How to make Fabric Toggle Buttons - quick and easy button making

This week's video shows how to make two types of fabric toggle button - starting with a simple square of fabric! I love making the first type with thick wool - it's so tactile.

  I also show you how to make a simple thread loop shank - you can of course add this to any handmade button.

  I'm using our the square template from our Button Templates - these are available on our website as a complete pack (square and circle templates) at https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk

Stay safe and well all - I'm off to get ready for today's shows on The Craft Store!

Costume Skills Institute courses

 

How are you all? Keeping well I hope. Still busy getting ready for our next shows over on The Craft Channel (Hochanda as was) on Friday - full on packing this afternoon!

Thought I'd update you all on my next Zoom courses - these are arranged by The Costume Skills Institute in the US and the first is on the 8th of May, so not long now! Of course, being hosted in the US, the times are American time zones. 

I've also got another two booked - May 22nd and June 5th.

You can find out more and book your place at https://www.blackorchidatelier.com/classes

I've been looking into holding live workshops/classes - how do you feel about it? Would you rather have a live experience, or a pre-recorded that you can go back to later or watch in the middle of the night? 

I quite like both myself, and can't quite decide! 

Stay safe and well everyone!

How to use the Stitch Ezi embroidery frame now in stock at Gina-B Silkwo...

We are currently bringing in quite a few more products for our shop, many are materials so won't need much introduction, but this embroidery frame from Rajmahal Threads in Australia does - just to show you how neat it is :)

I'm really enjoying using it - especially as when my thumb started having issues I have had to use a hand-free set up. 

So, something different, but hopefully a good resource for you all! 

You can find the hoop over on our website at -

Stitch Ezi Frame

Stay safe and well x

In memory of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021

 

Of course, had I been working a button challenge this year, you would have all expected a commemorative button. This one took a little while to get right.

The silk thread Union Jack is over a vintage mould - perhaps even as old as the Prince. And I can call it a jack, as it is for a sailor. 

The surround is a zwirnknopfe, not a Dorset button. A technique from mainland Europe to represent the ties he had to other European countries. 

I have used purple silk - for royalty - and waxed linen. I chose this because it rather looks like horsehair so represents both the horseman and the down to earth person he seemed to be.

And, a little gold crown and his cipher of crossed P's.

How to make a Yorkshire Button Scissor Keep - Gina-B's Yorkshire Button ...

A quick little project for this week's video! We're still running around like... and I am certainly finding it interesting fitting in the making of a video every week. It make me even more in awe at those who upload daily. 

So, tomorrow is my first zoom teaching, eek! Seriously, I am looking forward to it. I think it will be ok! It will be 7pm for me, while at least some of my students will be starting their days. How odd is that. I may be a little late to the zoom party, but I think I'll enjoy it. And hopefully my late entrance won't be one of those disaster ones you see in films haha!

So, to the gods of internet connections - stay on for me :)

Stay safe and well everyone. 

How to make 5 inkle buttons - buttons made using handwoven bands / tape

Something a little different for this week's video - hopefully this will give you some ideas of other ways that you can use your textiles and bands, as while there may be five here - even I have made others! 

Cracking on as we are meant to, planning the next shows (end of the month) trying to get a bit of stocktaking in and a lot of time on the new book.

Also - a little heads up for you!

I'm going to be teaching a few zoom classes over the next few months.

And the first is on the 17th! 
Registration is a little late in opening, which is why I haven't been able to share details until now, 

but you'll find details and registration should open up tonight -

https://www.1886location.com/costumeon3

This is organised by an American company, so the times - and payment - is in US dollars (but through PayPal, so easy to sort). It will be 7pm UK time. 

How to Make a Dorset Birdseye (Bird's Eye) Button - 18th century thread ...

A very practical button for this week's video - this one is great for so many uses. So long as you use a washable fabric and thread, you can easily wash these buttons, making them great for linens. You can also adjust the size very easily by playing with different fabric sizes and stick sizes. 

Have fun!

Stay safe.