Dorset Buttons: Splendiferous

For the last couple of weeks my fingers have been very busy stitching and creating Dorset Buttons for projects and friends. I bought "The Dorset Feather Stitchery" book a couple of years ago from the UK Stitch Magazine. Inside this book it explains how to make these lovely buttons along with heaps of lovely Dorset Feather Stitches. The above photo is the "First 5 Dorset Buttons" I have ever made.

In the recent issue Vol 8 Issue # 04 of Crazy Quilt Magazine Online, Diane Mugsford from British Columbia presented a written Workshop to the Fraser Valley Needlearts Guild newsletter on how to create these fantastic Dorset Pin Buttons. Through Kerry Leslie ( click on Kerry name to get to her lovely blog), Diane graciously allowed her pattern to be published in our CQMagOnline Mag. Diane's Dorset button resembles a flower bouquet which looks very similar to my "Roses and More Roses" top left. Thanks Kerry, I loved this pattern.

Also Marion Howitt of the UK has a website called "Dorset Buttons" and has a 16 page booklet called "Fact File" giving detailed instructions on how to create many Dorset Buttons. I bought the Lovely "Fact File" Booklet from Marion. It is very very nice with very detailed instructions for some unique Dorset Buttons. I highly recommend it.

The British Button Society has a website that show some very lovely Dorset Buttons too. I especially loved the "The Christmas Tree Dorset Button" by Marlene Bramman. I gave the Christmas Tree Dorset Button a go and a photo of it is on the top right. I added lots of beads and a wee star at the top.

The last row shows Three Dorset Buttons in the traditional designs. The shade of Purple Dorset Button was the very first one I ever made then the Green one and lastly the Peppermint color one.

In this photo I show you the different types of threads and yarns I used to create these buttons.

(1) Roses and More Roses Brooch, was made with White "Paton's Silk Bamboo Yarn" with a 2 inch plastic ring. The Trio Embroidery Flosses I used in creating the roses were 50% Silk and 50% Wool made in Switzerland. This floss is very soft and lovely to stitch with.

(2) My Christmas Tree Dorset Button Brooch, was made with Red "Paton's Angora Bamboo Yarn" with a 2 inch plastic ring. The tree was created with Green "Paton's Silk Bamboo Yarn" and then I added beads and a wee star at the top.

(3) The Shade of Purple Dorset Button was made from #8 DMC Perle Cotton with a 1 1/4 inch plastic ring.

(4) The Shade of Green Dorset Button was made from #8 Finca by Presencia. I also added Madeira Metallic thread to the inside to add sparkle to it. It was made from a 1 1/4 inch ring.

(5) The Peppermint Dorset Button was made from # 20 Lizbeth tatting cotton and I used a 3/4 inch ring. I enjoyed using all sizes of threads and yarns and each came out having a very unique look. I really like them all.

The reference books I used are the "50 Heirloom Buttons, by Nancy Nehring 1996 which is out of print but can be bought through http://www.amazon.com/

The Dorset Feather Stitchery by Olivia Pass was first published in 1957 and reprinted 9 times. I bought this book through the UK "Stitch Magazine". See below photo.

I also recently bought a novel called "Burning Bright" by Tracy Chevalier. It takes place in the French Revolution-era London ( 250 year Anniversary of William Blake birth). He comes from Dorsetshire. It is a lovely book and I am only on Chapter 6 so lots to read yet. I will let you all know what I think of it when I have finished it. Has anyone read this book?

I love the "Stitch Magazine" and I have been reading it for several years. The above photo is of the most recent issue (#61) here in the states. I was so excited to see it in Joann's on Friday. I have been waiting for it for weeks and weeks to arrive. I could hardly believe that I got the last issue in stock they usually have several copies on hand. The reason for my excitement is that my friend Michala (Kayla Coo) from the UK lovely wool embroidery art was on the front cover. Inside she created the 4 Season in Felt. There is no better word that I can describe Michala Art than "Splendiferous!!!!! Congratulation Michala!!

I truly enjoyed creating "My Dorset Buttons". I plan to create many more. I would like to add allot more beads to them in the future to give them more sparkle. Hopefully one day I will become more proficient in creating them and then I would be keen to trade with others.

Today in Michigan it was 70F unbelievable for this time of year. Huge Very Big Grin!! Usually we are seeing snowflakes flying by now. This great weather is to last the whole coming week. Lucky us. But I am sure the snow is not far off.

I would also like to Thank You All for visiting my blog and leaving your lovely comments.

Hugs,