Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Introducing Gina's Grantham Button!


In this video I'll introduce our latest button template kit - Gina's Grantham Button©! 

 Why "Grantham"? Well, simply because we are based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK! 
And, if you make these using the right colour of wool they do rather resemble the famous Grantham gingerbread... ;) 

The basic basket weave pattern of the button CAN be found on historic examples. I first published a method of weaving this in my "Buttons, A Passementerie Workshop Manual" book. That method worked directly onto the button mould, and works very well. 

Over the years I've acquired a couple of originals, an the backing made me think that, on these two at least, the method was perhaps a little different (hard to tell, as both have linen thread backs which of course I will not cut!). This led me on to thinking about forms and templates. After a lot of experimentation, Mark & I came up with these. 

And the added bonus, you can make soft, tactile, balls or domes, or button covers.  

I'll also be bringing out a booklet with variations on the basic weave, as I have come up with quite a few! 

40 comments:

  1. Good presentation of the basic Grantham, more controlled than the one you made on the Create and Craft show - and thank you for the reminder to make a little knot before you start gathering - I think doing that will improve my Yorkshires no end! xx

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    1. Everything's always more controlled when not on live tv haha!. So glad your day out was fab, and the long drive was worth it. We often seem to plan things on roadwork days - always irritating. And so many projects too! You have been busy! Had to take a different route home today, serious rain had flooded the route under the railway bridge... yup, that time of year again. Still, at least we do still have the most glorious colours on the trees!
      Stay safe and well, both of you xxx

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  2. Railway bridges sure can be the pits! Our local underpass flooded for years in a tablespoon of rain until the Army Corps of Engineers smacked it into shape and a friend in central Missouri had to go miles east or west of her underpass to get to the south side of town. Clearly the folks that build these places don't have to live with them!
    We don't get a lot of native color - the sycamores turn a lovely faded bronze but anything brighter is imported. Imported or not, it is a lovely time of year.
    Stay safe and well, all three. xxx

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    1. Yes, I agree. This time of year are "my" colours - and frankly my temperatures! I like a nice cosy sweater without being too cold! ;)
      Busy weekend sorting out furniture and some clearing out. Oh joy!
      I hope you both have a lovely weekend, stay well and safe xx

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  3. Hope the furniture shoveling has gone off with minimum swearing and bruises - I always manage to get a really good one somewhere and never remember what I hit! And I know the clearing out was a success - every tiny bit out the door counts. I took two baskets full to the Salvation Army Thursday and feel a trifle chuffed - and then I look around and see more that I really don't need to live with anymore! I swear the 'stuff' does rabbit imitations when I leave the room.
    Thanks for sending along a bit of cooler weather - it is nice to have a cozy top layer on!
    Oh - the odd noises coming from this part of the world are just me trying to fit a cross stitch pattern into a given space - I'm not very good at counting and dividing so it takes a lot of basting and rebasting and tooth gnashing, but I'll get there in the end!
    Stay safe and well, all three. xx

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    1. Well, new cupboard went together well, surprisingly! Sorting is still going on though. Piles all over - keep, throw, give, make into something else (that is the dangerous pile)... I think this may take some time....
      Glad it's cooled down a bit for you.
      Stay well and safe, and hope the cross stitch wrangling was a success! xxx

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  4. I hear you, sister! That 'make into something else' pile is a humdinger! I find things just seem to arrive in it with no help from me - weird! And very, very distracting. Even writing about me makes me want to go get something and reuse it in a super way! And I'm sure there is no cure for it!
    Glad the cupboard went together smoothly. It does go better when there are two people working - it is quite some time since I assembled anything and then Don was off at the office earning the money to pay for said thing, so I'd be working alone.
    Stay safe and well. Cross stitch wrangling on going. xx

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  5. First 'cold' nights here - wind sucking warmth out of the house as fast as the furnace puts it in. Battle of the blankets has begun - so far I'm slightly ahead!
    The new book should be a humdinger if it has things based on your young man's doublet!
    Hugs to all and stay safe and warm and well, as are we. xx

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    1. Yes, we had a wee bit of frost last night I think. Our secret, which I discovered by accident - buy the blankets for the next bed size up. We don't fight over them as much at all haha! Yes, the book is a very long term project, worked on in between the more "popular" items. It will have quite a niche audience I think. Getting there...
      Stay well and safe and warm, both of you xxx

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    2. So glad you have a good solid project to sink your teeth into when you can - I think it gives some much needed brain exercise and a nice long term sense of purpose. Not that all the rest of the stuff doesn't ,but you know what I mean.
      The wind dropped so it isn't so chilly at night but I'm sure I'll be hunting out the other blanket soon enough. We are staying well (teeth cleaned tomorrow!) and safe and warm - you all please do the same. xxx

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    3. I do hope all goes well at the dentist. It has warmed up a bit again today for us too, though I believe some are forecasting a major drop next week. Hopefully long enough after we get our tulips in (an impulse buy last week). Onwards and upwards, paperwork and other such stuff calls. Stay well and safe xx

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  6. Excellent time at the dentist - no cavities or other nasty surprises and a 'good girl' for keeping a trouble spot clean! So we treated ourselves to a nice 'strombolli' - hot rolled up sandwich with delicious !!!! spinach filling and a walk around the mall. Oh - paper work! One of those never ending jobs that self multiplies like mad - will hold good thoughts for both you and the tulips. They will look wonderful in the spring! We can plant them but it is warm enough that most bulbs only live one spring. I wonder why they have to get their feet cold to bloom again the next year. Hugs all around and safe and well. xx

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    1. So glad to hear all went well! The treat sounded lovely! Still ploughing through the admin - we are moving our website to a new provider and there's a lot to check and configure... I'm sure something will go wrong....
      We picked out some really unusual tulip types too, so I do hope they are a success. Stay safe and well both xx

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    2. Penultimate blanket on the bed last night - toes warm, could not turn over - Don says I can buy an electric blanket. How do you know it is winter if you can still turn over?
      The very best of luck and fingers crossed, etc., etc., for the change over! And for the tulips! Stay safe and well. xx

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  7. Took a quick look at the new 'shop' - nice. Good clear typeface, excellent photos, seems easy to navigate -I think it was worth all the sweat! xxx

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    1. Thank you! Still a few issues to sort out it seems but we are getting there! Now frantically packing kits for the show on Tuesday. Tulips are planted in new planters, daffs down too, so with any luck we'll have some colour next year. And next weekend, a long lie-in! ;)
      We have an electric under blanket. It is great, just takes the chill off before you get in, and does help achy backs and hips too.
      Stay safe and well both of you xx

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    2. Hmmm -hadn't thought of the under blanket - must look into it!
      Ah - Daffodils! Spring! England! Another flower that hated sea level and mediterranian temps. But I know I'm home when we see the daffodils while going into town on the Piccadilly line!
      Have a truly frabjous show - sell everything, travel safely, have fun, and stay warm and well. xxx

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  8. Oh! Jolly good show - love the new stamp set -ever so useful, and the bundle does a good job of clearing out some bits and bobs from the work unit! Well done once more, team!
    Hope the trip home was uneventful and you got a good night's rest before plunging into the shipping. And enjoy the lie-in come the week end.
    We are recovering from our annual cold - Don starts us off with quite a nice couple of 'death-warmed-over' days, then hands it on to me (so lucky!). Still, it is only a cold and we are both improving in a timely fashion - have not had to cancel or rearrange too much. I know I'm getting better because coffee tastes good today!
    Hugs all around and stay safe and warm and well! xxx
    p.s. Love the button stands! Brill!

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    1. Oh thanks for tuning in! It's been a bit hectic, Mark put his back out (too many bulbs to plant lol) so we've had fun :) Thankfully the car seats are very comfy! He's improving now, so all's good. Sorry about the colds, as you said, at least it is just that. Button stands do look ordinary, but gosh are helpful! haha. Stay safe and well and warm, and get well soon xx

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  9. Oh gosh! So sorry, Mark - tweaked backs are just the pits! Heal quickly! And think how very lovely the garden will look in a few months!
    Colds are well on the mend - Don went out to poker night Wednesday and I think I'll be fit for button club on Sunday - hooray!!! I want to see if anyone can give me a lead on a button for one of the GinaB gang.
    Speaking of which - Those people just go from strength to strength and even the ones that have been at it for ages seem to have had a shot of inspiration - you've done a wonderful thing, sweetie, with this project and I hope you think so too, on the days when it doesn't seem like some mad creation.
    Hugs to all, stay safe and warm and get well! xxx

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    1. So glad you are both on the mend! Yes, it has been such a good experience. It is wonderful seeing those who were complete beginners get better and better each week with the technical side, but the ideas! It's been just brilliant to see those! I will do it again I think in a year or so. And it will probably be a new batch of people making at that point.
      Stay well and safe, enjoy button club! xx

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  10. Thrilling discovery! (Well, you have probably known it for dog's years ;) Isopropyl alcohol, the stuff we have been bathing in to kill the plague, also softens glues! Yes, now you can use those decorator fabric samples you have been dragging around all those years!!!!! And gobs of hotglue have their adhesive loosened so they can be pulled off! Not to good when it has been smeared into the surface :( . I have enough pieces of lovely faux fur prints to make a perfect lap robe for someone but have not been able to use them until now. Amazing what happens when an AHA! hits.
    Merry turkey day to all - or just merry Thursday! Stay safe and well and warm. xxx

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    1. Happy Thanksgiving to you both! Pumpkin pie and corn muffins had and enjoyed this side of the pond! Hope you are enjoying your day.
      No, I did not know that about the glue! Awesome. I love info like that!
      Stay safe and well xxx

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  11. Thought for the day: Do not drop anything you really need down the crack at the head of the bed! It will take four days to nerve yourself to the task, a large flashlight and a long stick, and lying facedown flat on the floor flailing around under the bed with the stick in one hand and the flashlight in the other! Then you have to actually get up and go get your spouse who is strong enough to push the bed back into place, with Toby Pup help if available. ;)
    Stay safe and warm and well xxx

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    1. Very good advice that I will keep in mind, haha! Oh dear. Sounds like you had an interesting time. You need to get one of those claw things that they use to pick up rubbish. Actually, my mother in law had one after her hip op, it was so helpful for things like that. Hope you both have a good week. stay well and safe and warm xx

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    2. A grabby stick - yes, of course! xx

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  12. How in the heck did we get to December? Must have blinked! Stay warm and safe and well! xxx

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  13. It is 1:30am and 45'F - furnace just keeps running - and it is not windy! So glad to have some sort of roof overhead! And we don't have snow on the way as you seem to! Guess I'll quit fussing.
    Sorry to hear the postal service is being flakey - makes things even harder for you - holding good thoughts and hoping all is well.
    Had another lunch in Santa Barbara with my friend and came home with a teaching gig next year - How to finish your needlework. Lots of work for little results since they won't really give it a good try but maybe they won't fuss so much when they send things out to be made up. And met up with another group (closer to home!) for some stitch and chat and came away with another gig! How to make Singleton buttons! Much easier to put together and they'll have a button to show for the afternoon.
    Hugs all around, remember to take deep breaths once in a while, and stay warm and safe and well. xxx

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    1. We personally have not had snow yet, but it is cold and icy and the temperature isn't really going up during the day. Yes, the postal strikes are driving us crazy, and knocking all deliveries out. Not helpful at all. Congrats on the gigs! Can't go wrong with a singleton, everyone who stitches enjoys them. This weekend is time to try to get caught up on blogs and so on... Stay sfae and well and warm, both of you xx

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  14. Sadly, the powers that be in the ether have decided that I can not watch Create and Craft - I could see pictures of your bundles but no you! The bundles do look spiffy and fun and I hope you sold all of them!!! Hope the trip to and from the studio was not terribly taxing - no ice or other nastiness.
    Sorry to hear your bits and bobs are giving you fits - you could probably handle ears or hands separately but both at once leaves you feeling like a moulting bird - miserable and hunched in a corner swearing at the world. Holding 'heal soon' thoughts.
    We are doing all right, and won't complain about anything lest it seem like boasting. Hugs to all, stay safe and warm and get well! xxx

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    1. Oh no! what a shame. I don't know if you have seen, I noticed that they have a Create & Craft USA live feed over on YouTube, I wonder if that's why? It was a fun show, we had a laugh. My thumbs are giving me trouble, but really, considering the other year, I've not had it too badly, and I do think the freezing temperatures have more to do with it! Stay safe and well both of you - I hope you are managing to get yourself sorted for the holidays without stress!
      xx

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  15. Glad to know the show went well - always a relief after all the hustle and bustle of preparing! Had not noticed a Create & Craft USA - you and three other places are the only internet I do (Luddite to the core that I am ;). It would explain things.
    The cold might very well account for the thumbs - even here some bits are more unhappy than usual, although others are actually happier - go figure! Anyhow, keep them warm and exercised and I'll go on sending 'heal quickly' thoughts.
    Holidays have devolved into a bowl of potatoe soup on Christmas Eve, setting out the tiny tree, and cooking a little bit on Christmas. Children are in Kansas, other kinfolk also distant, so no gatherings, which is fine 'cause I sure hate cleaning house! There is a local company that makes good pies and we get some springerle at the local German bakery (hideously expensive but worth every penny - much better than my cookies ever were!) Enjoy your treats- some of Mark's Mum's gingerbread and something extra tasty for the Toby pup!
    Hugs to all, and stay warm and safe and well. xxx

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    1. Yes, a quiet one for us as well - and I agree on the housework, as you already know! A bit of baking later this week but really just want to spend some time catching up, seem horribly behind. You know, I haven't had a nice potato soup for years... hmm, sounds lovely. Toby will of course be too spoilt, as always :)
      Stay safe and warm and well, both of you and have a lovely Christmas xxx

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  16. Oooh! The show gods relented and let Friday's event appear! What a spiffy array of bundles! And I loved the braiding demo - I guess I need to give it another try, because the results are lovely. Liked the barley twist.
    Finishing off the last of the decorator fabric samples - alcohol still working well to loosen the glue - so now I have useful sized chunks of silk for lining needlecases and suchlike.
    Hugs all around, with warmth and wellness and safety and a really lovely Christmas. xxx

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  17. Just a line or two to wish you and Mark and Toby a new year full of fun and joy, a minimum of aches and pains, and reasonably smooth business. Hope all tulips and daffs come up! Hugs all around, warm and well. xxx

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    1. Oh thank you! And wishing you both a happy and healthy new year, with minimal visits to dentists and many visits to lunch meets and outings! xxxx

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  18. Just now noticed the commissioned gallery - what fun to see some of the things you've been slaving over! Makes my fingers ache just to look at the sheer volume, but it probably wasn't too awful, spread over time?
    Hope the year is off to a decent start for you, as it it for us. Safe, warm, and well! xxx

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    1. New site, so much was over a very long time! I don't take on too many a year. My previous bespoke website got a little glitchy, so I'd taken it down and had to start from scratch, but of course always put on the back burner.
      Hope you are both well and safe xx

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  19. Got a bit sidetracked but thought I'd tell you we came through the unusual rain intact - we are far enough from the coast to miss all that and the Army Corps of Engineers fixed the local flooding 15 years ago.
    We are well and in good working order, as I hope you and Mark and the Toby pup are. Happy New Year!!! xxx

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    1. Oh that is good! We missed the first bad batch of snow too (though I understand more is expected). paperwork nearly caught up, and all other boring January jobs. We are doing ok - I hope that you both are too. Happy new year!

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