Dorset Buttons

Not too long ago I read the book "Burning Bright"  A Novel by Tracy Chevalier, I have always enjoyed her books and was pleasantly surprised to find quite a bit of reference to Dorset buttons. The main characters in the novel manufacture Dorset Buttons, a common cottage industry of the time. I have come across these buttons from time to time but never realized the story and workmanship behind them. As so often happens, my curiosity was piqued as I was reading so I started researching the web to learn more.
Pictured below are just three types of Dorset buttons:

Blanford Cartwheel

Crosswheel

Knob Dorset

(Above pics courtesy of the British Button Society)

They are considered to be the very first thread buttons and were often made by lacemakers. Thread is wrapped around a flat washer or ring and then filled in with stitches.

Modern day Dorset buttons have exploded into a infinite number of designs and colors:

craftypod

stitchinfingers

knityoga

Gina B Silkwork, Passementerie and Costume Accessories

is a  fabulous site that gives lots of background and historical information on dorset buttons, not to mention other sorts of

needlework, ribbons, tassels, laces and more

it's one of my favorites!

I've never tried to make Dorset buttons but there are a huge number of sites out there with instructions so I think i'll have to give it a try.

Catching Up...Finally

It has been a while since I posted, having had an extremely busy month blogging here and helping out with this. Can't believe it's over already but what a huge success-and, increased funding from the state for arts projects in York!

Onto other exciting happenings. A sweet surprise arrived in my mailbox Tuesday, the May Issue of Where Women Create !

I feel so fortunate to be included in this amazing publication, published by Stampington & Company .

They are at the forefront of promoting artists and creativity as well as fostering connections among so many of us. The article and accompanying pics show my studio (in a RARE moment of tidyness) and there is a great shout-out to the Truffle Pigs and this very blog!

The photo shoot was great fun, and not stressfull at all, although I do look a little pale here-probably because I hadn't seen the sun for days busily getting ready and choosing my outfit (if you know me you know I'm all about the fashion). Shown are just 2 pages of the article, you'll have to check the rest out for yourself.

Thanks so much to JO and most of all to JEN for making it all happen!

Knitting Nancy and Spool Knitters

I have finally decided to part with some of my Knitting Nancy's or

Spool Knitters. I have always loved these whimsical little toys that are

part knitter-part toy-part doll.

The colors and shapes are so fun and uplifting.

This one came complete with original box, picture book of designs for rugs, coin purse, and even a doll.

This Nancy below is very similar to the one I used as a child to make rugs, pillows and hats for my Barbies.

You can view more about these cuties in my ebay listings.

And you can read much more about them at crazyhaberdasher

she has a  wonderful blog about Nancy's and sewing items. 

Beautiful Stitching on the Silver Screen: "Bright Star"

I finally had a chance to see the film "Bright Star", about poet John Keats and his lady love Fanny Brawne.

Sewing, handwork, textiles and early 18th century fashion play a big part in this film, not to mention beautiful cinematography and superb acting. The movie opens with a super close-up of a needle stitching and the character of Fanny Brawne stitches and creates her own garments throughout. From the age of 12 Fanny kept a fashion scrap-book, something dear to my own heart.

Here are some great links related to the movie including

Keats House in London. Fanny's sewing kit

And Sophie Digard who made the sweater garments for the movie.

 

Fuzzy Balls

I just purchased these crocheted sewing pincushion balls and am in love with them. I have seen these occasionally while out and about, usually sold by dealers who specialize in sewing-americana-folk art-Pennsylvania antiques. The colors, texture and pattern are so interesting---I will surely be on the hunt for more>

Below, some more pics of balls for your viewing pleasure

(pics below courtesy of Pook & Pook and Conestoga Auction)

String balls and a puzzle ball pincushion. I believe these are based upon the "God's Eye" string technique.

Pom Pom plush ball.

Several pieced pincushion balls, crochet balls, wrapped string make-do pincushion and 2 chickens.

Puzzle balls, string ball, pom pom etc..

Sting ball pincushions.

European ball pincushion.

Lady and her huge ball made from granny squares.

Sneak Peak

Just a few of the new items we will have at this weekend's DC Big Flea:

Truffle Pigs will be located in the NORTH Building (the past several years we were in the South Building). We are one of the first booths along the wall if you turn immediately to the right upon entering.

I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't snow!

Also on Sunday the DC Big Flea is offering free admission to

anyone under the age of 30 with picture ID for "Young Consumer Sunday",

“We are seeing so many more young people in their twenties shopping our shows,” says Joan Sides, who founded the Big Fleas in D.C., Fredericksburg and now Baltimore. “Too, they are tired of the mass-produced, Ikea, cookie cutter look that was so popular in the late ‘90s. And, they are finding that these pieces, that were so affordable and necessary in decorating their first home or studio apartment, just can’t take the wear and tear of daily living.”

Dc Big Flea January 2010!

I can't believe the next Big Flea is only three weeks away!

As soon as Christmas is over I will have to get back to all of those projects that are in the works and finish pricing all the new inventory. Deb, Kim and myself have come across some great new finds for your shopping pleasure. Some sneak peaks to come in my future posts!

Happy Christmas to all!

Image courtesy of Tasha Tudor!

Time Travel

If we could go back in time The Truffle Pigs may want to visit a Civil War era Sanitary Fair. These fairs were held to raise funds for the war effort on both sides. Fairs and Bazaars would offer items for sale: handwork, needlework, gift items, food, plants, paintings, dolls and more. Some large fairs were held in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Chicago. Many sewing items would have been made for sale: pincushions, needlebooks, pen wipes, knitted and crocheted socks and shawls.

Chicago Sanitary Fair

Doll sold at the Brooklyn Sanitary Fair

The Brooklyn Museum will have a special exhibit starting in January 2010

Brooklyn Museum Exhibit

courtesy of Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Living History Exhibit of a Sanitary Fair

Friends In Christmas

I will be heading to West Virginia this weekend for a fun show at my friend Paul Gordon's studio---I have known Paul for years and he is one of the most creative people I know. We will be joined by some other great artists and pals: Kitty Babendrier, Allen Cunningham, Dara DiMagno and Leslie McCabe.

Here are some picture's from last years show:

If this show doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit-nothing will!