At Last

A day when I could finish what I started!

I'd been keeping all my buttons protected in a bag since the end of the Buttons and More Classes, but I wanted them to be somewhere I could see them and be inspired by them.  They can remind me of what can be done and to incorporated other buttons in future projects.

The background is silk, to go with the main fabric in the buttons and the buttons are tied on.  I've now to find a suitable spot on my wall to hang it, and then I need to think of a project for the remaining silk.

Buttons

These are the last of the buttons made for the Buttons and More class, although it doesn't mean the end of button making.  I am sure some of these will surface again in the future.

 Singleton button made in silk

 Half and half, lace and silk with cross stitch, web stitch, whipped back stitch and bullion knots

Half and half, silk with lace, with lazy daisy, french knots and cross stitch

I've thoroughly enjoy the course, partaking and seeing the results from the other ladies taking part, I shall certainly be on the lookout to do more of Karen's classes in the future if the opportunity arises.  Thanks, Karen, these two classes have been wonderful

A mixed day

Sunday was a day of bits and pieces,  I knitted while the grand prix was on, then did a bit of sewing before going back to the knitting.

 In one of the recent Mollie Makes magazine, there was a cover kit to make a purse.  I thought, these or something similar would make good gifts, so I finally gave it a go.

The kit had two different fabrics for the back and front, so it looks like two different purses.  It was a bit fiddly, but for a first effort, didn't turn out too bad.  I shall see if I can find some fittings, and make some more.

 Once I'd done that, it was back to my buttons.  This is my ball button, and I love how they turn out.  I can see using these on future projects

There are a few more buttons to make to finish the class, and I'm hoping to get a start on those today.

Dorset Buttons

 The next fun task in the Buttons and more class, was to make Dorset buttons.  These are the first two I've made.

I have another finished after it was dark, so I'll show you a photo of that tomorrow.  This course is drawing to a close this weekend, and it will be sad to see it go, it's been fun.

Toggles

Well, I must say these are fun to do, and now I have my own little collection of toggles

 This pink one has been embellished with french knots,

 although I do like them without any embellishment.

 These two use the same fabric, but I've used different colour threads for the web stitches and buttonhole bars.

Great fun, and I'll definitely be making more

Buttons and More

I finally caught up with the lessons on Karen's Buttons and More course yesterday.  The more included a brooch and a toggle.

 The exercise at the end of last week was to practise using cut out, full cut out like these two buttons, and half cuts outs.  The first one with the lace frill, I wanted to do something extravagant and it reminded me of  a sunflower.  The inset is heavily embellished with french knots, web stitches, and bullion knots.  This one took longer to stitch than the other three put together, but it was fun.

 This one has folded, cotton lace on the inset, around the edge of the button are french knots.

 This one will be the brooch, I just need a smaller brooch bar than I have here to put on the back.  It uses a half cut out, with lace inset.  The other half is embellished with french knots.

 And to finish off, a simple button, patterned cotton inset surrounded with french knots. 

The next task is toggles, and I love toggles.  This one was so much fun to make and so simple.  There are more of these to come, so watch this space.

First Batch of Buttons

Not much going on here at the moment, but I did manage to get the first batch of buttons together

Buttons and More 2011

I couldn't resist doing another of Karen's classes, so I signed up for Buttons and More 2011.    This time, I treated myself to some silk.  Due to illness here last week, finishing my cloth, and waiting for supplies, my start was delayed.  This weekend was all about catching up.

These are all now being damp stretched.  This one has needleweaving, blanket stitch lace, web stitch and lots of french knots

 Noughts and crosses

 this one includes my first ever bullion stitches, web stitches, and french knots

And this is the first completed button, with padded embellishment and buttons.  These buttons have been sat in my button box for years.  It's the same button box that belonged to my mum, and her grandmother, with various additions over the years.

The top three will be ready for making up, but, as I'm out today and tomorrow, they may have to wait a couple of days.