Looking for something really different? Find creative people and their goods on Etsy, an online marketplace with a mission to “enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.”). Intraclast is one such shop, owned by a geologist who makes beautiful stitch markers using natural stones and minerals and fossils.
To work cables or any repeat design while knitting, there are stitch markers of every stripe from a colorful strand of yarn to hand-crafted intricate ones that add even more to a work in progress.
A search for “smooth stone stitch markers” led to Etsy, but nothing much tempted my eyes until a search by color. That turned up Intraclast, a shop owned by Chrissy O’Malley, a geologist in Ohio. O’Malley’s intricate items stood out and provided details on the minerals and stones displayed.
A query led to an order (or two) and the following Q &A. Note: All goods arrived promptly. Inside a package was a beautiful presentation - a single jewel-like marker was placed in the center of a twine bow. Pretty paper around the clear container allowed a glimpse of the markers inside. A bonus: O’Malley also includes a set of earring wires. The markers may also be used as distinctive earrings.
Q: For those who are not into rocks, can you say why you chose “Intraclast” as a name for your business?
A: In geology, an intraclast is a rock that has been moved from where it was formed to become part of another rock. I was looking for a single word as a shop name, and wanted to describe stones, minerals and gems that had been taken from their ‘natural’ environment and repurposed and used in a new setting. Further, my shop divisions are sorted by mineral type - which my geologist customers are often amused by.
Q: What draws you to the beauty of rocks and stones and fossils?
A: Minerals, rocks, and fossils can be so beautiful when showcased as cut polished beads. You can see the details within the stones, no matter if you are merely an admirer or a trained geologist. In particular, I’m drawn to vibrant colors that are unusual among rocks, and patterns created by living things. Also, I think that having a set of stitch markers made from jewelry-grade stones can make knitting that much more enjoyable.
Q: How does the creation of such beautiful useful things complement your work as a
geologist?
A: Knitting, crochet, and sewing are my creative outlet. I was dissatisfied with my plastic-ring stitch markers so I found a bead shop while on vacation a few summers ago and made my first custom set. These were expensive to do (about $20 for the set!) so I sought out some new sources for beads when I wanted another set, but had to buy the beads in bulk amounts. With a little math, I determined that I could easily make and sell my stitch markers for a more reasonable price, and share my love of rock, mineral and fossil collecting with others - and it helps to fund my
yarn-y/craft habits.
Q: Any plans to expand (Web site, links, etc.)? Can people find your work in other ways?
A: I have no plans to expand at this time. I really enjoy the ease of my Etsy shop, but I have done larger custom orders from time to time at wholesale prices (usually 10 or more sets in a single order). I am also on Ravelry.com under the username Crinoidea.
Q: The earring wires included in the packet are a creative and thoughtful bonus. Can you tell me more about these?
A: Well, stitch markers can be functional at stitch markers, but I think mine are simple enough that they could be worn as charms in earrings (I include a pair of ear wires with each order), or strung on a chain or ribbon as a necklace (I don’t include that, though!). Also, you can hang the ear wires from a larger needle if using the “sock” size markers, or even use the ear wire to mark stitches on crocheted
fabric.
Note: More knitting and work in progress can be found on Moo Dog Knits.
