Day 60: Lawn

Day 60: Lawn

Today's button is embroidered using Au ver a Soie's lovely tapestry wool (we have a small selection on order, so will be in our shop soon!). It is really lovely, and perfect for Bayeux stitch. I also used a No 3 mould.

What are you doing with your extra day? I had a little lie-in, which is a big luxury. Either way I hope you enjoy it, and if anyone has proposed - I hope the answer is yes!

Size: 27mm / 1 1⁄16" / 42L

Day 59 : Treillage

Day 59: Treillage

More embroidery today of course, this time a cotton ground with silk threads. The pink is a silk gimp I picked up a few years ago as you do. The green is Au ver a Soie Soie d'Alger, which is lovely to work with.  I've used a No 2 Mould. I've had a rotten time photographing it - the light is just rubbish today and I forgot to bring in my daylight bulb!

Size: 22mm / 14⁄16ths" / 34L

Day 58 : Minnie

Day 58: Minnie

Today's button is another embroidered one. The design is loosely based on an 18th century original, but it struck me that it would work nicely in shades of blue. I have a thing for blue and white pottery pieces - I always pick them up when I find them on walks. 

And the name? Well, one of my absolute earliest memories (and I must have been two or three) is of my Mom's friend, Minnie. I was sort of scared of her (I understand she was very tall) but boy was I totally fascinated with her dining room. It had blue and white china, with matching soft furnishings - chair covers, curtains - and wallpaper. I honestly wish I could see it as an adult actually. No doubt why I like little bits of blue & white!

Anyway, I have used stranded cotton, on cotton fabric and a No 4 mould.

Size: 32mm / 1 1⁄4" / 50L

Day 57: Retro Atomic

Day 57: Retro Atomic

Well, I have figured out the best type of button to make while my thumb is recovering. Embroidery. I am fortunate to have a floor stand with a clamp, so I can clamp in a hoop or a frame, and that means I don't need to use my left hand at all much beyond threading a needle. It takes a little longer than embroidering with both hands (I usually have one above and one below the fabric), but my thumb is, without doubt, being rested.

So, for the next few days, I'll be doing embroidery!

This had been stitched onto linen, and while the motif is usually worked all counted and even, I liked the idea of trying something more loose - as I drew it it reminded me of the mid-century modern designs, hence the name.

I've used perle cotton 12 - yes I do like perle cotton for embroidery too -it has a nice texture that adds something. It isn't suitable for all designs, but I do think that many people don't think to use it.

I've used a No 3 mould, and two layers of the linen between the embroidery and and mould to just soften it a bit.

Size: 26mm / just over 1" / 40L

Day 56: Chelidonium

Day 56: Chelidonium

Today's button is a little bit of a cheat - I made it about two weeks ago. When I have time, I will make more than one button for an emergency, and have a couple set aside. As well as a couple that as I worked on them I realised they would be better for specific days/holidays.

So, a sunny, cheery button for today. 

Sadly, my thumb is causing me too much pain to really do anything intricate. I still haven't made one button for the exhibition yet. :( I have picked out quite a few that I've made using the silks in the past though, but I would like to have at least a couple new ones before I send them off. But the thumb still needs rest and there's no point pushing it. Hopefully this evening will be better for button making!

Edit: I forgot the materials! Cotton perle No 12 and No 71 acrylic ring

Size: 33mm / just over 1 1⁄4" / 52L

Day 55 : Headway

Day 55 : Headway

Today's button is a little bit of a cheat really - the main wrapping (the blue and dark brown) was already complete, and it was sitting in my box waiting to be finished. Working needle lace is fine one-handed, as I simply mount the button and use my right hand for the work, and so rest my left. 

Perle cotton (size 8 and 12 this time) and a No 4 mould this time.

Size: 31mm / just under 1 1⁄4" / 48L

Day 54 : Radiation

Day 54: Radiation

Well, I had been working on a domed button using woven sections for another projects (check out my other blog later today for a bit of info) and wondered how it might work on a flat mould. I chose some colours, and as I worked, figured there was no real way at avoiding what it looked like at this small size - even though it should be black and yellow. It's a bit too small to add too much doodle work when my thumb shouldn't be used. 

The joy of being someone who grew up in the cold war, I know these symbols. I did a quick look online, and it turns out the originally it was magenta and blue. Those values are quite close together (in fact a black and white copier wouldn't probably distinguish these very well - as I was a graphic designer, you learn these things), I'm not not surprised it didn't last long in that form. If you'd like to read a bit more about the origination of the symbol, I found details here.

I used a little thin mould - size 12mm, that were left over from some Mark cut for me for a commission, and No 12 perle.

Size: 14mm / just over 1⁄2" / 22L

Day 53: Blossom

Day 53: Blossom

In a way, today's button it quite basic. The foundation is an 8 point wrap, but over a ring, which allows for easier placement of additional decoration. I like this button a lot, despite it's simple style. I've named it Blossom because it does remind me of stylised Japanese flowers.

I've used No 8 perle for this, and the outer ring of the No 45 Stacker Mould set

Day 52: Another Star

Day 52: Another Star

Ok, so not the most imaginative name! You'll have to forgive me, the brain isn't working too well this morning. :)
This is wrapped using an 'odd' method, going first one way, then changing it. Again, something a bit easier to do with the button mounted onto a stick while holding it is difficult. My splint has arrived, so does restrict movement but that's a good thing.

I've used a No 3 mould and cotton perle 12.

Size: 25mm / 1" / 40L

Day 51 : Urchin I

Day 51 : Urchin I

Today's button has been made using our Yorkshire Button Kit. It's something I found quite straightforward to do without bothering my thumb too much, and the fact that it looked quite like an urchin has made me think there will be more - hence the name! I see a whole series of little urchins in my future... 

I've used No 8 perle, thought something a bit thicker than No 12 would be easier too at the moment. The shape is soft stuffed.

Size: 17mm / 11⁄16th" / 28L

Day 50 : Biscotto

Day 50 : Biscotto

Today's post is rather late in the day - yesterday I lifted a box, hurt my thumb, and by last night is was quite swollen and hurt too much to use. I managed to finish the button by mounting the button onto a tapered stick so that I could hold it with my left hand while not using my left thumb. 

Doctor's this morning, and rest and a new exercise regime (every 2 hours) today. Turns out I have DeQuervain's tenosynovitis - which explains why my thumb has hurt on and off for months (I thought it was arthritis kicking in). 

It's taken longer to do the ordinary things one-handed today, hence the late post!

The button is a basketweave worked over a No 16 tagua nut mould, and this base is one that I had already - I could not have worked that neatly last night. Instead I added the embellishments, wrapping and grappé to change the base entirely.  I think looks rather like those really fancy iced biscuits you see. I've always wondered if they actually taste as nice as they look? 

Size: 26mm / 1" / 40L

Day 49: Beacon

Day 49: Beacon

Today's button is another doodle button, I was happy to go with the flow - it's a nice way to relax. I think that this would work in quite a few different colour combinations and had I not finished it rather late last night I might have tried a different version.

As usual, the perle 12 was by my side, and this time a No 11 mould. Shaped moulds always add their own challenge, especially when you don't really have a plan when you start!

Size: 26mm / 1" / 40L

Day 48: Fairy Cup

Day 48: Fairy Cup

Today's button uses a rather unusual item to make the cup. They were sold as hair tie knot covers (I honestly can't remember how they were described, but that was the recommended use) and so are a little cup with a hole. That's why they are so small. I do have a [bad] habit of buying unusual items that might work for button making, as I'm sure you can imagine! Of course, if you happen to have any old bobble with this on, you could upcycle... Normally I would satin wrap this and use the other way around, but instead I decided to cover with a blanket stitch and fill with little beads.

Size: 10mm / 3⁄8" / 16L

Day 47 : Pied

Day 47: Pied

So, who noticed my typo yesterday? Wrong day! It was day 46 yesterday. Ah well, fixed now.

Today's button has been made using a soft toggle that I made with the Button Template Tool. I've covered this with perle 12 thread, then worked weaving either side of the centre. 

Although the toggle is fabric, the button is really quite firm and the weaving helps to hold everything together. 

Size: 11mm / 3⁄8" / 18L

Day 46: Rose Window

Day 46: Rose Window

What started out as a variation of the button I named "Circus" in my Zwirnknofe Button Journal Kit became something even more than I'd planned. Right away it reminded me of a medieval cathedral rose window. Totally not planned that the tag cut from a Christmas card would match so well. I love it when that happens!

I've used cotton perle No 12 - it's interesting that the default thread of my challenge 4 years ago was the the slightly thicker No 8. Of course, thinner threads do mean you can add more detail. I've also used a No 105 button ring.

Size: 31mm / 1 1⁄4" / 48L

Day 45 : Be Mine

Day 45: Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day! Of course, it had to be something heart themed. This is not the button planned in my head - that didn't quite work out, so it will have to be perfected for another time perhaps. Maybe it won't work at all... I used my pliers to shape the heart ring - I broke the first ring I tried - which is why it is a lopsided heart. I like that though, adds a bit of individuality. A whole set would be each slightly different, which is neat. The heart is covered in the Dorset style.

This is layered onto a Dorset style, which is layered onto a zwrinknopfe style. 

I've used cotton perle No 8 and 12, and rings No 39 and No 105.

Size: 30mm / 1 1⁄4 "/ 44L

Day 44 : Trine

Day 44: Trine

Triangle buttons aren't the easiest to wrap using 'normal' wrapping techniques. You have to start a little differently, which means that working out extra weaving doesn't always go as planned. But they are quite effective, so usually worth it in the end. I've had this button mould sitting on my desk for ages so decided it was high time to use it.

I've used a No 87 mould, and cotton perle no 12. There's a bit of wrapping, needleweaving and a little bit of grappé too.

Size (long edge): 21mm / just over 3⁄4" / 32L

Day 43: Embrace

Day 43: Embrace

Today's button plays around with some advanced grappé stitches, adding interest to what would be an otherwise plain cloth covered button. This is a soft button - I added two layers of wadding inbetween the button mould and the fabric - this makes it very tactile. I like buttons shaped in this way. I think many people think the only way to get a domed button is to use a domed mould, but there are many different ways to achieve height.

I've used a cotton perle 8 for the decoration, and a No 3 mould

Size: 27mm / just over 1" / 42L

Day 42 : Burgeon

Day 42 : Burgeon

Today's button is actually quite a bit brighter than the photo - it's that bright, spring green over black. The weather is pretty rough, but you know, spring is on it's way!

I've used a cover button as the base, one that requires a button machine with dies to compress the two parts together. I love mine - and want to collect all the dies ever available, just as to have them... (yes, I am odd!). Over this I have couched a cord that I made from rayon thread, and then added grappé to finish the edge. And yes, the button decoration is purposely a little off centre!

Size: 23mm / just under 1" / 36L

Day 41 : Ciara

Day 41: Ciara

Yes, today's button is named for the storm that been howling mist of the weekend, and despite it easing today there are still some really high winds out there (and I know others have had flooding too). I'm lucky I'm in a stone house, but at one point I did wonder if the kitchen window was going to survive.

This has been made using ring No 39, and grappé stitches through the centre using a variety of perle cotton. I've also added some Au Ver a Soie bourdon metallic which gives a little sparkle like the hail and rain we got. I've also added a pad back to fill the area and give it a slightly domed look.

I have a vintage/antique button that is made in this way (in a single colour), and the same technique can be found in at least one medieval manuscript, filling the holes in the parchment, but adding the different colours and attempting some swirls has been inspired by a piece of wall art that I have, made by my friend Harriet. Her swirls are quite perfect mind you!

Size: 24mm / just under 1" / 38L

Day 40 : Cup

Day 40 : Cup

Today's button using a mould made up of 3 different rings (from my stash), stacked and glued, and a very small mould at the bottom. The cup itself is covered with thread, and the inside a gathered piece of silk fabric.

This is another button that I can see on a coat - particularly a 60s swing coat... 

Size : 21mm / 14⁄16" / 34L

Day 39 : Pentadecagram

Day 39 : Pentadecagram

Something a little simpler perhaps today - although getting everything even was actually harder than it looks. I've covered a cover button with silk fabric and then worked the spokes in silver thread. The sad thing is that eventually the silver will tarnish. Many many years ago (pre internet) I read that before the industrial revolution (and the vast amounts of coal pollution that came with it), silver tarnished much less quickly. Which is why it was used in so many garments, it was not expected to go black too soon. 

Size : 30mm / 1 3⁄16" / 48L

Day 38 : Mandala II

Day 38: Mandala II

Another doodle button today - this time starting with a ring button using the zwirnknopfe technique. I taught some of the ladies at my WI button making last night - everyone who tried managed to make a death's head. It's worth mentioning here if you are interested, I do have some new workshop dates and you can find them by clicking here.

I used a No 105 aluminium ring and both No 8 and No 12 perle on this one.

Size: 30mm /1 3⁄16" / 48L

Day 37 : Penna

Day 37: Penna

Today's button uses the same techniques as yesterday's - taking a basic wrapped button and embellishing it with additional weaving and stitches. I tend to refer to these in my head as "doodle buttons" - as there is usually no real plan as to the final design.

One of my button making friends, Jutta Kohlbeck, is the real expert at these buttons. Her most recent took over 10 hours - she builds up layer upon layer of stitching and weaving and wrapping to create wonderful little works of art. 

I've used a No 3 mould here, and both No 8 and No 12 perle cottons

Size : 25mm / 1" / 40L

Day 36 : Twinkle

Day 36: Twinkle

I find it hard to believe I hadn't yet named a star button Twinkle. It seems kinda obvious, doesn't it?

I decided on this name for the little white highlights at the point of the star. Star buttons certainly have a long history and I expect I'll have more to name as the year progresses.

This was worked over a No 11 button mould with No 12 perle

Size: 25mm / 1" / 40L

Day 35 : Swathe

Day 35 : Swathe

Today's button has been made using wool fabric and one of our new Flowercomb ruching tools - No 15, which is from the "Alice" set. I'll be launching these on Hochanda TV this evening at 7pm, so thought it fitting that I create a button in line with the show. I'll also be on at 3pm with button kits - so its worth tuning in if you are interested in buttons! 

I've also used a No 3 button mould, and some seed beads, as you can see.

Size (approx): 28mm / 1 1⁄4" / 46L

Day 34 : Marion

Day 34: Marion

Today's button is based on one in my collection created by Marion Howitt, one of the leading people in reviving Dorset button making skills. She has been making Dorset buttons long before the internet was even a thing and so really it is thanks to her and her small booklet that so many of us even know what a Dorset button is. 

This is made over an old brass ring that I had in my stash and perle No 12 cotton.

Size: 26mm / just over 1" / 40L

Day 33 : Lily

Day 33: Lily

This button is not what I sat down to create! There was something entirely different in my head to begin with. Instead, it had a mind of its own and became this.

And I'm very happy it did.

I've used a No 105 mould and perle No 12 cotton.

Size: 31mm / 1 3/16" / 48L

Day 32 : Entangle

Day 32 : Entangle

Today's button is another for the button group I am in, this week's theme is "woven". Therefore, lots of weaving in this one, and a little bit of wrapping! I've used Perle No 12 and a No 4 button mould.

This weekend I'll be doing a lot to get ready for my shows on Hochanda TV on Tuesday, so relaxing in the evening to make a button will be nice. I'll also have to find time to make some more cards, I only have a few left that used the Christmas packaging!

Size: 30mm / just under 1 1⁄4" / 48L