Stitch marker tip: I bought a bag of ABC/123 pony beads from a big box craft store and put them on the lightbulb markers. It helps with projects that have Marker 2, M2, M3...or I put an R or L on a stitch marker as a reminder for which way a decrease should lean.
The bread clip trick? Brilliant. Stealing it! Also, the little wooden panels with Kitchener stitch 🙌🏻🙌🏻. But I wouldn’t need the one for M1R/M1L because Stephen West taught me “I’ll be RIGHT BACK” and “I LEFT the FRONT door open”. I’m constantly chanting that one while knitting.
I have the same row counters! The Clover one I have had for like thirty years, I was a crocheter since the age of 4. I have been a knitter(self taught with UA-cam)for about 4 years. I love yarn! My husband has more than a few medical issues, Knitting and crochet keep me sane. I always have a bag hanging on my back door with sock yarn and sock needles in it, I grab that bag on the way to doctor app, hospitals stays etc. I just turned 60 in September, my husband is 63. He never says anything about me buying yarn. I have a bit of a collection! Sorry if this was TMI.
The bread clips which I used to use for years are actually a PITA hard to wind and tangle up if you are not super careful. Recently discovered a way better way to hold my long sewing tails. Dollar store has those metal hair clips the ones that you squeeze one end to open. I found cute ones in the hair supplies aisle, little girl's bow ones all different colors. They come three or four for a dollar. So much easier to wrap the yarn around your fingers and slip into the hairclip. Doesnt tangle and serves the purpose much better than the bread clip. Happy knitting. And they haveclear plastic zip up bags with handles great for project bags for smaller projects. I think the see through makeup bags, pencil cases, purses, ,and the shower supply bags are great for notions.
P.S. - Also you are spot on about using plain ordinary unembellished round stitchmarkers.i went to Joann Fabric for mine but any store that carries jewelry findings these are called closed jumprings the come in various mm sizes the larger ones work great on your normal size needles and the smaller ones are a dream on your hiya hiya or circular socks needles.
I would love to find that little stitch repair hook you showed (briefly!) that was shorter than the regular one. I've never seen that before. The thing about crafting supplies and notions is that I'm willing to pay indie makers and small businesses for things that are truly unique (Katrinkles is great for that), but I don't like to be lied to. There are several things sold at Etsy shops and by famous sellers I won't name, such as foam stitch stoppers and nostepinnes, and especially the pony bead lacing for holding stitches, that can be found at Amazon for next to nothing. You can get a lifetime supply of the pony bead lacing for less than 10 dollars. Also, instead of paying a fortune for the "special knitter's blocking mat" (the pieces that come apart like a puzzle), go to the "children's toys and games" category and find the foam play mats (in bright primary colors, I admit) for a fraction of the price. It's exactly the same material. Along those lines, I admire your ingenuity in using the bread bag clips for yarn tails! Genius.
Love this Ramble, perfect for all of us “notion nerds” 😊 Great tips as usual, we need to have useful tools that bring us joy as well. My supplies are spot on with yours, but I also have to have highlighter tape and hand lotion. Thanks for putting a smile on my face today! 😁
One of the best presents I ever got from my in-laws was a pair of Gingher brand embroidery snips. OMG, pointy, sharp..I've had them for the better part of 20 years at this point.
Ahhh, notions! I have enough do-dads that go into TWO notions cases/boxes, larger to hold pen/cil, crochet hooks, tweezers (!!)… Add Post-its (2x2”) to your notions!! I use for chart reading, scribble a note or two - especially if my knitting journal is not nearby. Love it when we crafters compare our tools of the trade! So fun!
Honestly notions are like the sprinkles on top of the craft. I just love them. Sometimes I go to online yarn shops like TOLT and Fancy Tiger just to look at the notions. Just so satisfying and quaint.
i've always loved your videos and your willingness to share knowledge - of course, you're a teacher and that makes your content so different from others. Thanks so much for sharing your source for undyed yarn. The moment you said Knomad, the hand-dying community let out a collective gasp. People forget that sharing the name of your source will not affect your business that much as most people buy hand-dyed yarn for the artistry of the hand-dyer. It's almost like someone thinking that releasing knitting patterns will harm the sweater industry. Thanks for all you share with us.
I also keep a small container of dental floss in mine. I use it for life lines. I put in in the keyhole of my Knitters Pride needle and just knit it through!
The Susan Bates gauge for measuring needles is so handy, but for checking gauge on my knitting I swear by the Dritz sewing gauge with the sliding marker. So much easier to count stitches and markings are clearly visible for both metric and imperial.
Hello and thanks for sharing your favorite tools list with us. A tip for your very nice, very pointy scissors! A knitting needle point protector works on pointy scissors too! I've done this for a long time now, and I think you'll find it a good safety measure, especially with small children in your home. I only recently found your UA-cam channel, and I'm enjoying your posts very much.
I love the bread tag idea! Unfortunatly here in the UK we dont have those anymore (we have sticky tape/ribbons holding the bag closed now) so for anyone else who might not have access to bag tags, I use the little butterfly hair clips to keep longer tails contained. I also prefer having longs ends!
I love using a carpenter’s ruler. They fold up small enough to fit in a notions bag or WIP bag, although they have more girth than a flat 5” short ruler. I love that I can measure longer lengths accurately. I no longer use retractable tapes just because they are less accurate (and can stretch/deform with age). Carpenter rulers are still in modern production, but you might find a vintage one at a less expensive price. I love and use them so much, that I have a collection of vintage ones - for household use and multiple WIP bags.
The bread bag clip idea is brilliant. I never figured out a solution to getting yarn tails out of the way. Other than weaving in as I go, but I learned the hard way that is not a smart thing to do! For me if I am working on a larger project like a blanket, or it’s just taking me a long time to work on something, and especially with a yarn that’s on the fuzzy side, by the end of my project my yarn tails get really roughed up and I don’t think that’s a good thing! Thank you for sharing! I’m definitely going to try it out.
I loved the bread clip trick!! I've heard some people say they're great if you use bobbins for color work. I'll definitely add some to my tools as I like longish tails on my work too for good weaving ends. I keep a few rubberbands because if I lose needle stoppers, rubberbands work like a charm😘 I have several pairs of smaller bonsai scissors that I've bought on Etsy. I love them, especially the wider handles (btw, they have larger sizes like yours on Etsy too). I have 5 or 6 tool boxes with identical notions so which ever one I grab has everything I need (that's why I've bought several pairs of those nice scissors). I really enjoyed this podcast! It's always interesting to see what everyone has in their notions pouch as well as what they carry them in! For me I think it goes back to when I was a little girl and all the little friends start carrying pocketbooks , and we all look to see what each other carries in our bags!!😃
I realy miss this long silicon tubes, that yoi can put on the tip of the needle and put your stitches on to ploperly try it on (especially for raglans). I LOVE those
Hi🙂 I guess 65 and 85 are millimeters, I think they are the diameter of the pompoms you can make with them😉 they are 2.55" and 3.34". Greetings from Hungary😘
65mm Pom Pom maker is about 2.5 inches. I have the same Susan Bates metal ruler/needle gauge. Yep, got it in my starter kit when I learned to knit way back in the mid 90s 😮 Love it for measuring gauge swatches with the L shaped 2x2 inch window.
My favorite knitting notions are by far the bulb pins and my rosegold crane scissors. On a side note, I really like sheep so I try to get notions that are sheep themed for my knitting basket. Speaking of my yarn basket, it is made out of jute and canvas and is thin enough to put metal enamel pins on which I tend to decorate it with.
Fun tour! For me the best thing about the Clover measuring tape is the fact that the end snaps neatly into the case rather than hanging out and getting caught on other things in my bag. Yes to good quality scissors! My great-grandmother was a dressmaker. I have inherited her fabric scissor and they are still going strong. I have the Kitchener stitch tag--it's awesome! It's reduced the frustration I have over knowing how to do it, but can't ever remember how to start it. I love to support small craft businesses as well. (Shameless plug for Hipstrings, who are great people local to me.) Clover's Kacha-kacha row counter has a lock to prevent counter mischief.
I am a beginner knitter, but as a crocheter first, I find it hilarious that knitters need a crochet hook to fix their dropped stitches! I’ve always imagined a sort of tension between knit and crochet, like they are “frienemies”.
I totally agree with you on investing in pom pom makers... game changer. for my pom poms.. I think the number on the pom pom maker is a millimeter measurement.
Yay, I'm not the only one with multiples of everything!! I dont even know how I come by some of the multiples, especially darning needles. They seem to appear. The 65 and 85 are probably the measurements of the pompom maker in millimeters!
I made a notions box (plastic box with a couple of sections) for my sister. I also included an emery board (just in case you have a snag on your nail!) I like the idea of using a cosmetic sleeve. I will check out bonsai scissors. Thanks for your podcasts. I really enjoy watching them. Happy knitting!
The bread clip so made me laugh!! My sister is an odd hoarder, an organized hoarder. I was house sitting for her for a couple weeks so I had time to accidentally run into her secret stashes. She has a stash of bread clips, neatly stowed in a plastic leftover container held closed with a dual-purpose rubber band: not only does it hold the box closed, it also holds a few newer bread clips that cannot fit inside. Does she use them? Dont know. :)
I stick to barrel row counters with a ring ( designed for circular knitting). I use the ring to attach the row counter to the project with a plastic pin. I also have the Clover clicker that you showed but I don’t use it because it is too disruptive to have to put my knitting down and pick up the clicker. I understand what you’re saying about pets. I used to have a pegboard style row counter to track rows but I found my cat repeatedly stole the pegs and batted them around.
I have so many of those repair hooks. Everytime I go to the store I buy a little set and everytime I go to find it I can't. So irritating because I use it for absolutely everything. I even bind off with it. I hold stitches with it. I cast on picked up stitches on my mittens with it. It's the most amazingly versatile tool that everyone needs in their knitting arsenal!
I like the green row counters that lock. So they are safe from little hands. Jimmy beans has them. Plus highlighter tape is great for marking rows, especially if you are going to be using the same chart repeatedly.
Great podcast - as always. One of my daughters gifted me a pair of Slip n Snip foldable scissors. They work very well and have proved to be durable. Highly recommend. The other useful object i have is a cylindrical wooden needle holder that I acquired many years ago in Tasmania, Australia. Keeps all my darning and wool needles safe in one spot.
I’m so glad you talked about row counters! I was hoping you would! And the fact that you mentioned kiddos playing with them! So perfect! Do you have suggestions for keeping track of rows directly on the printed pattern? I’ve tried things like sticky notes or those transparent sticky things. Not the greatest. Or are you familiar with a more analog type of row counter? Something that a child would not find very fun. No matter how well I thought I kept my Clover row counter hidden, it seems to wind up in little hands!
I have to say that Clover tape measure DOES NOT get enough love 😂 It’s my favorite too. As far as row counters, I use the green Clover ones that lock but my favorite is the Cocoknits one! It’s soo expensive but such a joy to use.
Ooooo I love Cocoknits. A wee bit overpriced for some things, but I really love them. I need to look into the row counters. Thank you for watching Carla!
I loved this week’s ramble❤. So interesting to see all your notions and interesting to hear how you came to get them and use them. Now I’m sorry I throw out all my bag clips, that was a great tip. A couple of things that I also have are yarn bobbins for doing color work when you don’t want to hold a big skein of yarn and the Barber Cords for holding stitches to try on your top down sweaters. Love your podcasts and your midweek rambles - you’re so engaging!
For repair tools if you can find one of the ones with hooks on both ends, I would recommend them; I think Coco knits makes a metal one. I’m not a fan of the plastic ones Especially the small ones because they break. If you need to pick up garter you need both hooks
What a fun video Tayler! I just love notions! I collect scissors and have so many yarn needles both metal and plastic, some blunt some sharp (chenille)some bent tip some straight. Love the Clover Pom Pom makers! Truly a Game changer for me! I love their square row counter too. The ring one is annoying to me but I still have a couple. And stitch markers? Oh my, I have way too many. So how is it that when I really need one, I can never find one, lol! Great tip about the bread closures! Thanks for sharing!😊
The Katrinkles instruction tags are cute but, because I’m cheap, I made my own. I typed them up, printed out on heavy card stock and covered them with clear packing tape. For keeping track of continuous rounds in crochet I use a bobby pin.
My favorite clicking row counter is the Clover neon green one that has a lock switch ❤❤❤ and I love the little 5’ / 6ft metal tape measures that can be picked up at any home improvement store; they take up less room in my smaller notions bags. My favorite mechanical pencil is a Tombow Zoom 505 - it kinda looks like a fancy pen and writes really smoothly. 😊 Really great episode!
Great video! Gave me a few ideas for my Christmas wish list. I save those 'lightbulb' stitch markers that are used to attach labels to garments to use as stitch markers.
I came across my first "lightbulb" stitch marker just before Christmas (from a shirt I had purchased) and thought, "hey, what a great idea for a stitch marker!" Then discovered them on Amazon and bought a whole box of multiple-coloured ones. They are the best! Much better than those swirly ones which catch or slip off a stitch! Plus they're easier to knit with and move, especially when the cat decides he wants your attention and you get distracted!
as you can probably guess, I'm catching up on your previous content! 💞 I love my needle gauges from Katrinkles but didn't know about those little stitch reminders!! going to check those out for sure. Clover is great! I LOVE their little basic green row counters; I now own about 3 or 4 since I always have so many projects going at once 😂
I LOVE my Susan Bates "peg it" board. Especially when I'm decreasing for a V-neck, arms eye, and keeping track of a pattern stitch! I've been using it for over 40 years!
There are only 3 countries in the world who do not use metric measurements. Even in America you sell beads on a 15 inch string and the beads are in metric, ie. 4mm or 6mm in diameter. So the pom pom makers were sized in millimetres written mm. The small scissors with the bird. They became popular in the 1850's to cut thread ONLY. Pregnant women would do a lot of embroidery for their baby and that is how it came to be that the stork was the bird of choice for these scissors. And that tradition still exists today. My favourite knitting notions are jewellery 'closed jump rings'. in a diameter to suit you (in mm's across the diameter). They slip smoothly onto my needle without snagging.
Kind of late to the game on this post, sorry, but really enjoy seeing what other handmakers carry for notions! I don't have a pick-up stitch tool, and definitely getting one of those! I also have little containers of doodads wherever I sit to knit - glad to hear I'm not the only one with little stashes of notions! Wanted to chime in that I use an old hotel shampoo sample bottle for my sewing needles and safety pins, perfect size for a large darner. I also have a seam ripper with a lid - ya never know. The scissors I use are foldable, not the perfect cut, but I like them for portability and not poking through my bag. For notes and counting stitches, I carry small sticky notes. Mechanical pencil and pen are in there too, again not the best, but I prefer them not poking through the bag. I used to carry an official doodad or gadget bag, but in a houseful of non-knitters, no one ever knew what I was talking about when I was asking for help looking for it. My d-in-law gifted me a wonderful little bag - it's a shark (LOL)! Like a mini stuffed animal with a zipper at the bottom, probably a pencil bag. It has a surprisingly large opening for my treasured notions. I never want to get caught (again) without knitting and stuck waiting somewhere, so I can grab my shark, drop it in my travel knitting bag and go. And, bonus, everyone always knows what I'm talking about when I ask if anyone's seen my shark!
I keep embroidery floss & a cross stitch needle thar fits through the hole on my interchangeable needles. Such an easy way to add a lifeline. I usually use 3 strands.
I agree with all these. I’ve used the bread clips for years. My favorite notions boxes are two sided pencil cases. I would also add some open ended markers (or paper clip) that can be used to keep a dropped stitches from unraveling farther and a piece of contrasting waste yarn*. You can make stitch markers, use as an emergency life line or a zillion other uses (roll up you long tail and tie it in a bundle). *I use a neon yellow because it contrasts with virtually everything I knit.
I think the numbers on the pom pom makers are the size in mm. 2.5 inches is around 6.5 cm (or 65 mm) :)) (I'm not sure if someone else already said this)
I want to preface all of my comments- I have skimmed them but not read them all so forgive me if I’m repeating something already said! Love the segment about scissors- I have started a small collection of scissors. For my very pointer ones I store them with a rubber needles point protector on them. While I appreciate wanting to get a very clean cut of yarn, I wonder if cutting yarn with duller scissors and creating a more frayed end helps with yarn ends that have been woven in to felt into the fabric. I would love to hear peoples thoughts on that.
I love the bread clip tip! I use those to label the cords going into my surge protectors. I use a sharpie to write what the cord is attached to and then clip it on. Very stable and the price is right. I second your comment about the Clover measuring tape. It has such a smooth return and it's quiet. Let the kiddos play with the cutesy ones, that one is off limits. Last but not least, thanks for the tip on the scissors. I have often wondered if there is a reason to get the bird scissors and now I won't be tempted. I have similar bonsai scissors I use for cutting herbs, but they may get craft room use in the winter months now.
I need to shout out my Scotch Titanium scissors I got in a 6? 4? pack for $15-$20 seven years ago at Costco. Cheap but really good. I've never sharpened them, use them regularly for paper, plastic, yarn, and occasionally food. They get washed semi-regularly too, never a problem.
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Unfortunately they are fairly large and will not fit in a notions bag. Another good way to deal with yarn tails is crochet them into a chain if there's only 1 or 2, or braid them if there's lots. I can't deal with anything that might catch so for people like me who can't use bread clips this is a good alternative. BTW the sizing is in millimeters, though people probably already mentioned it
It is always fun to go a little behind the scenes and see how other knitters/crafters keep their notions. I have never seen the bread clip tip before and I will surely be using it. Other than that, you might not even notice if I swapped notion bag contents with you. At this point in my knitting career I have so many notions that I keep a small pouch in my sock knitting bag and my main pouch travels from project to project. Great episode. Glad you are feeling better.
I agree Donna! I love to peek into makers' tool kits. It's like a glimpse into the process and I'm all about that. And thank you. I'm feeling much better, but I'll tell you, whatever this is that's going around right now (and it's GOING AROUND) lingers! Ugh. But thanks to copious amounts of tea and soup, I'm back in action!
Interchangeable needle cord connectors. Can make an extra long length, switch cord lengths, and secure stitches in the round temporarily by removing needles and hooking cord together.
The bread tag tip is so very brilliant! I like to leave extra long tails when I know I'm going to have a seam to sew from that point and don't want to double the ends I have to weave in later. But that does make for some spectacularly long tails depending on the seam length.
Im using the respun stuff from lion brand for my frankenkal. Im a bigger guy and im double stranding it so i wanted something cheap since i will probably need 1400plus yards two times. It has been nice to work with so far
I go to two yarn groups. I’m often asked for scissors, rulers or something people forget. It’s good to have back ups. Yes about investing in better quality scissors.
My favorite scissors is actually a thread snipper from Fiskars. They are just so good. Super reliable :) oh and I SOOOOO agree on Clover in general and Clover retractible measuring tape. It is a BEAST :) oh and 65 pom pom.. It's 65 mm. 2.5 inches it's about 65 mm :)
You’re forever making me feel like I need to buy more stuff. Enabler. :) Seriously, though, I prefer notions that work across crafts - lightbulb stitch markers are a good example; they work super well for crochet because they open. Sharp to the point small scissors also cross crafts - I use them to ease curves in sewing as well as with yarn projects. I also have multiple notions pouches so I can put them with more than one project. That way, if I grab a bag on my way out of the door, I know I’ll have notions with me.
Love the video! I often need good needle-stoppers for my projects. The ones I love are the foam cutout needle stoppers with a small hole in the middle. They are very handy.
Thanks for the suggestion of the make up bag to keep tools together. It seems that style of make up bag isn’t readily available these days. I went to multiple stores before finding one at Marshal’s. It’s made by Nicole Miller.
Something else I have heard of for the bread clips is when you are casting on a lot of stitches for every 50 put a bread clip. Then when you are done and you have the right count you can just pop them off. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful notions!
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Oh no I have to thank you now as you gave me such a great idea! After seeing your notions pouch I went on line and found the perfect pouch on Amazon! I need to start looking for smaller travel items as we are planning a trip to Europe next year for our 40th Wedding Anniversary! Our son lives in Germany and we are hoping to go for a whole month! I can’t wait! But, I also need to be realistic! How much yarn can I bring home! This year I am going to try to work my stash down . . .”Try” is the key word in this sentence!
Great idea instead of the traditional or cutsy ones. You can find some reasonable priced from Target to Walmart or even at craft stores. Thank you for a great idea and sharing the contents.
Pom pom maker sizes, as many said, are sized in millimetres (mm). If you don't use metric it would be confusing: 1 centimetre (1cm) = 10mm So 60mm = 6cm or 35mm is 3.5cm Enjoyed this episode 👌 😊
Thanks for these tips, I remember m1L m1R with this little ditty- he came in the front door, but was the wrong guy, so he left/ he came in the back door , was the right guy and stayed😄And also I have rubber bands in my notions bag for needle stoppers that don’t come off and when wrapped around metal needle tips give you a good grip to tighten when changing sizes. Thank you for my yarn , got my order last night and can’t stop squeezing the suri! Fabulous color sapphire! Get your fiberforthepeople, people!
I love the bread clip idea! What I do is crochet my tail and put in a clippy stitch marker to hold it in place. I'm going to have to try your idea. :-)
I know I'm a bit late to the game, but in Canada (at least in Ontario), they've started switching to paper bread bag ties, so I can't use your hack (I, too, am a long tail girl!) but I'll keep an eye out in case some bread companies haven't switched yet, because this is a great idea!
Loved this, Tayler! Thank you. The bread clip trick is just ingenious. I like to leave longer ends too - just to be on the safe side. So, I’ll keep this trick in mind for my next project 😊
Stitch marker tip: I bought a bag of ABC/123 pony beads from a big box craft store and put them on the lightbulb markers. It helps with projects that have Marker 2, M2, M3...or I put an R or L on a stitch marker as a reminder for which way a decrease should lean.
This is ingenious!
What a great idea!
The bread clip trick? Brilliant. Stealing it! Also, the little wooden panels with Kitchener stitch 🙌🏻🙌🏻. But I wouldn’t need the one for M1R/M1L because Stephen West taught me “I’ll be RIGHT BACK” and “I LEFT the FRONT door open”. I’m constantly chanting that one while knitting.
Those saying also work for remembering where to hold the yarn while cabling.
@@karimcnair9890 OH!! I never thought about that! THANK YOU.
I mirror knit, so I changed it to “RIGHT thru the FRONT door.” “LEFT thru the BACK door.”
Just remember, M1R is your BFF (back to front, then knit through the front)
@@southpaw487 That's brilliant, but I'm going to try to forget it so it doesn't infiltrate my brain!
The 65 and 85 are probably referring to millimeters. I loved seeing your notions pouch!
Yes, 65mm is 6.5 cm or 2.5 inch :)
I have the same row counters! The Clover one I have had for like thirty years, I was a crocheter since the age of 4. I have been a knitter(self taught with UA-cam)for about 4 years. I love yarn! My husband has more than a few medical issues, Knitting and crochet keep me sane. I always have a bag hanging on my back door with sock yarn and sock needles in it, I grab that bag on the way to doctor app, hospitals stays etc. I just turned 60 in September, my husband is 63. He never says anything about me buying yarn. I have a bit of a collection! Sorry if this was TMI.
“Pom Poms Happen”. 😂. That would make a great knitting bag graphic.
The bread clips which I used to use for years are actually a PITA hard to wind and tangle up if you are not super careful. Recently discovered a way better way to hold my long sewing tails. Dollar store has those metal hair clips the ones that you squeeze one end to open. I found cute ones in the hair supplies aisle, little girl's bow ones all different colors. They come three or four for a dollar. So much easier to wrap the yarn around your fingers and slip into the hairclip. Doesnt tangle and serves the purpose much better than the bread clip. Happy knitting. And they haveclear plastic zip up bags with handles great for project bags for smaller projects. I think the see through makeup bags, pencil cases, purses, ,and the shower supply bags are great for notions.
P.S. - Also you are spot on about using plain ordinary unembellished round stitchmarkers.i went to Joann Fabric for mine but any store that carries jewelry findings these are called closed jumprings the come in various mm sizes the larger ones work great on your normal size needles and the smaller ones are a dream on your hiya hiya or circular socks needles.
65 meaning 65 mm? That would be about 2.5 inches.
I have the same retractable tape measure and I’ve always thought it was cute. 😂 I agree it’s great.
I would love to find that little stitch repair hook you showed (briefly!) that was shorter than the regular one. I've never seen that before. The thing about crafting supplies and notions is that I'm willing to pay indie makers and small businesses for things that are truly unique (Katrinkles is great for that), but I don't like to be lied to. There are several things sold at Etsy shops and by famous sellers I won't name, such as foam stitch stoppers and nostepinnes, and especially the pony bead lacing for holding stitches, that can be found at Amazon for next to nothing. You can get a lifetime supply of the pony bead lacing for less than 10 dollars. Also, instead of paying a fortune for the "special knitter's blocking mat" (the pieces that come apart like a puzzle), go to the "children's toys and games" category and find the foam play mats (in bright primary colors, I admit) for a fraction of the price. It's exactly the same material. Along those lines, I admire your ingenuity in using the bread bag clips for yarn tails! Genius.
Your videos address issues that can’t be found elsewhere. I love having a condensed run down on the topics you so beautifully organize.
For row counting: I just don’t trust myself to click the notion. I use the open/close stitch markers and add them every 10 rows.
Love this Ramble, perfect for all of us “notion nerds” 😊 Great tips as usual, we need to have useful tools that bring us joy as well. My supplies are spot on with yours, but I also have to have highlighter tape and hand lotion. Thanks for putting a smile on my face today! 😁
Thank you so much for watching! And I must say, I love 'notions nerds'. We need to coin that.
One of the best presents I ever got from my in-laws was a pair of Gingher brand embroidery snips. OMG, pointy, sharp..I've had them for the better part of 20 years at this point.
"Don't fight it, it's gonna happen" LOL!!
Ahhh, notions! I have enough do-dads that go into TWO notions cases/boxes, larger to hold pen/cil, crochet hooks, tweezers (!!)…
Add Post-its (2x2”) to your notions!! I use for chart reading, scribble a note or two - especially if my knitting journal is not nearby.
Love it when we crafters compare our tools of the trade! So fun!
Honestly notions are like the sprinkles on top of the craft. I just love them. Sometimes I go to online yarn shops like TOLT and Fancy Tiger just to look at the notions. Just so satisfying and quaint.
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Okay, now I just gotta go take a peek!! lol
Yes, agree: sprinkles on top ! Love that analogy!😊
Tip for M1L and M1R: I'll be Right Back (M1R is the back of the stitch) and I Left the Front door open (M1L is the front of the stitch)
"more than a single person needs...." Yup, that pretty much sums up my life!
Using a makeup bag is brilliant, I think I have one of those somewhere!
i've always loved your videos and your willingness to share knowledge - of course, you're a teacher and that makes your content so different from others. Thanks so much for sharing your source for undyed yarn. The moment you said Knomad, the hand-dying community let out a collective gasp. People forget that sharing the name of your source will not affect your business that much as most people buy hand-dyed yarn for the artistry of the hand-dyer. It's almost like someone thinking that releasing knitting patterns will harm the sweater industry. Thanks for all you share with us.
I also keep a small container of dental floss in mine. I use it for life lines. I put in in the keyhole of my Knitters Pride needle and just knit it through!
The Susan Bates gauge for measuring needles is so handy, but for checking gauge on my knitting I swear by the Dritz sewing gauge with the sliding marker. So much easier to count stitches and markings are clearly visible for both metric and imperial.
Hello and thanks for sharing your favorite tools list with us. A tip for your very nice, very pointy scissors! A knitting needle point protector works on pointy scissors too! I've done this for a long time now, and I think you'll find it a good safety measure, especially with small children in your home. I only recently found your UA-cam channel, and I'm enjoying your posts very much.
Blackwings were Sondheim’s go to pencils.
I love the bread tag idea! Unfortunatly here in the UK we dont have those anymore (we have sticky tape/ribbons holding the bag closed now) so for anyone else who might not have access to bag tags, I use the little butterfly hair clips to keep longer tails contained. I also prefer having longs ends!
Never thought to use a bread clip but handy to keep dangling stuff off my cat who likes to sit on me while I knit 🧶🤗
I love using a carpenter’s ruler. They fold up small enough to fit in a notions bag or WIP bag, although they have more girth than a flat 5” short ruler. I love that I can measure longer lengths accurately. I no longer use retractable tapes just because they are less accurate (and can stretch/deform with age). Carpenter rulers are still in modern production, but you might find a vintage one at a less expensive price. I love and use them so much, that I have a collection of vintage ones - for household use and multiple WIP bags.
I have a sewing tattoo on my forearm with my bird scissors! That way I never lose them haha!🤣
The bread bag clip idea is brilliant. I never figured out a solution to getting yarn tails out of the way. Other than weaving in as I go, but I learned the hard way that is not a smart thing to do!
For me if I am working on a larger project like a blanket, or it’s just taking me a long time to work on something, and especially with a yarn that’s on the fuzzy side, by the end of my project my yarn tails get really roughed up and I don’t think that’s a good thing!
Thank you for sharing! I’m definitely going to try it out.
I loved the bread clip trick!! I've heard some people say they're great if you use bobbins for color work. I'll definitely add some to my tools as I like longish tails on my work too for good weaving ends. I keep a few rubberbands because if I lose needle stoppers, rubberbands work like a charm😘 I have several pairs of smaller bonsai scissors that I've bought on Etsy. I love them, especially the wider handles (btw, they have larger sizes like yours on Etsy too). I have 5 or 6 tool boxes with identical notions so which ever one I grab has everything I need (that's why I've bought several pairs of those nice scissors). I really enjoyed this podcast! It's always interesting to see what everyone has in their notions pouch as well as what they carry them in! For me I think it goes back to when I was a little girl and all the little friends start carrying pocketbooks , and we all look to see what each other carries in our bags!!😃
I realy miss this long silicon tubes, that yoi can put on the tip of the needle and put your stitches on to ploperly try it on (especially for raglans). I LOVE those
Hi🙂 I guess 65 and 85 are millimeters, I think they are the diameter of the pompoms you can make with them😉 they are 2.55" and 3.34". Greetings from Hungary😘
65mm Pom Pom maker is about 2.5 inches. I have the same Susan Bates metal ruler/needle gauge. Yep, got it in my starter kit when I learned to knit way back in the mid 90s 😮 Love it for measuring gauge swatches with the L shaped 2x2 inch window.
My favorite knitting notions are by far the bulb pins and my rosegold crane scissors. On a side note, I really like sheep so I try to get notions that are sheep themed for my knitting basket. Speaking of my yarn basket, it is made out of jute and canvas and is thin enough to put metal enamel pins on which I tend to decorate it with.
So true!! I leave a trail of stitch markers behind me! Even in the dog park! (Fortunately, the DP gang pick them up and return them to me. 🧶🌻 🐾
Hello hello to you to, your greeting puts a smile on my face :)
Has anyone counted how many times Pom Pom is said in this video? That whole section made me smile. I love a good Pom Pom.
❤️
I am so stealing the makeup bag tip! Game changer THANK YOU Tayler you rock!
My pleasure Yvette!
Fun tour! For me the best thing about the Clover measuring tape is the fact that the end snaps neatly into the case rather than hanging out and getting caught on other things in my bag. Yes to good quality scissors! My great-grandmother was a dressmaker. I have inherited her fabric scissor and they are still going strong. I have the Kitchener stitch tag--it's awesome! It's reduced the frustration I have over knowing how to do it, but can't ever remember how to start it. I love to support small craft businesses as well. (Shameless plug for Hipstrings, who are great people local to me.) Clover's Kacha-kacha row counter has a lock to prevent counter mischief.
I am a beginner knitter, but as a crocheter first, I find it hilarious that knitters need a crochet hook to fix their dropped stitches! I’ve always imagined a sort of tension between knit and crochet, like they are “frienemies”.
I totally agree with you on investing in pom pom makers... game changer. for my pom poms.. I think the number on the pom pom maker is a millimeter measurement.
65 millimeters? For pom pom
I love the lighting in your room, so warm and cozy
Yay, I'm not the only one with multiples of everything!! I dont even know how I come by some of the multiples, especially darning needles. They seem to appear. The 65 and 85 are probably the measurements of the pompom maker in millimeters!
OMG Heather, sometimes I think I have a notions elf who puts duplicates in my bag when I'm sleeping. You may have one too...🧐
I made a notions box (plastic box with a couple of sections) for my sister. I also included an emery board (just in case you have a snag on your nail!) I like the idea of using a cosmetic sleeve. I will check out bonsai scissors. Thanks for your podcasts. I really enjoy watching them. Happy knitting!
The bread clip so made me laugh!! My sister is an odd hoarder, an organized hoarder. I was house sitting for her for a couple weeks so I had time to accidentally run into her secret stashes. She has a stash of bread clips, neatly stowed in a plastic leftover container held closed with a dual-purpose rubber band: not only does it hold the box closed, it also holds a few newer bread clips that cannot fit inside. Does she use them? Dont know. :)
I stick to barrel row counters with a ring ( designed for circular knitting). I use the ring to attach the row counter to the project with a plastic pin. I also have the Clover clicker that you showed but I don’t use it because it is too disruptive to have to put my knitting down and pick up the clicker.
I understand what you’re saying about pets. I used to have a pegboard style row counter to track rows but I found my cat repeatedly stole the pegs and batted them around.
I have so many of those repair hooks. Everytime I go to the store I buy a little set and everytime I go to find it I can't. So irritating because I use it for absolutely everything. I even bind off with it. I hold stitches with it. I cast on picked up stitches on my mittens with it. It's the most amazingly versatile tool that everyone needs in their knitting arsenal!
I like the green row counters that lock. So they are safe from little hands. Jimmy beans has them. Plus highlighter tape is great for marking rows, especially if you are going to be using the same chart repeatedly.
Great suggestions Elizabeth! Thank you. I need to get one of the green row counters!
I love the highlighter tape. One of my favorite notions!
Great podcast - as always. One of my daughters gifted me a pair of Slip n Snip foldable scissors. They work very well and have proved to be durable. Highly recommend. The other useful object i have is a cylindrical wooden needle holder that I acquired many years ago in Tasmania, Australia. Keeps all my darning and wool needles safe in one spot.
I’m so glad you talked about row counters! I was hoping you would!
And the fact that you mentioned kiddos playing with them! So perfect!
Do you have suggestions for keeping track of rows directly on the printed pattern? I’ve tried things like sticky notes or those transparent sticky things. Not the greatest.
Or are you familiar with a more analog type of row counter? Something that a child would not find very fun.
No matter how well I thought I kept my Clover row counter hidden, it seems to wind up in little hands!
I have to say that Clover tape measure DOES NOT get enough love 😂 It’s my favorite too. As far as row counters, I use the green Clover ones that lock but my favorite is the Cocoknits one! It’s soo expensive but such a joy to use.
Ooooo I love Cocoknits. A wee bit overpriced for some things, but I really love them. I need to look into the row counters. Thank you for watching Carla!
This is the one I use too. First (and only - so far) one that I bought. I love it, and really appreciate the lock switch on it!
I loved this week’s ramble❤. So interesting to see all your notions and interesting to hear how you came to get them and use them. Now I’m sorry I throw out all my bag clips, that was a great tip. A couple of things that I also have are yarn bobbins for doing color work when you don’t want to hold a big skein of yarn and the Barber Cords for holding stitches to try on your top down sweaters. Love your podcasts and your midweek rambles - you’re so engaging!
The numbers on the pompom makers is in millimeters! They are international probably and the metric system is the universal unit for distance measuring
For repair tools if you can find one of the ones with hooks on both ends, I would recommend them; I think Coco knits makes a metal one. I’m not a fan of the plastic ones Especially the small ones because they break. If you need to pick up garter you need both hooks
Loved seeing all the notions. Great idea with the bread clips. That’s one I didn’t know about. 🧶
Bread clip for long ends? GENIUS. Thank you.
Tiger tidbit: you can replace the batteries in the digital ring row counters!
What a fun video Tayler! I just love notions! I collect scissors and have so many yarn needles both metal and plastic, some blunt some sharp (chenille)some bent tip some straight. Love the Clover Pom Pom makers! Truly a Game changer for me! I love their square row counter too. The ring one is annoying to me but I still have a couple. And stitch markers? Oh my, I have way too many. So how is it that when I really need one, I can never find one, lol! Great tip about the bread closures! Thanks for sharing!😊
The Katrinkles instruction tags are cute but, because I’m cheap, I made my own. I typed them up, printed out on heavy card stock and covered them with clear packing tape. For keeping track of continuous rounds in crochet I use a bobby pin.
My favorite clicking row counter is the Clover neon green one that has a lock switch ❤❤❤ and I love the little 5’ / 6ft metal tape measures that can be picked up at any home improvement store; they take up less room in my smaller notions bags. My favorite mechanical pencil is a Tombow Zoom 505 - it kinda looks like a fancy pen and writes really smoothly. 😊 Really great episode!
These are great suggestions Lisa! Especially the Tombow pencil. I love a good mechanical pencil!
Great video! Gave me a few ideas for my Christmas wish list. I save those 'lightbulb' stitch markers that are used to attach labels to garments to use as stitch markers.
Thank you Karen! And I do the same. I always chuckle when I see them. Like, "why are they using stitch markers for this?" 😂
I came across my first "lightbulb" stitch marker just before Christmas (from a shirt I had purchased) and thought, "hey, what a great idea for a stitch marker!" Then discovered them on Amazon and bought a whole box of multiple-coloured ones. They are the best! Much better than those swirly ones which catch or slip off a stitch! Plus they're easier to knit with and move, especially when the cat decides he wants your attention and you get distracted!
as you can probably guess, I'm catching up on your previous content! 💞 I love my needle gauges from Katrinkles but didn't know about those little stitch reminders!! going to check those out for sure.
Clover is great! I LOVE their little basic green row counters; I now own about 3 or 4 since I always have so many projects going at once 😂
I LOVE my Susan Bates "peg it" board. Especially when I'm decreasing for a V-neck, arms eye, and keeping track of a pattern stitch! I've been using it for over 40 years!
There are only 3 countries in the world who do not use metric measurements. Even in America you sell beads on a 15 inch string and the beads are in metric, ie. 4mm or 6mm in diameter. So the pom pom makers were sized in millimetres written mm.
The small scissors with the bird. They became popular in the 1850's to cut thread ONLY. Pregnant women would do a lot of embroidery for their baby and that is how it came to be that the stork was the bird of choice for these scissors. And that tradition still exists today.
My favourite knitting notions are jewellery 'closed jump rings'. in a diameter to suit you (in mm's across the diameter). They slip smoothly onto my needle without snagging.
Kind of late to the game on this post, sorry, but really enjoy seeing what other handmakers carry for notions! I don't have a pick-up stitch tool, and definitely getting one of those! I also have little containers of doodads wherever I sit to knit - glad to hear I'm not the only one with little stashes of notions! Wanted to chime in that I use an old hotel shampoo sample bottle for my sewing needles and safety pins, perfect size for a large darner. I also have a seam ripper with a lid - ya never know. The scissors I use are foldable, not the perfect cut, but I like them for portability and not poking through my bag. For notes and counting stitches, I carry small sticky notes. Mechanical pencil and pen are in there too, again not the best, but I prefer them not poking through the bag. I used to carry an official doodad or gadget bag, but in a houseful of non-knitters, no one ever knew what I was talking about when I was asking for help looking for it. My d-in-law gifted me a wonderful little bag - it's a shark (LOL)! Like a mini stuffed animal with a zipper at the bottom, probably a pencil bag. It has a surprisingly large opening for my treasured notions. I never want to get caught (again) without knitting and stuck waiting somewhere, so I can grab my shark, drop it in my travel knitting bag and go. And, bonus, everyone always knows what I'm talking about when I ask if anyone's seen my shark!
I keep embroidery floss & a cross stitch needle thar fits through the hole on my interchangeable needles. Such an easy way to add a lifeline. I usually use 3 strands.
I agree with all these. I’ve used the bread clips for years. My favorite notions boxes are two sided pencil cases. I would also add some open ended markers (or paper clip) that can be used to keep a dropped stitches from unraveling farther and a piece of contrasting waste yarn*. You can make stitch markers, use as an emergency life line or a zillion other uses (roll up you long tail and tie it in a bundle).
*I use a neon yellow because it contrasts with virtually everything I knit.
Great ideas! Love the bread tags!
I think the numbers on the pom pom makers are the size in mm. 2.5 inches is around 6.5 cm (or 65 mm) :)) (I'm not sure if someone else already said this)
Indeed. I realized this during editing and had a real moment. 😅
Lol see I was collecting my bread clips for a reason 😆. Love it!
I want to preface all of my comments- I have skimmed them but not read them all so forgive me if I’m repeating something already said!
Love the segment about scissors- I have started a small collection of scissors. For my very pointer ones I store them with a rubber needles point protector on them.
While I appreciate wanting to get a very clean cut of yarn, I wonder if cutting yarn with duller scissors and creating a more frayed end helps with yarn ends that have been woven in to felt into the fabric.
I would love to hear peoples thoughts on that.
Bread bag clips - genius.
I had a six inch ruler, gauge measure, needle size ruler but I've lost it. 😢 I will slip a note to Santa.
Update: I got a new ruler/gauge/needle sizer 😊
Love the bread clip tip, too!!! I tried it tonight for the first time! Works incredibly well!!!
I love the bread clip tip! I use those to label the cords going into my surge protectors. I use a sharpie to write what the cord is attached to and then clip it on. Very stable and the price is right. I second your comment about the Clover measuring tape. It has such a smooth return and it's quiet. Let the kiddos play with the cutesy ones, that one is off limits. Last but not least, thanks for the tip on the scissors. I have often wondered if there is a reason to get the bird scissors and now I won't be tempted. I have similar bonsai scissors I use for cutting herbs, but they may get craft room use in the winter months now.
I need to shout out my Scotch Titanium scissors I got in a 6? 4? pack for $15-$20 seven years ago at Costco. Cheap but really good. I've never sharpened them, use them regularly for paper, plastic, yarn, and occasionally food. They get washed semi-regularly too, never a problem.
Yeah! Good scissors are a big deal! ❤️
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Unfortunately they are fairly large and will not fit in a notions bag. Another good way to deal with yarn tails is crochet them into a chain if there's only 1 or 2, or braid them if there's lots. I can't deal with anything that might catch so for people like me who can't use bread clips this is a good alternative.
BTW the sizing is in millimeters, though people probably already mentioned it
It is always fun to go a little behind the scenes and see how other knitters/crafters keep their notions. I have never seen the bread clip tip before and I will surely be using it. Other than that, you might not even notice if I swapped notion bag contents with you. At this point in my knitting career I have so many notions that I keep a small pouch in my sock knitting bag and my main pouch travels from project to project. Great episode. Glad you are feeling better.
I agree Donna! I love to peek into makers' tool kits. It's like a glimpse into the process and I'm all about that. And thank you. I'm feeling much better, but I'll tell you, whatever this is that's going around right now (and it's GOING AROUND) lingers! Ugh. But thanks to copious amounts of tea and soup, I'm back in action!
Interchangeable needle cord connectors. Can make an extra long length, switch cord lengths, and secure stitches in the round temporarily by removing needles and hooking cord together.
Samantha Elizabeth which interchangeable needle system do you like? I had one and hated it.
The bread tag tip is so very brilliant! I like to leave extra long tails when I know I'm going to have a seam to sew from that point and don't want to double the ends I have to weave in later. But that does make for some spectacularly long tails depending on the seam length.
I am absolutely loving these mid-week rambles. So helpful.
I'm so glad Kari! Thank you for watching.
Lovely thank you!
Need some bonsai scissors ✂️
And I just love the idea of the cosmetics bag that rolls up! Brilliant! 🎉
Im using the respun stuff from lion brand for my frankenkal. Im a bigger guy and im double stranding it so i wanted something cheap since i will probably need 1400plus yards two times. It has been nice to work with so far
Totally get that! And I’ve heard great things about the Re-Spun line. Lion Brand always has great options. ❤️
I like the wooden tags. Great to have on hand🧶🪡🧦
I use bread clips for stitch markers on my knitting looms. They kind of break when I take them off sometimes, if I'm not careful, but they work.
I go to two yarn groups. I’m often asked for scissors, rulers or something people forget. It’s good to have back ups. Yes about investing in better quality scissors.
Absolutely! ❤️❤️
Love your videos ❤
Thank you Rosemary!
The clover row counter has a lock on the bottom. Protects from bumps and kids.
My favorite scissors is actually a thread snipper from Fiskars. They are just so good. Super reliable :) oh and I SOOOOO agree on Clover in general and Clover retractible measuring tape. It is a BEAST :) oh and 65 pom pom.. It's 65 mm. 2.5 inches it's about 65 mm :)
You’re forever making me feel like I need to buy more stuff. Enabler. :)
Seriously, though, I prefer notions that work across crafts - lightbulb stitch markers are a good example; they work super well for crochet because they open. Sharp to the point small scissors also cross crafts - I use them to ease curves in sewing as well as with yarn projects. I also have multiple notions pouches so I can put them with more than one project. That way, if I grab a bag on my way out of the door, I know I’ll have notions with me.
Love the video! I often need good needle-stoppers for my projects. The ones I love are the foam cutout needle stoppers with a small hole in the middle. They are very handy.
& they don’t fall off! I love those!
The bread ties are perfect I will do that from now on!!! Lots of great tips, thank you. 🎄🤶🏻
Thanks for the suggestion of the make up bag to keep tools together. It seems that style of make up bag isn’t readily available these days. I went to multiple stores before finding one at Marshal’s. It’s made by Nicole Miller.
Something else I have heard of for the bread clips is when you are casting on a lot of stitches for every 50 put a bread clip. Then when you are done and you have the right count you can just pop them off. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful notions!
Oh that's a GREAT suggestion! Thank you Clara!
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Oh no I have to thank you now as you gave me such a great idea! After seeing your notions pouch I went on line and found the perfect pouch on Amazon! I need to start looking for smaller travel items as we are planning a trip to Europe next year for our 40th Wedding Anniversary! Our son lives in Germany and we are hoping to go for a whole month! I can’t wait! But, I also need to be realistic! How much yarn can I bring home! This year I am going to try to work my stash down . . .”Try” is the key word in this sentence!
Great idea instead of the traditional or cutsy ones. You can find some reasonable priced from Target to Walmart or even at craft stores. Thank you for a great idea and sharing the contents.
Possibly the 65 and 85 you were referring to with the pom-pom makers is millimetres.😊
Pom pom maker sizes, as many said, are sized in millimetres (mm). If you don't use metric it would be confusing:
1 centimetre (1cm) = 10mm
So 60mm = 6cm or 35mm is 3.5cm
Enjoyed this episode 👌 😊
Thanks for these tips, I remember m1L m1R with this little ditty- he came in the front door, but was the wrong guy, so he left/ he came in the back door , was the right guy and stayed😄And also I have rubber bands in my notions bag for needle stoppers that don’t come off and when wrapped around metal needle tips give you a good grip to tighten when changing sizes. Thank you for my yarn , got my order last night and can’t stop squeezing the suri! Fabulous color sapphire! Get your fiberforthepeople, people!
What a great tip for the M1L and M1R. So good! And I'm so glad that you love your yarn. Enjoy and thank you again!
Love that today I learned about bonsai scissors. I was going to buy the tiny gold ones but am now totally sold on the ones you recommended!
Bread clips are also great for keeping yarn untangled when knitting intarsia. Great video!
Ooo yes! Great idea!
I ordered from you first the first time! Sooo excited. Your yarn will be travelling to Switzerland zu my house ❤
Thank you so much Chiara! I’m excited for you to receive it! ❤️
I love the bread clip idea! What I do is crochet my tail and put in a clippy stitch marker to hold it in place. I'm going to have to try your idea. :-)
I know I'm a bit late to the game, but in Canada (at least in Ontario), they've started switching to paper bread bag ties, so I can't use your hack (I, too, am a long tail girl!) but I'll keep an eye out in case some bread companies haven't switched yet, because this is a great idea!
Loved this, Tayler! Thank you. The bread clip trick is just ingenious. I like to leave longer ends too - just to be on the safe side. So, I’ll keep this trick in mind for my next project 😊
My pleasure Safiya! Thank you for watching!