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!!!