I am master of the impractical. Faced with a “professional” knitting deadline, surrounded by well-thought-out yarn and (I think) a well-designed pattern, I decide to spend approximately two hours (admittedly lengthened by interruptions every 13.2 seconds) making new stitch markers. (For you non-knitters out there, stitch markers, shock-upon-shock, mark areas on in-progress knitwear in which something needs to happen, such as beginning a new row, delineating the halfway point, indicating increases or decreases in stitch count, or starting a new pattern repeat.) This is most likely way more than you Muggles ever wanted to know about knitting I am sure, but it’s part of the package; read the banner. 
Tomorrow, I’ll rotate pastures.
So, I’m not sure how or why it happened but I have begun a tradition of making new stitch markers for any new project of size, e.g. loin warsh cloth, no markers, Cowboy Tyrone Sweater (which is fully stitched by the way), markers. Just because I personally don’t wear much jewelry, it would be wrong to force my habits on my knitting. It needs to feel special, you see. No plain rubber ring or stray yarn tie will mark my knitting. Like Maria in “West Side Story,” it needs to feel pretty.
Introducing the stitch markers for the Tasha dress. The colors are different enough to stand out yet still feel at one with the yarn. The last thing I want is to start a new project courting conflict; it’s antithetical to the whole knitting experience. The wee quilt charms at the end of the markers are a homage to my mother-in-law’s recent Herculean effort; I ordered them special. The rest of the beads I already had in my collection. One marker is intentionally different from the rest as it delineates the beginning of each row. I’m quite happy with my new markers and, therefore, fully prepared to get my knit on.
If you need me, I’ll be here clicking sticks and looping string (while being interrupted every 13.2 seconds). Oh happy day.
So once your specially-designed stitch markers fulfill their duties in the designated project, where do they go, marker heaven? If there is no marker heaven, and they are left to feel used, abused and then cast aside like some cheap bobble, you can send them my way! (I indulged in a pretty little jewel of a stitch counter pendant and then left it laying on a bench at an outdoor event, so I told myself I no longer deserve to purchase pretty knitting tools for myself.... Sad tale, huh?)
Posted by: Michelle | September 13, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Michelle --- How sad. You've done enough penance --- grab ye some new baubles whilst you can!
Lauren --- I love your markers --- what a great idea for us bead loving knitters with large stashes of odds and ends in the bauble department. Quite a picture of Mr. Magic walking on water with DH. Your blog moves from A to Z without missing a beat!
Posted by: Karalyn | September 13, 2007 at 10:42 PM
You are so creative! Now not only do I have to learn about pointy sticks, but beading. This may be more complicated than I thought!
Love Magic and your husband in the pool. What an incredible photo. The water surface is like glass. Beautiful. And special effects even--extra! extra! Duck walks on water!
Posted by: PixelPi | September 14, 2007 at 08:38 AM