Tag: #embroidery

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How to make a Dorset Button

I have wanted to learn the art of Dorset button making  for some time.  A two hour workshop at my local Embroiderers’ Guild cropped up, and was a perfect excuse to chat with my sewing chums and learn!  A collection of stunning vintage pieces and a copy of Stitch magazine provided inspiration for our first Dorset Button.

So I started my first ever Dorset Button. Any ring made of plastic, bone or metal will do the job perfectly. Perle cotton number 8 thread, a tapestry needle, a brass ring and blanket stitch. This stage was called ‘Casting’.  I found out that the thread needs to be longer than you think – enough to finish the whole project. I was recommended 3 arm lengths of thread which was ample for a medium to large size ring.

Blanket Stitch – Casting

Next came ‘Slicking’. The ridge formed by the blanket stitch was turned to the centre of the ring, making a smooth edge to the ring ready for the next stage.

Turning edge to centre – Slicking

‘Laying’ was next. The thread was wound around the ring like spokes in a wheel. The number of spokes and their position on the ring can vary depending upon the pattern being created. I was making a Dorset Crosswheel so I only needed 8 spokes. I centred the spokes with two cross stitches before moving onto Rounding.

Making spokes – Laying
Cross-stitch in centre of spokes, ties them together

‘Rounding’ was the final stage.  Working from the back of the button, the thread was wound around the spokes in a kind of backstitch effect. This made the ‘ridges’ on the button front.

Using a backstitch around spokes – Rounding
Button Front

It was a very therapeutic morning of sewing.  I went home and made a few more before the day was over – it’s quite addictive. Dorset buttons are brilliant for embroiderers. Each button has a fabulous textured surface that’s a perfect background just waiting for more decorative stitching.

These are some of the pieces made over the weekend of the workshop. They include a few rings that have been Casted and are awaiting the next stage – when I can decide what design to settle on !

I hope this has inspired you to take a look at Dorset buttons and have a go making one. For more information on Dorset Buttons, check out the Gold Hill Museum in Dorset where the famous Hovis Hill is and a collection of original vintage Dorset Buttons can be found.

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‘Apron Strings!’ Exhibition by Connie Flynn

‘Apron Strings!’, a solo exhibition by Connie Flynn at Courtyard Arts.
I’d heard about this exhibition only last week so I was keen to see it before it closed.
I purposely hadn’t read too much about it before visiting so I had no preconceived ideas about what to expect other than embroidered aprons (which in itself is wonderful). How wrong was I. I was blown away with her work. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pieces below are half aprons – the rectangular kind with ties that wrap around the waist. These pieces have been worked on both sides using every textile material to hand, from hand made felt to re-purposed tea towels.

 

 

 

 

Connie Flynn

I had a good chat with Connie about her past and future exhibitions. I suggest getting in contact with her if you want to know more (her work is a breath of fresh air). She also offers workshops – I was a quick to add my name to her mailing list!  Connie is a very gifted lady and I have a feeling we will be hearing more about her in years to come.

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At Jessie Chorley’s shop with friends

Yesterday had been a date in my diary for quite some time. It was the launch of Jessie Chorley’s new book in her newly decorated shop. Jessie’s open invitation had flocks of us turning up all morning. The book launch party was celebrated with cake served on vintage plates and glasses of Prosseco and Elder-flower fizz.

It was so lovely to meet the ladies from Hope and Elvis again, and to bump into my Facebook and Instagram friends – to finally put a face to the name. I am so lucky to have friends as barmy about textiles and I am.

Her shop has changed dramatically since my last visit a few years ago.  She has redecorated the interior with a coat of white paint which sets off her work beautifully. The shelving is made from scaffolding boards and all her goodies for sale are displayed in pre-loved china and vintage furniture.

 

The shop’s exterior decoration always makes me smile. Jessie puts out her hand decorated textile ‘flags’ and decorations each day, regardless of the weather. The shops’s window dressing is constantly changing. This weekend, there was a celebration theme – ‘Celebrating 10 years in business’ –  even the window pane had been decorated.  On the pavement trestle tables were full to bursting with cake, books and flowers, and there was a bench for visitors to rest or to sit and sew.  The whole shop had a wonderful warm buzz about it.

My visit to the shop was the first port of call as part of a day out in London with my DH. He popped into the shop and saw my eyes light up as I drooled over one of Jessie’s framed pieces of work – he bought it for me as a gift for our Silver Wedding Anniversary. I’m a lucky girl. There are very few things in life  that I have a real weakness for (apart from Pistachio ice-cream and nougat) . I am not really a handbag, shoe or jewelry kind of girl – textiles  are my weakness and this piece I adore. Thank you my DH.

 

Jessie Chorley’s  creativity and enthusiasm is so contagious. I went home with my head buzzing with even more ideas and I just had to sew!  Thank you Jessie for inviting me and for the very generous goody bag.

Jessie Chorley’s shop is at 158a Columbia Road, London.