Saturday 24 October 2009

Turn of the century Girls Realm magazines

I have 18 of these magazines stacked next to my bed and it is just the most amazing trip into life at the time!
This magazine was started in 1900 and I have issues from 1900 to 1903 . the advertisements are just fantastic reading.
They are the size and thickness of National Geographic so quite a good read.
Wonderful articles on how to conduct oneself in various situations , some travel stories, fiction,features on famous people and craft items. I have to keep reminding myself that this was of that time and not just stories.
I loved the account of a motor trip through France . I have the Coronation number for Edward v11.
As you see at 6d in 1900 .....not for everyone's pocket !

Tuesday 20 October 2009

Hand made felt buttons




I have been experimenting with a variety of layered fabrics, ticking, felts etc to make interesting buttons for various projects. My quilted flowers were the start and I have done some lovely red and white layered mattress buttons, I love those old mattress buttons especially the old French ones, they have been my inspiration.
I have been long pondering how to" dress up" my patchwork wool throws when I remembered some layered felt I made at Eileen Sarup's felting workshop.....perfect ! because it is multi-layered I can part the layers and get a really good effect.
I think it lifts the whole thing ?