings, its easy to get and grab the item and u can tell when you are getting low.

2006-07-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

Thought these would be fun to add to exchanges, thinking of reducing the length on the ball chain.

Supplies:
drill
vice
beaded chain
( tandy section at craft stores)
( kids section at Walmart )
pencils
charm
jumpring

too easy and fast...

2006-07-19T05:36:00.000-07:00

Great way to make stitch holders with spooled wire

Wrap wire around the needle, cross the two ends, hold them tight and turn the needle.

The wire will wrap around the base wire in nice neat spirals. Cut excess.
note: if your spirals arent close to each other, use needle nose pliers to coax them together.
Add beads and at the end make an eye hook by bending the wire to form a 45 degree angle. you need about 3/8 inches to form the loop, cut to that length. Roll end of wire halfway around one of the round nose prongs. Release wire. pick up wire with round nose pliers at the top of the loop and continue rolling to form a circle, add charm and close.
Supplies:
20 gauge wire any color
( mine was from the beadery- found at Walmart )
beads
charms
needles the size or one size larger than desired size

In minutes you can make a dozen wires ready to bead. Inexpensive compared to purchasing findings.
Could also use a jig and get jiggie with some fun designs

2006-07-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Large Needle Stitch Markers
Since people use large needles
..9+..I decided to show u some
fast easy ones to make.

1) Using a large Split Ring:

Supplies:
6 mm split ring
jumprings
charm

I simply attatched charm to split ring by using jumprings.
Fastest way to make stitch markers to me.

2) Formed on a Needle with wire:

Supplies:
6 mm split rings
wire or
2inch eye pins
small beads
charm

I try to go one size up from desired needle size, so the marker slides easily.
I put the needle in the vice, wrap wire or eye pin around needle, close loop
by twisting wire around the base wire and finish.

2006-07-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

Ive gathered up old and new domino pieces
I have the vice on a cutmat and always use this surface when using the drill.
I use a vice to hold the item while I drill a hole.
Dip screw eye hook in E-6000 glue
put it in the drilled hole and wait to set...

wooden letter charms from www.craftparts.com
yahtzee or scrabble tiles...
mah jong pieces....time to play and
make some kitschy stitch markers...

2006-07-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.sculpey.com/Projects/projects_StitchMarkers.htm

ok those good with polymer clay here are the how-to's thanks to MomFortin...thank you- anyone else with inspiration sites, give me an email and I will post them =o)

2006-07-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Another way of making stitch markers, leashes..
do dads!

Supplies:
Nylon Coated Stainless Steel
Stringing Wire
( 30mm, 5kg break )bright
Crimp tube #1
Crimp bead with eye
assorted beads
assorted charms

Cut a length of wire, longer than desired length, string charm
and fold in half- thread both wires thru the beads.
Use crimp tube close to last bead- using crimping pliers,
crimp bead. Then on top of crimp, place crimp tube with eye,
crimp close and tight.
cut excess wire off
use jump ring to attatch it to a base for stitch markers such as a
toggle or large split ring, keychain...
using the stringing wire, is fun, fast and creates flexible decorations.

2006-07-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

1..00 for a bunch of pony tail holders at the dollar stores

and a few minutes and the supplies below:

pony tail holders
crimp bead with loop at the end
beads, charms
and eye pins 3 inches
jump ring
tools:
crimper pliers
wire cutters
needle nose
pliers

cut off the crimp on the ponytail holder, put the ends between the crimp bead
crimp it shut
start making your beaded sections.
connect the beaded sections and holder with a jump ring
and you have a camera, phone, cell phone " leash...decoration.

Now you can use the two following supplies
1mmLeather Cording
Waxed Linen Cord
cut to desired leash length, put between crimp bead with end loop and crimp. Decorate the same way.

2006-07-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StuffKnittersWantandGottaHave_Exchange/

Go there and sign up.

We got a few new people. I am starting the exchangee list tomorrow. I wont send it out till August 1.

Now many are interested in another exchange before Nov-Dec exchange, if you complete the first exchange, you are free to do another one.

Also, you may do more than one exchange. Pick up to 5. No more than 5 exchanges in one segment ( sept-oct).

Hope you are having fun making these marker, experimenting with tools, heard a few got jigs....and are getting jiggy!! jigs and wire are great also if u do scrapbooking! I will post a dragonfly pattern for a jig, this coming week!!

2006-07-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

I usually work on a white surface though I do have a black surface to work on for certain colors.

I gather all my materials for a set of 6 stitch markers.
Toggles- fit up to size 11 needles ( 6 )
Jump Rings- use size 6 or 7 ( 6)
Beaded 3 inch wire ( 6)
Red Glass disc beads ( 12) Peyote Beaded Bead ( 6 )

Using my round nose pliers, I create a loop, I usually roll the pliers towards me to make the loop.

Next I start wrapping the end wire around the base wire, Snip wire close.

Add the jump ring and toggle.

3 completed in a few minutes...without breaking a sweat!
Click on photos to enlarge.

2006-07-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

First thing is to get organized, know what you need for making stitch markers tools, wire, beads...best way to store these items??
Beads! Charms! all the fun things!
So many different types of beads and charms...where to start? Start with what you like or already have collected. Some people sort by color, others by type. You'll figure out what best works for you.
I will do another tutorial on various "beads" and charms.
I use plastic tackle boxes from Walmart that have 4 sections that you can divide into smaller compartments. I use this for charms, beads and findings. I keep a group of items in each box: Glass E beads, Findings, Letter Charms...etc Makes it easy to find and easy to replace the beads.
When I am working, I use small plastic plates to gather all the beads, wire, findings, charms..per group that I am going to work on.

Wire!
Wire comes in many thickness's refered to as gauge. The smaller the number the thicker the wire. Example a 10 gauge wire is much thicker than a 28 gauge wire. For stitch markers it is reccommended that u use 16-18-20 gauge wire, depending on the weight f the item.
Wire for items can be found at craft stores and Walmart. Wires for stitch markers come in a vast array of colors! Most projects take a few yards of wire, so you can purchase wire sets of different colors.
I keep my wire spools in a plastic see through shoe box, just to keep it neat and organized in my work area.
Check out:
http://www.artisticwire.com/
http://www.CreateForLess.com/

Wire Curlers

Mandrel- Curling Tools on Bottom
Making Split Rings with Tool, size 18 gauge red wire on Top

The most basic wire curler is a madrel, a long metal rod- hint I use old metal knitting needles. In various sizes for different end uses, either making jump rings, loops...uses are endless. I use a clamp vice to hold the needles...sometimes it would be nice to be an octopus with 8 hands helping!
At craft stores they have wire curler products, these are great to purchase, if you want to make your own colorful jump rings or to use wire more interesting in your designs.

Wire Jigs

..aka thingamajigs! Now I made a heart, beads could be attatched and a jump ring..possibilities are endless!
This is the kewlest tool around. If you want to make repeated shapes, time after time with wire. You need a jig! It is a transparent peg board, where you put pegs in to create a design.
Check out:
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa032600.htm
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.wigjig.com/
for bead wraps and more techniques
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.wigjig.com/
Jigs are just one way to use wire in designs. I dont see many designs out there using colored wire and jigs..could start a trend!

Basic Tools:
From the Left:
wire cutters- i like these fiskars cutters for I can cut in tight areas
round nose pliers
needle nose pliers
crimper- if you choose to use crimping beads to secure your cording or wire- tutorial to follow
Files- assorted sizes
These uses will be explained in the tutorials following To me the basic tools needed are the wire cutters, needlenose pliers a mamderl to bend wire and a file.

2006-07-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Making a few beaded bead stitch markers. Read a tutorial on how to make beaded beads and then said I can make them, I didnt I was in Big Lots and low and behold there they were for 88 cents- set of 6...cant beat that! I used toggle circles for the loops cause they were fun and decorative, the beaded end pins a few disc red glass beads and it was done.So making a set of 6 for a few dollars! Love this colorway makes me want to knit something denim!!

Join the exchange it is fun, addicting and doesnt cost too much..and u can use up u old game pieces, working on drilling holes in my old tiny dominoe set...the ideas are endless!

2006-07-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Wow so far for the exchange we have 15 people and 4 or so waiting to learn how to make stitch markers before committing...think this will be a ton of fun...I mean who doesnt like fun sparkly things to knit with??!!

I made three bunny stitchmarkers to give in an exchange- the store only had three bunnies left so ...hope she likes them. It is fun to add these to exchanges!

2006-06-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

Just a few markers I have made. I used lever back french hoops, wear em as earring if not knitting!! Ok when are we not knitting??!!They are great to mark steeks, and I use them for cables- remove when knitting that cable...
Now that I can load pics and type- yeah...I will be adding the tutorial pics this week!

STITCH MARKER SITES FOR INSPIRATION AND INSTRUCTION:
http://www.wormspit.com/stitchmarkers.htm
http://loxosceles.org/crafty/stitchmarkers/

2006-06-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

July 1, 2006 Starts the Stitch Marker Exchange
(you may sign up anytime for all or specific exchanges.)

From July1 to September 1, I will be adding instructions, tips and hints to this blog to help you create these exchange items. From where to purchase beads, findings, charms with knit inspiration inexpesively...to how to create a loop in wire or to add a clasp. Sites for " eye candy" inspiration and ideas will be posted.

I have been making beaded jewelry for a few years since I've been collecting beads since 1976. I moved to NYC to the treasure trove of beads! and just kept them in baskets or ceramic bowls. I love having fun things in my knitting bag, right now I have stitch markers : a set of ceramic sheep sm, some fun beaded bead sm I made, a beaded pen to match the fun beaded beads, a set of counted sheep markers that i made and a pin to wear them...my cell phone has a leash with a sheep and other fun beads. Whats in your Knitting Bag? Or do u have knitting on the go in your purse?

I will be taking pictures of these items to post. I am waiting for my digi cam to come back from the doctors...so will have to have a disc made.

Email your facts to: KeepnUinStitchS@aol.com
Subject: 2006 StitchMarker Exchange
Copy this information below and send it to join the exchange:

Name:
Email Address:
Snail Mail Address:
Blog or Site:
Would you exchange with someone in another country:
Favorite Colors:
Favorite Things:
What you think you would want on your stitch holders? Seasonal? Favorite sport? gardening:
Do you desire a keychain? cell phone leash? instead of stitch holders?
What things do you knit or crochet?
Favorite Yarn:
Exchanges you would like to join:
All or specify which months
September- October:
Think Pumpkins, Fall, Harvest ideas?
November - December:
Harvest or Christmas and Hannukah ideas?
January - February:
Snowflakes to Hearts for Valentines Day?
March: April:
Easter, Spring flowers?
May- June:
Spring and Summer Themes?

Once a month someone from the exchange will be sent a suprise puffy! Names picked at random from the current months exchange list. It could be yarn, beads, findings, things a knit wit would love!

Requirements:
You are required to make an item that your exchangee requested key chain, cell phone leash or a set of stitch markers. ( Many create one unique stitch marker and 5 coordintating markers, some create 6 all alike and others make each one different, discuss it with your exchangee. )

If you desire to include any other item such as a notepad, pen, tea bags... that is between you and your exchangees.

Packages are to be mailed from the the Month starting the exchange:
( Sept- Oct exchange: pkg mailed in September or early October to be recd by Oct 31.)
Please have the packages arrive by the end of the Exchange Months.

1) Notify Maile KeepnUinStitchS@aol.com and exchangee that the package is in the mail.
2) Contact Maile KeepnUinStitchS@aol.com if you cannot keep your exchange. We will have angels to back you up and send a package for you.
3) Let your exchangee and Maile KeepnUinStitchS@aol.comknow when you have recieved your package.
4) Have fun and get to know one another around the world.