The value of an idea lies in the using of it.
[Thomas A. Edison]
The valuable idea was Heather’s, a friend in Dayton. She suggested stringing stitches onto the filament used in string trimmers (Weed Eaters, etc.). That is the blue which shows at the corners of the knitting in the photo.
These are pillow tops made from an heirloom counterpane pattern I adapted from a lovely old piece (I took out the seams and knit it in the round like a doily). The four sides are live stitches that will be joined with the live stitches of other blocks. In this case, these will become pillows for a class I’m leading this fall. The filament not only holds the stitches nicely but it also acted as a blocking tool when I pinned the blue top out to dry.
Then I finish this project, I’ll post the results and make the pattern available.
Thanks for your idea Heather.
Knitting, writing and other joys 
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Wow, that is beautiful. One day, perhaps, I’ll give that a try. Ruth Isenogle
For the counterpane, I use a 3-needle bindoff to join the squares then work a fluted border around the outside that binds off a stitch with a k2tog each time I return to the block edge. For the pillows, I’ll knit a second top for each then use the fluted border to bind them together back to back. I’ll photograph both the pillows and the counterpane when I’m finished.
I’ve used blocking wires for lace and really like them. The thing about the filament is, it lets me put my work on hold in a bag while I work on other squares. I have only two squares left to knit for a 9-block counterpane so a lot of it is on filament.
Great idea. How will you put them together? Sort of a Kitchener stitch?
i use stainless steel welding wires (i bring a needle gauge to size them!) for blocking wires.
IN NYC they are only sold in 10 lb bundles (minimum purchase-) depending on the diameter–about 20 to 28 wires–price $20 (for 10 lbs)
I’ve shared them out (and sold some) a set of six its about $4 worth!–but weed whacker cord is a great idea too! (and cheaper!)