Day 68 : Celebrate

Day 68: Celebrate

I really wanted to name this button the sound that those little paper horns made (do they still have those, or am I showing my age?) but I really don't think anyone would get it, and how should I spell it anyway? 

So, today, celebrate! Be it women's day or a birthday or anything else. 

The embroidery is on linen, using some wonderful hand painted threads I picked up at a fair - I am afraid I don't remember exactly who created them as I soon wound them onto thread holders so that I could use them. They are about a size 12 perle size, but I think they are a spun silk. I adore these colours. 

The mould is the outer ring of the No 45 stacker mould - no reason for using a ring except that I was tidying up yesterday and one was on my desk. I first drew this design a few years ago - another that it is nice to be able to actually make, now that I cannot make thread wrapped or ring buttons for a while.

Size: 35mm / 1 3/8" / 54L

Day 67 : Seventh Lace Stitch

Day 67 : Seventh Lace Stitch

So I had an idea the other day - what about a series of sampler buttons? As I can only really work one-handed at the moment, I'm thinking both embroidery samplers (which is pretty much what yesterday's button was) and needle laces. 

In the Encyclopedia of Needlework by Th. de Dillmont (a book everyone should have if they can!), she sets out the lace stitches by number. She gives any common name that she knows of at the same time too. I thought a whole set might be interesting. I actually worked two - the second in a solid blue and with closer stitching, but this looked more decorative and button-like to me. I've used the variegated No 12 perle, with solid No 12 perle for the edge and number, and a No 3 mould.

Honestly, I have no idea why I started with the 7th. I did start this on the 5th, so there was no forward thinking that I would post it on the 7th of the month until I realised it last night. But a pretty cool coincidence, especially as she hasn't listed a common name (which I would have used as the title).

I will carry this on - it would make a nice hanging I think. So, the odd one might come up over the year :)

Size: 26mm / 1" / 40L

Day 66 : Bobble

Day 66 : Bobble

Today's button is quite simple really, lots of colonial knots and a grappé surround. I love little knots, colonial and French are probably my favourites, with bullions a close second. I like the texture that they add to stitching. I also think that grappé works really well with a variegated thread. You can't see this so clearly head-on, but the side of the button is quite interesting! I've padded this button quite a bit too, which also shows off the stitches. I've used a No 3 mould.

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