Saving Hand Embroidery

I am sure a few of you will not be surprised that I made buttons yesterday on Day 2 of Embroidery and Hand sewing week. I received a message via a blackberrry on a train from Amsterdam to ice my injured foot three times a day...so I am definitely trying very hard to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

The hand embroidered sections of these vintage linens were the perfect size for one and one half inch buttons. The embroidery was already very pretty, but I couldn't help myself...I had to limp back to the studio to add these iron on swarovsky crystals. There was one teeny tiny stain I needed to cover and while I considered sewing on a bead...the shine of the crystals was more appealing.

I used a very low tech button maker (shown below.)

These button making systems are sold in fabric stores. They only require scissors and your hand strength in order to make finished buttons in various sizes. Because the embroidery was very thick, I did have some trouble pushing all the fabric to the back of the button so I could cover it...but in the end... it all worked out.

I am really behind on answering comments and emails. I had no idea that my desk was so far away from my studio....so walking here is something I keep to a minimum at the moment.