Saturday, February 5, 2011

French Knot Buttons






Today I was trying to think of something pretty to show you. The weather has been awful, not so much here,...but just about everywhere else across the country from what I hear. Today, the snow we had yesterday pretty much melted and the roads aren't bad...so, actually, we've got it 'good' if you ask me. I'm concerned for everyone else. Anyway, I could get out to the backyard studio, thanks to melted snow, and was trying to come up with something new, fun, interesting, and PRETTY to post about. Nothing really caught my fancy today....so, as I walked around the studio, my eyes landed on these buttons and thought you might enjoy them.

When I made these...longer ago than I want to say....my imagination conjured up all kinds of scenarios whereby I would make and sell zillions of them, encouraging people to buy them and incorporate them in great pieces of their own. Then, I made them and realized that the time involved would not permit me to sell them at a fairly reasonable price....so another of my 'great ideas' was shot down. My friend, Sharon H., used to tell me that I was horrible at handling business...and I suppose she was right. (I have actually made others and included them in some piece or other I made to sell...but I have a hard time doing it. So little time, so much to do and all that!)

So, here you are....my four embroidered buttons. I still think I should do more...someday, somehow...for some reason...but for now...these are the ones I can show....so, please enjoy them as who knows if others will appear here. The largest one is 2 1/2 inches, and the others are 1 7/8 inches. If you've never covered a button...well, it's not at all hard...but embroidering could be another story. You don't want to 'over-embroider' or you'd never fit them over the metal forms. Fun, though.

As you can see, the primary stitch I have used on these buttons is the French Knot. And, you've heard me say many times how much I love stitching those....yes, indeed! The large one has MANY French Knots and the others, not so much. Of course, the last one has the fewest, but I like it a lot. It is done in Perle Cotton, the others DMC floss. One tip - I LOVE using a Milliner's needle for French Knot making. So much easier and prettier too.

Another thing about my embroidery...with the exception of ribbon roses when I make them, I suppose you could call the flowers I stitch Fantasy Flowers, as they are not very realistic and are really SIMPLE. I always call it "School Girl" embroidery. Mostly, I just want to stitch, have a good time doing it, and present a nice looking piece of embroidery that I'm proud of when it'd done.

So, there you are....something I feel is 'pretty.' Hope you enjoyed seeing them and maybe you will try one or two yourself! Stay warm....and be careful out there. pat

PS. Thank you all for so many wonderful comments on this post....I so appreciate each and every one. "Connie" asked the question, "no more creations on etsy?" so I feel the need to let you know I'm sorry that my etsy shop is empty of inventory. I have to tell you that it isn't because I'm not making things for sale, it's because I'm one person, I spend a lot of time on one piece, and, like they say, "so much to do, so little time." Because I'm determined to do good work and provide my customers with their 'heirloom' piece, I can't hurry the work. And, just when I think I am caught up...another request comes in. I am happy to fill them and so appreciative when customers are patient. And, remarkably...they are. If you find yourself interested in something, please email...but be aware I can't fill an order quickly. Again, thank you so much for visiting my blog, you make my day!!!

26 comments:

Vicki Boster said...

Pat - these are absolutely gorgeous! I have never ever seen buttons so beautiful - I cannot even imagine the amount of work that went into making these gorgeous treasures. Your stitching totaly blows me away!

Vicki

LindaSonia said...

I think the french knot is my most favorite stitch of all. Maybe not one on it's own nso much, but in multiples they are absolutely gorgeous!!

Sandy said...

Pat...Wow your buttons are magnificant! So beautiful! What a lovely sight to behold. I had to laugh as you were posting this, I was posting about the flowers I just planted today to lift the spirit of our front porch. I just wish I had all the ones on your buttons in my urns. You sound just like I have in the past...thinking we could make a gazillion dollars on our creations, just to find out we'd have to sell them for way toooo much. Too cute. My best to you...xoso Sandy O

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

those french knots are so amazing, the colors so lovely too.
xx
julie

FredaB said...

Very pretty Pat. The heart one looks like punchneedle as you were able to do the french knots so nice and close.

I liked the purple flower one in the basket but they are each lovely in their own way.

Hugs

fredaB

Christy said...

Pat ... I can't make a decent French Knot to save my life. That means I apprecialte your buttons very much. They're just beautiful! Everything you do is beautiful!!

Quiltgal said...

Oh Pat your buttons are a work of art. They belong on a beautiful hand knit sweater. We have lots of dirty snow here in Peterborough, Ontario although it was a nice sunny day today. Fresh flakes again tonight, will clean everything up in the morning

Phyllis said...

they are beyond pretty - they are beautiful!

Fourteen Countess said...

Oh my goodness! These are SOOOOOO pretty! I especially love the purple ones -- how nice to be reminded of lilacs in the middle of such a brutal winter! I can identify with the amount of work that goes into pieces with so many french knots -- I made a project last summer that you might enjoy: http://14countess.blogspot.com/2010/06/french-knot-letter-b.html

I'm so glad that CraftGossip featured you today! I'll be checking back often. Cheers!

Fascia Berlin said...

Your buttons are gorgeous! I too appreciate the time it takes to make these - so small too! I love the way you wrote this post - I can imagine you in your studio looking around for something - I'm always doing this. As a felter and now doing some weaving, I incorporate french knots and they are so much fun to do! Thanks and I'm following you. No more creations on Etsy?

Judy Hartman said...

These are indeed "pretty" - and beautifully done!
Just what I was in the mood for as I look out at even more snow falling and more to come!
Your French knot flowers are really delightful!

Wendy said...

Wow! These are beautiful, more a work of art than just a button. I really admire your patience, I HATE french knots!

Lynn S. said...

Hello....found you through "Craft Gossip" this morning. What beautiful buttons! I love them!

Anonymous said...

Pat . . . directed here from my Craft Gossip newsletter . . . these are so beautiful! They remind me of heirloom needlework! I think they would be lovely as a broch! I could also see tiny versions as earrings. Awesome and so inspiring, Pat! Thanks for sharing!

jojo said...

sublimes j adore merci pour ces merveilles bises jojo

Peonies & Magnolias said...

They are the most gorgeous buttons I have ever seen. Almost makes me want to practice the french knot. They make me dream of spring and the flower garden. We have snow again and more to come.

Sandy

Lelia said...

Beautiful! thx for sharing

Carole said...

Absolutely beautiful. Your french knots are perfect. That purple one with the basket is to die for!

Andi Lia said...

They're so gorgeous and inspiring.
Thanks for sharing the pictures, Pat :)

allie aller said...

These are indeed so lovely!
Hope you are avoiding the most recent snowdump over Arkansas...but if not, you could make another button..... ;-)

Fernanda said...

I am in love with your work!I'm speechless!

Dolores said...

These are gorgeous. I can understand the amount of time you put into these.

josette.272@gmail.com said...

je suis sous le charme tu es douee ils sont sublimes j admire ce que tu fais bises je me suis abonnee a ta new a bientot jojo

Ilke Cochrane said...

These are lovely! I can see them sewn onto a cotton or jute shopping bag or something like that *thinks of all the things you could do with them*. Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Sew preaty. Would look great on a knitted sweater. Your work is perfect. An so tiny.
Thank you for sharing it with us. We truly enjoy looking at them an appreciate your work.

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