Last fall, I published an article on 12 reasons to use stitch markers in your knitting. If you haven't read it, go ahead and give it a look.
Now, maybe you've seen the pretty stitch markers collections on the website, and wondered: "Why should I pay for these when I can use (insert item here: plastic markers, safety pins, bulb pins, thread, or whatever you use as stitch markers)?"
And the short answer is this: there is absolutely no real differentiator in terms of functionality. You can use whatever you want, and it will work almost the same.
Almost.
So if you've been knitting with the traditional circular plastic rings or bulb pins, you can absolutely keep doing so.
But let me tell you why I sell those fancy schmansy stitch markers, and why I exclusively use these and not their less visually attractive but more affordable counterparts in my knitting.
It all boils down to this, and only this.
I knit for fun.
Shocking, right? I know. What a revelation (#sarcasm).
My primary goal in knitting is to enjoy the process, and let's be honest here, the final object too! Knitting brings me peace and joy, and I safeguard my hobby with the passion of a viking swordsman on a bloody battlefield.
And because of this, I strive to use the best tools that I can afford for my knitting.
Imagine being stuck on sleeve island. Every round feels like a never ending drag. It's tempting to set the project aside. It's tempting to ignore it and cast on a new exciting project (looking at you, new Stephen West shawl!).
But there's a reason why you casted on this sweater. There's a reason why you've made it this far. You want the finished item, you crave the feeling of accomplishment that will come with that FO's picture that you'll share on social media or during knit night with your friends.
You can't give up so easily. But sometimes, to keep going, you just need a little extra push.
While stitch markers are essential to mark key sections of any project, having those fancy, sparkling, high-quality markers elevates the project and turn these never ending moments into an exciting knitting experience.
All of a sudden, because of those pretties, the process becomes more enjoyable. The fancy markers are that tiny little extra that's needed for you to accomplish your goals.
You see, whenever I reach the fancy marker in my work in progress, it brings a smile to my face. Not only is it a reminder that I've made it just 1 step further, symbolizing another step up the ladder towards getting my FO (finished object), but it's also super pretty to look at.
It's like getting a medal or an award for working through that row or round, every time.
It makes me happy. It reminds me how lucky I am to have found such a great hobby, and how soothing the process is.
And then I slip the pretty marker to the right hand needle, with a smile on my face, and work another row because I want to see it again pop back up on the left needletip and sparkle in front of me. Another reminder of my accomplishment. Another step towards success.
And up I go. I knit and I knit and I knit, and before I realize it, I've worked another row, another round, another lovely project. People are wondering how I can knit my projects so quickly, and I smile shyly.
Now time to cast on again: what project will be up next?
What design will make the cut, and end up on my needles?
Which pretty stitch markers will I use to keep me motivated? The jewel-like, luxurious, sparkly crystal ones? Or the soothing semi-precious gemstones ones, or the cute resin charms, or the sturdy metal unicorns or mermaids?
So many choices to keep me entertained.
It might seem kinda stupid. But it REALLY works.
Using fancy stitch markers in my knitting is simply a tool, a visual aid if you will, that I'm giving myself to get my knitting done. There are other tools that I've developed over time, and maybe they'll be part of a future blog post. But this one truly makes a difference in my knitting.
Anyways. Now you know.
You've uncovered my secret.
No, I don't have a magic unicorn who secretly knits on my projects at night.
Nope.
But I have a ton of shiny stitch markers. And I can never get tired of them, because they're just so pretty!
