Dorset buttons are named for the button-making cottage industry that originated in Dorset County, England, in the early 1600's. The buttons were originally made by wrapping cloth around rings of sheep's horn, but as the craft evolved makers began to also use yarn wrapped around brass, plastic or wood rings. Dorset buttons were generally not used for fastenings, but were worn as decoration, and the designs span from very simple to very complex.
For this meeting, our guest instructor, Jody O, from the Northfield Yarn Shop, will explain more about Dorset buttons, show us samples, and lead us through making one of the basic types of buttons, the Dorset Crosswheel ... which can be used alone as a brooch or shawl pin, or combined with other Dorset buttons to create a stunning necklace or decorative piece.
In order for everyone to have the proper materials for this course, the instructor has prepared a kit that includes the button ring, yarn, and a printed handout. Please bring $3 for the kit, cash only please.
To get the most out of the meeting, please bring:
- A tapestry needle, preferably metal with a bent tip. The eye should big enough to accept worsted weight yarn.
- A pair of scissors.
- $3 in cash for the class kit.
The meeting will be held Saturday, May 11, at the Textile Center, with the following schedule:
- 10 to 10:30 a.m. - Open crochet
- 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Introductions and business
- 11 to 11:45 a.m. - Show and tell
- 11:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Break
- 12 to 1 p.m. - Crochet education
- 1 to 2 p.m. - Open crochet & committee meetings
Non-members are welcome - there is a $5 admission fee (in addition to the $3 materials fee).
