Etsy (And Intraclast) Turn Up Gems

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.

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.

An original and popular hat design (seen above in an image from “Swirlyhats”) can be found at www.babyrocksmohawks.etsy.com.

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. 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.