#230 Kelly Brandt – Handmade Buttons: The Dorset Crosswheel Button and Singleton Half day Thursday pm $50

#230 Kelly Brandt – Handmade Buttons: The Dorset Crosswheel Button and Singleton

Half day Thursday pm $50

Skill level: Beginner.  Be prepared for close work with finer threads.  Contact Kelly directly with any questions at  616-374-7176 or kellybrandt@yahoo.com.

Workshop Description:  Before commercial buttons were widely available, clever homemakers fabricated intriguing buttons at home.  In the English county of Dorset, shepherds cut rings from the horns of their Horned Dorsets to turn into fashionable sophisticated buttons in the style called Crosswheel.  The seamstresses covered the ring of horn in intricate patterns with threads or finely spun yarns.  For garments that required self fabric buttons, they created matching fabric buttons fashioned over a ring of horn.  Learn how to make both styles to enhance your custom garments or to make into unusual jewelry.

Students should bring: Sharp scissors, glasses if you wear them for close work, water to drink.

Homework:  None. 

Material fee: $15  Includes decorative threads, rings, fabrics, needles and thread, and monograph. 

Class Limit: 12