A little over a year ago one of my girlfriend’s and I started picking up little souvenir license plate key rings/zipper pulls whenever we went somewhere. It reminded us of when we were kids and we had the license plates on the back of our bikes with our names on them. It was also a good solution for me because I was getting way too many t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, etc. I couldn’t stick with one kind of souvenir to “collect” and honestly don’t need many things with a state or city emblazoned across them. This was the perfect solution! Small, under $5, and fun.
After a few trips my key ring started to resemble a gawdy, heavy, noisy, and annoying thing that was too big for some of my small bags. So how do you repurpose such cute little memories?? Stitch markers of course! It gives me something to hunt for on vacation (because I really do love a good shopping hunt), and makes me smile everytime I use them.
As you can see, I don’t have all that many (it’s only been about 18 months). And I can’t always find my name. But they are fun. And as I do with anything that I really like, I get excited and tell all of my friends of my new excitement (most of the fun is in the sharing!).
I go to lunch almost every day with one of my coworkers. He is one of those unusual guys that can listen to me chatter about just about anything and still goes to lunch with me every day! He and his wife just went on an Alaska Cruise with her family last week and they had a blast. When he came in today I jokingly asked what he had brought me….and what does he come up with…
I was so happy! He actually does listen when I ramble about crazy inane things! It was a small surprise that makes me very happy to have good friends that encourage and support my odd little habits.
On the knitting front I have taken my first steps toward blocking. OK, I actually attempted it, but I have been afraid to unpin it yet to see if it worked.
I finished the Pie Wedge Shawl back in April, but have been putting off blocking it, because I had no idea what I was doing. Finally on Sunday I just got the whole thing wet and laid it out and started pinning it. When I started one side (the side I had cast on) was much longer than my cast off side. I was assuming this was because my cast off was not as loose as my cast on.
I had no idea blocking would fix this! It was crazy! In pulling the thing so that each pie wedge edge (say that 3 times fast) was straight it became symmetrical again! Sometimes the whole knitting process is just a wonder to me. So it is now dry and I will probably unpin it later tonight, and see if I can do some self photos with the finished product.
Have I mentioned recently how much I love silk? This thing feels like a dream and I can’t wait to work on another silk project.
What a GREAT idea! they are so darn cute! I wish I could copy you, but with a name like Preita, I’m never going to find any of these in the USA, maybe Finland lol
I’ve got 7 of those thus far, and last few times I’ve traveled to new states, I’ve been unable to find these any more. Any idea of a source online to purchase them? I use one or two on my motorcycle jackets, and the rest have been just sitting in the drawer, next to the school ring that doesn’t fit any longer. I had not thought of using those as stitch markers….I usually just grab a paper clip. Next time I need one, I’ll grab one of my mini-license plates, and remember you sharing the idea with us.
I have searched for them online also….didn’t have any luck. I have discovered the smaller less visited touristy spots or the overwhelmingly large and crazy tourist traps still carry them. I might be able to help if you need MN!
Good luck!