Beaker Button Blog

I'm writing a new book; my third.  This one is a knitting pattern book with 10 designs, all of which feature Dorset buttons.  I plan to have the first draft finished at the end of this year, which means getting the patterns written and samples made up in at least 2 sizes.  There will also be a lot of pattern testing to be done (and if you're interested in pattern testing for this book please get in touch).  I've nearly completed the first design, a cable hooded cardigan in Malabrigo Rio Jupiter.      I was feeling great about this design.  The pattern is working out well.  The yarn is knitting up as I'd envisioned.  The cable sits well where I want it and I've taught myself how to knit a border along the side.  All was going swimmingly until I hit the button holes.  Normally I'm good at button holes but this time I could not get them to look how I wanted.  Pattern writers block hit big style.  After strugg...

I've got lurgy today. I haven't felt this unwell for years so it's a bit of a cheat post this week.  I've been rearranging the shop so I have a working and dyeing area. Somewhere to design and write my third book (knitting patterns this time, with Dorset buttons of course), to dye yarn including our new Mini Skein club , and to build my button kit wholesale empire. So here's the cheat bit. I haven't had time to write up the granny square pattern I'd planned for this post. This is a fingerless mittens pattern I wrote a little while ago instead. It can be downloaded as a PDF from Ravelry here . Stripy Knitcol Mitts Abbreviations below Tension: 5cm x 5cm square = 9 sts x 13 rows in stocking stitch, Size 4m needles or appropriate size to achieve the correct tension, yarn needle for sewing up. 50g Knitcol or similar DK weight yarn. 1 size fits most. Left glove Cast on 34 sts Row 1: *K 2, P 2* repeat last 2 sts, K2 Row 2: *P 2, K 2* repeat to last 2 s...

Right.  I realise it's been awhile.  I've been designing, going to shows and writing a book.  So this blog post is a shameless plug for said book. It's called......................(that was a drum roll in case you missed it) Dorset Buttons with a Twist.          Ta Da! For more information on the book have a look here It has 10 designs inspired by button brooches made in the 1930s and 1940s.  Each design is a piece of wearable art.  There is a brooch, hair grip, scarf ring, bracelet, shawl pin, pendant, key ring and a button.  I've posted photos below of each project.  It's available as an instantly downloadable PDF for £9  here   (Beaker Button's Etsy shop). I'm also running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to do a print run.  There are some great rewards on offer so if you'd like a hard copy or you simply want to support us (and thank you so much) have a look here (kickstarter page). Button ey...

We did this at the book launch on the 21st September so I thought I'd share it with you all. Take one hula hoop, 2 100g balls of chunky yarn (Patons Jamboree in our case) and a bevy of willing minions. Start by tying the yarn in a single knot around the hula hoop.  Begin casting by passing the yarn through the hula hoop from back to front and then back through the loop created.  This is a blanket stitch.  Supervise your minions doing this first step as you eat some of the delicious cake they bought you to celebrate the launch of your book. Invite interested people to peruse your new Dorset button jewellery kits, available from the website soon, as your minions do their thing. Get your minions to take turns so they don't get tired (Shirley takes her turn) Once the casting has been completed, lay the spokes your self by wrapping the yarn around the hula hoop like the spokes of a bike.  Make sure each spoke lies across the centre at the front....

We had a fantastic day on Saturday, with Catherine Graham-Evans .  She is a local author who launched her new book, Sweet Knits, in our shop.  I have never seen the shop so busy!  We have amazing cakes made by Catherine's mother, and pink bubbly.  Very nice too.  We sold out of all but one of our Sweet Knits books, although we still have a signed copy in the shop and my copy as well.  I'm looking forward to finishing some of my projects so I can start making the Est. 2006 jumper (and one for me Est. 1974). Thank you too Catherine for such a wonderful day, and thank you to everyone who supported us.