Day 121 : Stitchwort

Day 121 : Stitchwort

Today's button I think will class as a doodle button - it started as a wrapped then woven design which I've added extra stitching. It turned out a little better than I had envisaged, so I am pleased. I love the stitchwort flowers that are in bloom along the lane we walk on, they are such pretty little flowers.

I don't know about you, but I am feeling rather fed up at the moment. I suspect that it is the weather and lockdown, although as someone who is quite an introvert it isn't as though I am missing going out on the town! I've been writing instructions for a couple of new kits all day and it just hasn't been going very smoothly. Ah well, I'm sure tomorrow will be brighter!

I've used a perle cotton 12 again and a No 4 mould

Size : 30mm / 1 3⁄16" / 46L

Day 120 : Right Round

Day 120 : Right Round

My gift to you today is an earworm. If you're old enough ;)

Today's button has been worked over a No 26 mould - so quite a large ball button this time. The stitch is a twisted blanket stitch, one used a lot in Italian white work, more research for the book. The swirl around is applied afterwards - a bit more doodling!

I've used No 8 and 12 perle (12 for the purple). 

Size - 16mm / 5⁄8" / 24L

Day 119 : Wiggly

Day 119 : Wiggly

Today's button is a very textural button. The base is a ring - not quite a Dorset (although I did cover the ring first!) as I have only worked the filling randomly to make a base for the extra long bullion knots. I love bullion knots. There are a few French knots thrown in for good measure too.

I'm afraid the thread is all from my stash - the centre is a variegated cotton gifted to me many years ago. The colour change is very well done. I can tell you that the ring is a No 39.

I thought you might like to see the side so that you can see more of the texture - 

Size : 24mm / 15⁄16" /  38L

Day 118 : Macaroni

Day 118 : Macaroni

Today's button is based on my latest acquisition - which arrived at the weekend. I was so pleased with it I had to try a version! I am quite sure, from the size and materials, that the original is 18th century, and I can imagine a macaroni wearing it, hence the name. The original uses pink instead of purple and blue instead of the green-blue, but I think the colours are still a good choice.

I've used a button mould prototype that will, eventually, be available with any luck. Right before lockdown, our order of a lot of different button moulds had just been completed - in India. And India went into lockdown. In actual fact, the original has such a flat button mould that I reckon a No 3 mould would have been fine :)

I've used Au ver a Soie Silks - Gobelins for the ground - it should have been Ovale, but I didn't have any at the house - and Perlee for the others. Which is bang on when comparing to the original. :)

Size : 27mm / 1" / 44L

Day 117 : Desert Star

Day 117 : Desert Star

Today's button started as a German star design that would normally worked over a wood mould. I've worked it over a ring, which has meant I can add a lot of extra stitching detail in a much easier way - taking the stitches right through the threads. It is a nice way of working doodle buttons, if you are ever unsure of how to begin. This looks completely different to the initial wrapping!

I've used a No 104 ring and No 12 perle cotton. I bet you guessed that for the thread... I'll have to mix it up a bit soon won't I ?

Size : 21mm / 3/4" / 32L

Day 116 : Tumult

Day 116: Tumult

Today's button is a little crazy, I know. It started out using the wrapping technique that I used on Day 24 - Carnival, but with a variegated thread. I also changed it a little, and it did look a little wacky, so I went with it. :) 

The thread is a No 12 perle, with a No 3 mould.

I hope everyone is doing ok. I see that some restrictions are being lifted in some countries - do please stay safe everyone!

Size : 25mm / 1" / 40L

Day 115 : Thingamajig

Day 115 : Thingamajig

This button is a little more mental than it appears in this image.  It is 15mm high, so very dimensional. It is made up of a chevron knot button made over a wooden No 24 mould. The knot is worked in linen threads and a bit of No 12 perle cotton. That perle cotton is also used to cover the large cloth ring at the base. The ring is very stiff and I've stitched the knot button to it. Although an odd button, I reckon it would look quite nice at the centre front of a summery tunic. :)

Size : 14mm /  9⁄16" / 22L

Day 114 : Step

Day 114 : Step

Today's button is embroidered, using Au Ver a Soie Soie D'alger silks. I've used Bayeux stitch and split stitch. The shape was just meant to be organic, not actually a footprint, but I decided to go with it when I realised. After all, most of us are busy keeping in step with our various government guidelines at the moment, so it seemed fitting.

I've used a No 3 button mould, but did pad out the button a little when I covered the mould. I think this is better with embroidered buttons, it gives a more professional finish. It does make the button a little larger, which is why I always suggest that buttonholes should be made after any special buttons if you can - just to make sure they fit!

If you would like to know what I mean, this fabric button tutorial on my YouTube channel shows the technique. For today's button I used a larger piece, to pad out the edges as well as the top face.

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

Day 113 : Knobble

Day 113 : Knobble

Today's button may look simpler than yesterday's but it took ages! The wrapping is a globe knot, and they take a while when worked in a fine thread. I decided to randomly wrap some of the threads, which I quite like the look of. This should, in theory, be quite a hard wearing button because of that knot covering.

I've used No 8 and No 12 perle cotton, and a No 24 bead mould.

Size: 9mm / 3⁄8" / 16L

Day 112 : Deltoid

Day 112: Deltoid

Today's button - well, I went a bit mad. I am working on some new designs for a kit we will be launching in June, and the base for this button is a reject. I just wasn't happy with aspects of it. But adding the extra stitching, well, I'm very pleased. Tomorrow's may well be a less complex, haha!

I've used a No 4 button mould and No 8 and No 12 perle.

Size: 30mm / 1 3⁄16" / 46L

Day 111 : Budding

Day 111: Budding

Today's button is another little one. A basic zwirnknopfe, but made with less spokes than needed to fill the ring, leaving the gap at the side. It just reminds me of these teeny flowers we have that gorow up in the driveway gravel (and I refuse to weed out - I've tried moving them but they die). I like how the extra stitching turned out looking like a little fly - I think I need to do this in another button...

I've used a No 103 ring and No 12 perle, including a variegated around the edge.

Size: 18mm / 3⁄4" / 28L

Day 110 : Woven Ball

Day 110 : Woven Ball

Perhaps not the most exciting name for today's button, but it is what it is. This is a simpler version of a 17th century button and yes, another one to go into the book that I am working on. There are actually many different ways to create a basket weave effect, and a technique that one person finds difficult, another may find much easier, so I hope to include a few variations.

This one has used a perle cotton No 8 and the centre is a No 24 bead.

Size: 9mm / 3⁄8" / 16L

Day 109 : Bespeckled

Day 109 - Bespeckled

Today's button is another made from a piece on tape (inkle) woven on my tape loom. I have added extra embroidery (so does this make it a doodle button too?) to cover the seam area. 

Another tactile button - I seem to be into texture just at the moment. This one's a bit squishy too. It would jazz up a dark cardigan quite nicely I think!

Size: 11mm / 5⁄8" / 24L

Day 108 : Nodulous

Day 108 : Nodulous

I like this button! It's a sort of knobby pompom, and has its roots in the Italian linen tassel techniques of the 16th and 17th centuries. I've then stitched the knots to a simple ring button. What you can't see is that the button is 8mm high.  I do like textiles with texture - this one wants to be touched!

I've used No 101 ring and perle cotton No 12. 

Size: 12mm / 1⁄2" / 20L

Day 107 : Moore

Day 107 : Moore

Today's button started out as a design idea for a customer, and ended up being this star. And, as Capt. Tom Moore's campaign to raise money for NHS charities has gone over and above what he could have possibly imaged, it seemed fitting to have something to mark this in the year's buttons - after all, what a star (and a great story).

I've used a No 4 button mould, and No 12 perle.

Size: 31mm / 1 3⁄16" / 48L

Day 106 : Reigate

Day 106 : Reigate

Today's button is a little one, based on buttons found on a doublet that dates from the early 17th century. It is another that will be in my next book (The Button Maker Vol 1). Little, but a sweet button that for me is quite important when looking at the history of thread wrapping. It is one that ties documentary evidence in with surviving buttons. Always nice.

For this button I have used a 10mm mould (cut especially - we don't currently have these available), and a hand dyed linen from my friend Debbie of the Mulberry Dyer.

Size: 10mm / 7⁄16" / 18L

Day 105 : Favour

Day 105 : Favour

Guess what inspired me here? Might be Easter chocolates... haha!

I do hope everyone is staying well and healthy. 

I have used a star mould - a prototype actually - we ended up making the size the same as others in our range so it would be a No 89, if that makes sense. That means my button is a little smaller. I've also used No 12 perle and some DMC diamant metal thread.

Size: 24mm / 15/16" / 36L

Day 104 : Cynosure

Day 104 : Cynosure

Today's button is a covered button with a bit of embroidery. No real plan, I just thought the two colours looked nice :). And I do like a nice loopy bullion. 

I have used a No 3 mould and some lovely slub silk fabric from my stash. The embroidery has been worked with No 12 perle. 

Size (excluding loops): 25mm / just under 1" / 40L

Day 103 : Eostre

Day 103: Eostre

Happy Easter to you all!

An oval doodle button for today. Oval buttons are a fair bit harder to wrap than other shapes, but they do look nice when you do. I've seen a few historic examples - mostly seem to date from around the 1910-20s sort of era, and are usually made with cords. Of course, the shape can also be used to make a covered button and that is far more simple to do!

I've used a No 20 mould and No 12 perle thread.

Size (lengthwise) : 36mm / 1 3⁄8" / 56L

Day 102: Plaid

Day 102: Plaid

Today's button is really another doodle button. I do find them relaxing! Although I didn't wear my brace in bed last night, so my thumb has been aching a bit today. It's a good excuse to have a chill-out Saturday! The colour contrast is stronger in real life, it seems a little light in the photo.

I've used a No 66 button mould and No 12 perle.

Size: 26mm / just over 1" / 41L

Day 101 : Mandala III

Day 101 : Mandala III

I apologise for another late post. I have been so busy with writing - and today, making cheese! - that it wasn't until I sat down that I realised I hadn't actually written the blog!

Today's button is another on the not-yet-available star mould. We have to get them sorted as I want more for my stash ;) . In the doodle button style - just keep adding as you go, just as if doodling with a pencil. It is very relaxing. I expect tonight's will be in the same vein.

Size: (point to point) 28mm / 1 3⁄16" / 46L

Day 100 - Intrecciata

Day 100 - Intrecciata

100 days! Gosh, where did that go? Although like just about everyone, I am currently having difficulty knowing what day of the week it is, let alone how far into the year we are already.

I hope you are keeping well.

Today's button uses a new, smaller version of the new star mould. We had intended to have released these by now, but have not been able to cut stock with lockdown. Hopefully we'll manage to sort it after Easter and have some manufacturing time. I've also used perle No 12, and the pale green is some No 16 perle in my stash.

Size: (point to point) 28mm / 1 3⁄16" / 46L

Day 99 : Ginocchiera

Day 99 : Ginocchiera

Today's button is based on one that is on a late 16th century Italian Smock in the MET. The metal thread I've chosen isn't quite a match for the type used in the original, but fairly close. 

I am currently, finally, putting together my next book, The Button Maker Vol 1, which will focus on textile buttons up to the 17th century. Lockdown has meant I can keep some odd hours and knuckle down - and this is one that will be included.

I currently do not have internet access so am uploading this from my phone. It's a bit difficult to add links, so I will fix it later. But I have used Au Ver a Soie threads - the silk is Sole Ovale and the metal thread is Bourdon.

Size: (length) 25mm / 1" / 40L

Day 98: Whorl

Day 98: Whorl

Today's button is another "Lincolnshire" button ;)

My problem is, I get on a roll. I really liked the surface created, and so thought I would try some dimensional embroidery. And I have discovered recently that orange isn't that popular a colour. I really like orange! I don't think there is a colour I don't like to be fair. I once knew someone who hated green... 

I've used No 12 perle and a No 39 ring. 

Size  24mm / 15⁄16th" / 38L

Day 97 : Blackthorn

Day 97: Blackthorn

Today's button is based on a pretty vintage set in my collection. The set includes little buttons and a larger button brooch (with a safety pin). I've no idea when it was made, but the card that everything has been stitched to is certainly dog-eared (what a funny expression - dogs have lovely ears!). The interesting thing about the originals is that they are not Dorset buttons, nor are they zwirnknopfes (you can read more about the differences here). In fact, the ring hasn't been covered with blanket stitches at all! I do wish I knew where these were made! Perhaps I'll need to call them Lincolnshire buttons, as that's where we are....

I've used a No 39 ring and perle cotton No 12. And lots of French knots this time, instead of my usual colonial knots.

Size: 24mm / 15⁄16th" / 38L

Day 96 : Windswept

Day 96 : Windswept

Today's button just made me think of feathers - although I know they also look a bit like trees or leaves too. This button took ages - not so much what you see (which took a while but not unexpected) but what isn't there. I tried so many extra things that I ended up cutting away. Just did not like any other the other bits of stitching that I added. It always looked better without. So, that's how it remains. It happens sometimes. 

I've used a big mould here - a No 6. But I've still used the perle No 12.

Size: 40mm / 1 2⁄8" / 64L

I hope that everyone is keeping well.

Day 95 : Mjölnir

Day 95: Mjölnir

My husband named this button, as he thought the pattern along the edge looked just like hammers. "Hammer" would have been rather boring, but naming it after Thor's hammer... much better!

I've used No 12 perle and a No 39 ring for this button.

Size: 24mm / 15⁄16" / 38L

Day 94 : Free Spirit

Day 94: Free Spirit

Today's button just made me think of hippies and summer festivals, so that's where the name has come from. I must have been feeling a little chilled out last night! Goodness knows why - it's been all paperwork for me for two days.

I've used a No 4 button mould, and wrapped the button initially with the Au ver a Soie Wool we've just had in. The lace stitches around the edge is worked with no 12 perle.

Size: 30mm / 1 3⁄16" / 47L

Day 93 : Stop the Spread

Day 93 : Stop the Spread

As a year long challenge, it is important for me to create buttons for markers of things that happen. In my last challenge, there were sporting events to mark and things like that. I couldn't really let Covid-19 off the hook on this, especially as it is a marker not only for me, but for everyone in the world.

I don't want to cause anyone offence, and am certainly not being flippant by creating this button. 

I've chosen the blue cross to represent the medical staff around the world who are working so hard - be it in care or research regarding this. Most tend to wear blue at some point. And perhaps extra points for who can see what packaging the tag has come from?

I've used a No 39 ring and perle No 12 for the grey and blue. The little bits of the corona are made using the Au ver a Soie fine wool.

Size: 25mm / just under 1" / 40L

Day 92 : Rainbow

Day 92 : Rainbow

Today's button is inspired by all of the lovely rainbow pictures the children here in the UK are putting up in their windows. We live in the country, and are probably the youngest in our little cluster, so it wasn't until we went into the unit for our packing and postal run that we saw these in Grantham. And they did bring a smile as we drove by and noticed them. One house had a window full - I wonder if they have that many children in the house - or just one really artistic child?

I used a white background to represent white paper. The white is a No 8 perle, while the colours are Au Ver a Soie's fine D'aubusson tapestry wool - which we have just finished photographing for the shop. A small range will be live this week, and if it proves popular, we hope to increase it. Of course, I just had to try it out... I've also used a No 39 ring.

Size: 24mm / 15⁄16" / 38L