Day 86 : Screen

Day 86 : Screen

I've been keen to try some whitework embroidery and lace for buttons, so here is my first, a simple four sided stitch worked to pull the fabric and create the little holes. With all of the extra hand washing, my hands are becoming quite rough, and working with silks will not be an option for a while. But, the extra clean does mean that working with white is much easier. 

The white fabric is a plain linen, not an evenweave. I've used Bolillos 40/3 lace thread for the actual stitches, and perle No 8 for the surround. I've used a No 32 ring for the mould, and a small piece of green cotton as the interlining.I used the ring so that the excess fabric could be pushed up to give a little bit of padding.

Size: 21mm /  13⁄16" / 32L

Day 85 : Nagare

Day 85: Nagare

Today's button is made using the Rozashi stitching technique from Japan. I was sent a beautiful and thoughtful gift when I first injured my thumb, of silk threads, a Japanese book and Rozashi fabric. The very good idea was to get me to do a different type of work without adding strain to my thumb. The name is the Japanese name for the pattern.

The designs are just like our needlepoint florentine stitch / bargello, the difference is the ground fabric. Where we in Europe use an even weave fabric (1/1 or 2/2) that is usually cotton or linen, the Japanese use an incredibly fine silk gauze that has a weave that is more 3 / 1. This means that the single stitch is a longer stitch. It also means it is ever so hard to see! I was sent the tiniest needle in the pack, but in the end I found it easier to use a beading needle. The length made it easier for me.

The threads are a beautiful Japanese silk, all hand dyed, and the mould is a No 3.

Size: 26mm / 1 1⁄16" / 42L

Day 84 : Virtual Hug

Day 84 : Virtual Hug

I was asked yesterday if my button naming was relevant to events. It hasn't been as such, it has been what fits the button - which might itself be sometimes influenced. If that makes sense. But today I thought we all need a virtual hug. And so yes, not only the button name, but the button design is relevant to events.

Thank you all for following, here's my hug to you.

I've used a No 3 mould, mica powder to colour the fabric, and No 12 perle thread.

Size: 27mm / 1 1⁄6" / 42L