Tiny Treasures, Mighty Details: The Magic of Buttons

Who’s feeling inspired after the Sew April Blouse challenge? At Fleur et Ours, we certainly are, and it got us thinking about our new topic for this month…buttons. 

Buttons can obviously be used on a variety of garments, from blouses to shirts, dresses, trousers and skirts (basically everything can incorporate a button!). 

Did you know that buttons have been used for over 4000 years? Although nowadays they are mostly used as a functional fastening, they have also often been used for embellishment or decoration, and many years ago, were used to denote status and wealth. The Industrial revolution led to the mass production of buttons, making them more accessible and diverse. 

Today, buttons are made from a wide range of materials including coconut shell, vegetable ivory (corozo), plastic, metal and mother of pearl (mussel shells), to name a few! As sewists we use buttons to not only be functional, but also to add an extra taste of our own personality to our MeMades.

The lovely Laura from @speckylaura and @thespeckyseamstress ( <-- check out her gorgeous bias binding and sew in labels here if you aren't familiar) fame, recently made a gorgeous Keri dress from the most recent edition of Tauko magazine “Crafting Roots.”

Designed by Monica Patel, the Keri dress is a light and airy take on a shirt dress, which has an optional waist string for more definition and some beautiful pleating at the neckline. 

Laura used a beautiful viscose which is (unfortunately, sorry!) no longer available in the store, but we've picked Chroma Rose by Rachel Parker as a gorgeous alternative - and we'd have to pair it with the Neon Marble buttons by Ethel and Joan to make the garment really sing!

Also featured in this issue of Tauko magazine, is the Noe dress (designed by Rumer Ajifu), which is a loose garment that can be made in a variety of lengths. You can also choose to make it with or without ruffles, and technical details such as a yoke and pleats at the front and back. We love that this pattern offers the versatility to make it your own using these different options of length and ruffles.

The Noe would work as a swishy spring/summer dress made in the Cousette Nymphee viscose  or we did play with the idea of it as a nightdress - you could definitely have a lot of fun out of this pattern. If you wanted to make the nightdress, the Bee you fresh flannel would look beautiful. Why not finish it off with the Ethel and Joan Silver candies which would look gorgeous on either of these fabrics. 

Some other patterns have caught our button loving eyes, here's a quick round up:

Have you seen the fitted waistcoat trend gracing the high street at the moment? …Well the amazing Kelli over at True Bias has certainly delivered on this one. The Quinn vest and dress is a casual take on a waistcoat, with princess seams, a V neckline and a centre front opening. 

This pattern is so versatile, depending on what fabric you choose to make it in. We decided to go bold with our suggestion on this one - check out the Brewing Memories canvas for a very statement piece. Adding the Pearl Triangle buttons by Ethel and Joan would look amazing with this fabric! 

Itch to Stitch have also recently released the Mauritius top - “a charming woven wrap top, which features a secure button closure, a flattering waistband and a graceful peplum.” This top would look stunning with a pair of tailored trousers or jeans. 

We decided to match it with the Garden plots organic cotton for a classic look that could be dressed up or down. 

But, if you’re looking to sew a classic shirt, then look no further than The Modern Sewing Company, who have just that, “The Classic Shirt” pattern. An absolute staple for your wardrobe and something you’ll reach for time and time again. The White Hexie Floral cotton fabric from Figo, has the perfect mix of classic but with some interest from the little flowers dotted throughout. 

This piece would be your new favourite, and could be worn with a denim skirt, smart trousers, under a knitted tank…the list goes on! 

No button post would be complete without mentioning some of the other amazing small businesses out there and their fabulous buttons (this is by no means an exhaustive list) - Pigeon Wishes, Ethel and Joan, Buffins Vintage Buttons, James Tailoring, The Swagman’s Daughter and Textile Garden.  

We hope this little pattern and fabric round up has got you excited to sew with some buttons! Please look out for more content this month over on Instagram, where we’ll be talking about personal stories around buttons and exploring how far your buttons have travelled!! 

Until next time, Kayleigh and Gemma x