Whimsical Stitch Markers - a review and giveaway!
January 17, 2011
Handmade stitch markers abound! But the whimsical and unique ones definitely stand out.
Cheryl of http://cecreations.etsy.com sent me a great sampling of her work, including these ADORABLE and super charming M&M stitch markers! Thanks, Cheryl, for sending me these samples for review and to giveaway. My audience thanks you too ;-)
Here is my official review:
Stitch markers and other knitting accessories are a luxury for me. I've been knitting for so long -- 30+ years (I started VERY young ;-) ), that for many years, I only had really basic, boring, yet functional, plastic stitch markers.
And often, I would prefer to spend my money on yarn and patterns, not accessories. I would usually just use little bits of contrasting yarn and tie them into little loops to use as stitch markers. Not great, and certainly not pretty, but they did the job and it was not a big deal if I lost one!
Fast forward to today! Now we knitters can treat ourselves to lots of knitting accessories that just make knitting more fun!
The whimsical knitting accessories: stitch markers, shawl sticks, embellished needles and hooks, point protectors, etc. from places like CeCreations.etsy.com are a delightful option!
Life should be filled with little indulgences - especially the kind that have no calories!
So, yes - I am a fan of Cheryl's little handmade goodies. She puts so much creativity in each design, as can be easily seen by just looking at her etsy site and the individual designs shown here. The detailing on the balls of yarn shawl stick is so realistic! And Racoon faces are so delicate and detailed as well!
Just the sheer range of designs she has is impressive. She has charms shaped like socks, hedge hogs, flip flops, cupcakes, smurfs, and so much more! She makes them into stitch markers, shawl sticks, zipper pulls, knitting needle and crochet hook toppers, point protectors, and more. Lots of holiday themed ones are still in her etsy shop - like a Grinch set that is very unique and fun!
So, check out her selection at: http://CeCreations.etsy.com and see for yourself. Prices range from $8 to $15 for stitch marker sets. And it seems that nothing is over $15 - so it's all very reasonable.
*** And now for the giveaway details! ***
I will be choosing TWO random commenters to win! One will win the M&M stitch marker set; the other will win the balls of yarn shawl stick.
To enter this giveaway, please enter a comment about whimsical knitting accessories! One comment per person, please.
Prizes can only be shipped to an address within the continental U.S and Canada. All comments must be entered by 9pm PST, February 5th, 2011 .
[P.S. A recent giveaway - the Fingerless Gloves Knitting Kit received 600+ comment entries!!! So, if you or someone you know has a knitting-related or even non-knitting related product that you think my SweaterBabe.com audience would enjoy, please tell them to suggest their product for a future giveaway/review! Details are at: http://blog.sweaterbabe.com/knitting/2009/02/new-sweaterbabe-reviews.html. Thanks!!]
*** Deadline extended! ***
Comment entries for this giveaway will be open until February 14th, 9pm PST. Good luck!
*** Winners ANNOUNCED February 18th, 2011 ***
AND the 2 randomly chosen commenters that each win a knitting accessory are:
Marion (who commented on Jan. 18th) and Dana (who commented on Jan. 18th). Congrats!! You've both been emailed.
Marion will be receiving the M&M Stitch Markers Set (woohoo!) and Dana will receive the Yarn Balls Shawl Pin (yipee!!).
Thanks to everyone for entering this fun giveaway! Watch for my next giveaway!
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 01:33 PM in Giveaways and Contests, Product Reviews | Permalink
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Comments (443)
She has really cute stuff! I really like the flip flp stitch markers. Debbie in Alaska
Posted by: Debbie H | January 17, 2011 at 02:42 PM
What a great idea! I would love to get these for my frien who is just learning to knit. It would make her day!
Posted by: Cheryl Taylor | January 17, 2011 at 05:18 PM
The M&M stitchmarkers are beyond cute!! How funny that you post about stitchmarkers today I was thinking of checking out Etsy to find some for a gal from my knitting club ... birthday present w/some yarn. Off to Etsy now!
Posted by: love2stitch | January 17, 2011 at 06:23 PM
soooooooooooooo cute!
I have no stitch markers :(
Posted by: Laurie Kivi | January 17, 2011 at 07:47 PM
so very cute!
Posted by: Louise Marsalko | January 18, 2011 at 10:33 AM
I love the stitch markers! so adorable and creative! :)
Posted by: Barbara Brundige | January 18, 2011 at 10:35 AM
What a fun idea. Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Amy | January 18, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Those are absolutely adorable!
must go look at etsy store!!!
Posted by: Alice | January 18, 2011 at 10:42 AM
i just love m&m's for everything.
Posted by: Paula | January 18, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Those are too cute. I also use plain vanilla stitchmarkers, but I would love to try the fancier types. Although, I'm afraid the M&M stitchmarkers might make me hungry the whole time I was knitting!
Posted by: Monkeygurl | January 18, 2011 at 10:45 AM
What a great idea for an indulgence!!! Who can have just one m&m, not me... I can't wait to check out her store and see what else she has. Thanks for the wonderful creations...
Posted by: Heidi Bowden | January 18, 2011 at 10:45 AM
I think it is fun to have extra cute accessories to knit with. I think it just adds to the experience. These m&m stitch markers are so cute!
Posted by: Nancy | January 18, 2011 at 10:46 AM
They are very cute and whimsical. I love them. I hope I win this time!!
Posted by: Janice E. Knori | January 18, 2011 at 10:47 AM
I do collect M&M items, but i would definitely have to use the M stitch markers. I can not imagine the work that goes into them. What a talent!
Posted by: Abby L Call | January 18, 2011 at 10:47 AM
What cute stitch markers!! Would love a set!
Posted by: Penny Chace | January 18, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Wonderful to see stitch markers that are cute and express your personality without being costly!!! Wonderful idea!!!
Posted by: Nancy Bentley Wennberg | January 18, 2011 at 10:48 AM
I pulled apart a bead necklace with the intent to make stitch markers. WHAT A HASSLE, and not nearly as cute as theM & M's! Love your etsy, Cheryl!
Posted by: Sheree Estes | January 18, 2011 at 10:48 AM
These are adorable!
Posted by: Kathy | January 18, 2011 at 10:50 AM
I love the M&M stitch markers!! They are so creative!! Would be fun to use them when I am knitting!
Posted by: Diane Easton | January 18, 2011 at 10:51 AM
what adorable stitch markers, although i would be constantly tempted to bite into them!
Posted by: catherine satterlee | January 18, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Fun site, great place to get started on NEXT YEAR'S holiday shopping!
Posted by: Pat Kreiling | January 18, 2011 at 10:52 AM
These darling stitch markers could almost satisfy my chocolate cravings. Actually, they are easier on the hips and so clever!
Posted by: Nancy Brown | January 18, 2011 at 10:53 AM
LOVE the stitch markers and shawl stick!! Will definitely find this creative soul on Etsy!! (o:
Posted by: Jean Stafford | January 18, 2011 at 10:53 AM
These are SO adorable and would really enhance my knitting experience! Sometimes I tend to get bored with my knitting and having these markers would definitely keep me focused!
Posted by: Fran Worthington | January 18, 2011 at 10:54 AM
SOOO adorable! Now I HAVE to check out her Etsy store and see what other cute stuff she has. Break out the credit card! lol
Pam in Sewickley, PA
Posted by: Pam Elber | January 18, 2011 at 10:54 AM
What cute accessories Cheryl has to offer on her website. This is a great way to bring fun to knitting especially for youngsters who think knitting is "just for grandmas". I love Etsy and have purchased several items since finding it! Its nice to have handmade items rather than the cookie cutter ones out in the market.
Posted by: Lou Glaub | January 18, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Cute Stitch markers!!!
Posted by: Lisa | January 18, 2011 at 10:55 AM
I love all things cute! Her creations are adorable. Would make knitting even more fun than it already is.
Posted by: Teresa | January 18, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Love the stitch markers. I need them for my manly knitting projects.
Posted by: Russell Boyd | January 18, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I lived in Hackettstown, NJ...home of M&M Mars and I would LOVE these stitch markers!!! I can see them dangling on my needles as I knit my socks!! They would make me smile!
Posted by: Sheri Morphis | January 18, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I have a set of stitch markers that look kinda like candy beads, and they are so nice... but i've lost a few and I need to get some more to replace them. these are so neato and whimsical, they would be a great choice! I'm also going to look at the next fiber festivals I go to for ones that really make me sing :)
Posted by: Kristine | January 18, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I'm a repeat buyer of Cheryl's etsy site. She's even made a few special orders for me that came out wonderful. She is a talented artist and puts lots of love into her items.
Posted by: Christina | January 18, 2011 at 10:58 AM
The M & M's are adorable!
Posted by: Rachel | January 18, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Whimsical M&Ms for knitting sound like just the ticket to liven up my knitting :)
Plus no calories!!
Posted by: Jean Zeller | January 18, 2011 at 10:59 AM
The M&M stitch markers would be so perfect for my mother. If I were willing to part with them. I like a variety in stitch markers, because they can call out especially notable spots, like Halfway! or Last repeat!
Posted by: Jen | January 18, 2011 at 10:59 AM
What a way to get my husband interested in my knitting!
Posted by: Juel Hess | January 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Great site and good place to get started on NEXT YEAR'S holiday shopping!
Posted by: Pat Kreiling | January 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I'll just say it outright...I want'em! Sooo cute.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Oh, instead of knitting, I crochet, and these accessories would be quite welcome!
Posted by: Dee Vincent | January 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I'm guilty of skimping on the accessories, too. I have used knotted loops of yarn forever, and would love to have a cute set of m&m's to jump start my collection of indulgent accessories. :)
Posted by: Sara | January 18, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I love these stitch markers-- She is very talented. I hope I am one of the lucky ones chosen. This is an excellent site. Shirley
Posted by: Shirley Paterson | January 18, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Love them...and the fact that they're handmade is even more impressive!
Posted by: Michelle Kotkowski | January 18, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Like you I started using the plain plastic markers and sometimes paperclips. Now I have one set of pretty markers that was a gift. It makes my knitting even more fun. With multiple projects going on at one time, some more markers would be nice to have.
Posted by: Sue | January 18, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Definitely cute! What a wonderful gift idea for a fellow crocheter/knitter! I too started out with the strips of yarn and moved up to the plain plastic markers. A great addition to my "works of art"!
Posted by: Sheri Hernandez | January 18, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Which M&M has the pretzel inside?? I love them!
Posted by: Kay Conway | January 18, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Oh my goodness, now why didn't I think of these??? I have love/collected M & M 'men' for years!!! How adorable would they be as buttons or embellishments on ANY item. I can even see them dangling on a cute winter hat!!! I would have to use them for more than markers!!!
Posted by: nancy eley | January 18, 2011 at 11:05 AM
How fun and much better for my hips! M&M's have always made me smile!
Posted by: Rene' | January 18, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I am a stitch marker addict and I truly love these stitch markers because they are so different. Looks like I have to make another Etsy run.
Posted by: T Louise Turner | January 18, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Thanks for giving me another great site to buy knitting accessories. They can make or break your knitting.
Posted by: Brenda Scannell | January 18, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I am a novice knitter although I am a relatively good crochet-er. I too have used contrasting yarn as markers, but these would definitely be much more fun!
Posted by: chicrock | January 18, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I love stitch markers and these are cute. I especially like the sheep and the Moose Ornament.
Posted by: SharonO | January 18, 2011 at 11:08 AM
These are so cute! And I love the fact that they're handmade.
Posted by: Deborah Estes | January 18, 2011 at 11:08 AM
What a lovely giveaway! Like you, I often feel guilty buying accessories like these for myself, so...I buy them as gifts for others instead. These markers and pins would make great gifts for any number of my knitting friends. Thanks for showing them.
Posted by: Marnie Reinstein | January 18, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Just checked out her stuff. Absolutely love it, especially the hummingbird shawl pin! OMG! It's so pretty.
Posted by: Stacy | January 18, 2011 at 11:11 AM
wow...way cute!! how creative!! i am a beginner knitter and have not invested in REAL stitch markers yet (mainly for budget-ary reasons) so i've been using little pieces of yarn tied in a loop...and they've actually been kind of annoying to work with as they're so flimsy and fall off often...hopefully one day i will be able to invest in sturdy stitch markers (or super cute ones like these!!!!)
Posted by: Ursula | January 18, 2011 at 11:12 AM
These are so cute. Will have to check out her site when i need a gift for a knitting friend. Maybe even for me too.
Posted by: Gina | January 18, 2011 at 11:12 AM
How clever!! So much cuter than my little ponytail holders I've been using for stitchmarkers.
Posted by: Cindy Iorlano | January 18, 2011 at 11:12 AM
"They are real" Just love the commercials. Not only would I use them with my knitting, I would hang them from my pocketbook. Too cute.
Posted by: Harriet A Sharan | January 18, 2011 at 11:14 AM
These are so cute. Love the M&M commercial where the candies throw the dishes out of the cupboard while the man is standing there saying "Get in the bowl". After a second the M&Ms say, "You get in the bowl". With these no one has to get in the bowl, they can ride up and down the knit item. Love it!
Posted by: Barb. | January 18, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Hi Christine,
These are so cute, I'd be tickled pink to win the crochet item...since I don't knit too much, the crochet markers & things appeal to me a lot more...CeCreations has a ton of cool things to look at....There's a few things I would order from her site....especially since they are inexpensive to begin with.
Thanks,
Bobbie Lynn Autorino
Posted by: Bobbie Autorino | January 18, 2011 at 11:15 AM
I love the M & Ms they are so cute. That is what we call my grandson and cousin because they we born at the same time and their names begin with M's. I really love the shawl stick, that is the most adorable addition. I love the colors.
Posted by: Diana Follett | January 18, 2011 at 11:15 AM
MY COMMENT AND MY ENTRY:: DARLING M AND M MARKERS ARE TOO CUTE. I BOUGHT MY SISTER THE CUSTOM M AND M'S FOR MY SISTER FOR THE HOLIDAYS. I PUT HER DEAR DOG'S IMAGE ON THE M AND M/S SHE LOVED THEM.
Posted by: KATHY B | January 18, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Really cute! What a fun way to keep track of where you are in your pattern. My kids would love these!
Posted by: Hannah M Thomas | January 18, 2011 at 11:17 AM
So adorable,if I don't win I will have to buy some!
Posted by: Tracie Nixon | January 18, 2011 at 11:17 AM
I can relate to using scrap yarn for markers, I do it too. I was thinking about getting some "real" stitch markers. Thanks for giving me a place to look for some really cute ones! I would love to win wither giveaway.
Posted by: Carol Branham | January 18, 2011 at 11:18 AM
These are really cute. I hand knit (for 30+ years - like you I started VERY young) and machine knit and would be able to make great use of these stitch holders...I will check out her site. Also, I love the needles...sometimes when you are making your 50th pair of slippers you just need a little something to make you smile! :-)
Posted by: Jennifer Jamieson | January 18, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Toooo cute!
Posted by: Maryann taylor | January 18, 2011 at 11:19 AM
what great stuff. Two of my favorites chocolate and knitting
Posted by: Judy Catalano | January 18, 2011 at 11:20 AM
These accessories are fabulous! Best wishes with your Etsy endeavors!
Posted by: LisaM | January 18, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Shazam, but these M&M stitch markers are cute! I like the shawl stick too. I use tiny rubber bands bought in a pack ($.89 for 100) at the WalMart, or I use stitch markers my DD has made for me. I'll have to check out Cheryl's shawl pins & sticks; I could sure use some.
Posted by: Ann Devine | January 18, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Very cute and would love to have them for my crochet crafting!
Posted by: Jackie Watson | January 18, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Maybe the M&M stitch markers would keep my hands out of the M&M bag??? Well, it was a thought!
Posted by: Misseffiesdiary.blogspot.com | January 18, 2011 at 11:21 AM
I have been stuck with the boring plastic stitch markers for the past four years. That is when I started knitting. They are all lovely and would be admired by whomever wins them.
Posted by: Jackie Myers | January 18, 2011 at 11:23 AM
So adorable! If I had nice stitch markers like that I think I wouldn't lose them :)
Posted by: Marisa | January 18, 2011 at 11:27 AM
She has some really adorable items. I love the girlfriend knitting needles!
Posted by: SheilaL | January 18, 2011 at 11:27 AM
I love stitch markers and even my 3 yo and 5 yo help me pick out stitch markers for projects (of course, they insist I knit EVERYTHING for them!). After checking out the shop, gotta say I love the pierced nose stitch markers!
Posted by: Donna | January 18, 2011 at 11:29 AM
How cute! what a fun way to enhance my creations!
Posted by: Scarlett | January 18, 2011 at 11:31 AM
The M&M stitch markers are just too sweet! ;o) I love it when the cuteness factor is at its maximum especially for knitting accessories. Awesome.
Posted by: Jie | January 18, 2011 at 11:31 AM
OMG, I LOVE these! Oh dear, I can feel a debit card bashing coming up! :-)
Posted by: Katrina | January 18, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Such cute items! Anyone would be lucky to add them to their knitting supplies!
Posted by: Tina | January 18, 2011 at 11:33 AM
want want want! I love stitch markers especially food ones!
Posted by: Krista | January 18, 2011 at 11:34 AM
love the M & M markers. love all her stuff.
Posted by: Denise Royal | January 18, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Oh my goodness, I found SO MANY that would be adorable to have. And to win a set would be a wonderful bonus.
Thank you
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Slinger | January 18, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Love them! I have just recently starting using whimsical stitch markers over the traditional rings and love the way they look.
Posted by: jennifer | January 18, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Two indulgences at once - M&Ms and knitting :) Too much fun.
Posted by: Kath | January 18, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I learned using loops of yarn for stitch markers, and didn't see the need to move to rings. But the decorative ones people have been making in the last few years are great - like jewelry for your knitting!
Posted by: Margo Lynn | January 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Her stuff is adorable! I really like the stitch markers and knitting needles especially. I have never used a shawl pin...that would be interesting.
Posted by: Bronwyn | January 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM
These markers are so cute. They would be great with crocheting, which I do and with knitting, I am going to start a beginner's class in a few days.
Posted by: Linda Garland | January 18, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Those are incredibly cute. I especially like the heart shawl stick that would be cute to wear for holidays especially valentines day. The knitting needles are gorgeous they would make great gifts. These are really great.
Posted by: Rachel Setsuda | January 18, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Knitting is fun! Well, most of the time. As long as I stay out of the frog pond. :-( What better way to celebrate a great pastime than to add a little whimsy to your project! I'm afraid I could spend way too much money at her etsy shop.
Posted by: Lynn | January 18, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Too, too cute!! I WANT these! If I don't win them, I'll have to buy some!! Probably will buy some other ones anyway! Please, please pick ME!
Posted by: Connie Fish | January 18, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Yummy M&M's! I agree, decorative stitch markers would make knitting a little more fun!
Posted by: Gail | January 18, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Really cute items. I like them all.
Posted by: Cindy W. | January 18, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Those little M&M guys are so cute, I can't stand it! What great gifts for a knitter too. Thanks for the heads up, review and the contest!
Posted by: Annie | January 18, 2011 at 11:50 AM
way too cute I love the M&M guys.
Posted by: Sherry | January 18, 2011 at 11:51 AM
M&M's oh yummy.....rather than devouring them I can admire them on my knitting...What an awesome discovery and to add colour to your project makes knitting so much more enjoyable especially seeing these all lined up on the needles.
Posted by: Linda Clark | January 18, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Just love these little markers!! Makes me hungry just looking at them!!
Posted by: Edie | January 18, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Chocolate always goes with knitting, right?! Etsy's M&M's are really cute & creative. ;-}
Posted by: Donna | January 18, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Adorable stitch markers! Of course I would have to keep them away from the grandson or he might try to eat them! Thank you for the chance to win a set. And I am going to check out all of Cheryl's other notions. So creative!
Posted by: Kathy Williams | January 18, 2011 at 11:54 AM
adorable! I treated myself to a set of cute little lemon stitch markers... a couple of years ago... lol. I love M&Ms especially the minis.
Posted by: Nicole | January 18, 2011 at 11:58 AM