Beaker Button Blog

I had an interesting Facebook exchange with someone yesterday regarding some new thread buttons I've been teaching myself to make. These buttons are called shirtlace buttons, also known as zwirnkopfe, which means thread button. They are often mistaken for Dorset buttons, because they're hand stitched around a ring, but they are made differently and from a not from Dorset. I thought it might be a good idea to try and explain the difference here.  Dorset buttons are made by stitching in a blanket stitch around a ring (casting), turning the ridge around the edge into the middle (slicking), wrapping the thread around the ring to form spokes (laying), and then stitching in a back stitch over the spokes to form the inside pattern. Dorset buttons were made all over East Dorset, and sent all over the world. They were started by Abraham Case in 1622 and were an industry until 1851.  I know very little about the history of Shirtlace buttons, other than they were made in Germany, Austria...

Apologies for the delay in getting this post out.  I've been a little under the weather, having wrecked my shoulder.  Knitting has been a little difficult.  I'm on the mend now though so no more stalling.  This week I thought I'd share some my highlights of Wonderwool 2015.  We had a fantastic show and met (and infected) lots of new button makers.  I taught two button classes this year in the Wool school, which was great fun.  We sold lots of kits, wool, mini skeins and patterns.  I did managed to come home with a fabulous new pair of trousers from Elegant Chaos, so I didn't buy any wool. Below are some of the beautiful things at the show so I'll shut up and let the photos do the talking. This week's letter is below.  As always detailed instructions are here . Giant Cardigan by Lisa Hellier Giant Cardigan by Lisa Hellier Giant Cardigan by Lisa Hellier Giant Cardigan by Lisa Hellier Knitted Ginger Bread house by...