Quilting and Patchwork

Quiltmaking Opens the Door to Button Collecting

by Mary Emma Allen on August 8th, 2005

As you delve into the world of quiltmaking and patchwork, you may find you have opened the door to a wide range of interests. My daughter was led to the fascinating area of buttons and button collecting when she began embellishing her quilts and hangings with these items.
Patchwork today has evolved into a varied art form with many items used as embellishments. You’ll find buttons high on the list and then discover you’ve entered into another area with its own history, group of collectors, magazines, and books.

You may want to find buttons that fit the topic of your quilt or hanging (for we find buttons adorning hangings and clothing more than bed quilts). Perhaps you’ll chose buttons because they match or contrast the colors in your patchwork.

My granddaughter designed and made a hanging inspired by the talk given in her school by a Peace Corps worker who’d been to Africa. To give the hanging a finishing touch, she and her mom found buttons in appropriate shapes and colors for embellishing the designs.

There are button clubs you can join, if you become so involved in collecting these items. You’ll find places online where you can purchase buttons. Also, if you collect too many for your own use, after you’ve sorted out what you need, you’ll find buttons a popular item to sell in a yard sale.

Have fun embellishing your quiltwork with buttons. I’d enjoy hearing about your experiences.
©2005

(If you have questions or experiences to share, e-mail me at: me.allen@juno.com and put “Quilt Blog” in the subject line.)

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POSTED IN: General Quilting/Patchwork