Bailiwick buttons part 2

Well I loved my button, but they didn't love the coat, it just didn't work.

So back to the drawing board.

But one of my project over the winter was to knit my first (wearable!) garment, with the much needed help of Christine and all the other lovely knitters at Creasys Thursday Knitting Mornings,

such a fountain of knowledge, and able to get me out of any mess I had created!

Well this cardi-project was the right colour, had buttons - but 5 small ones. 

So with a bit of help, some maths and one restart, the button hole section was adjusted.

And I am so pleased with how it turned out, its a little looser that I anticipated, but not to bad.

And I think the buttons finish it off well.

 

Now next winter, Crochet or Tatting?  Tatting or Crochet?

Bailiwick buttons

This winter I wanted to replace the buttons on my new coat,

but these were going to be special buttons, they were going to be Bailiwick buttons!

 

First I should probably explain what a Bailiwick is. 

In the Chanel Islands it is an area governed by a Bailiff,

you have the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Bailiwick of Jersey and

in the last 800 years the two have never over lapped. The Bailiwick of Guernsey consists of

Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Lihou, Burhou, Jethou and Brecqhou. Simple!

 

First I thought I was commission some cut out of metal, but understandably because of the complexity of our coast line, this turned out to be a very expensive option.

 So I resorted to what I know best.

Embroidery

One button for each of the main four islands, stitched in green on a silk linen mix.

Self cover buttons were definitely the way to go, but because of the amount of detail I wanted to include, I went for the largest button available with a 4cm diameter.

I drew the outline of each island free hand in biro,

you can see the edge markings on the picture below 

Then when they were all stretched, I washed them with Vanish which removed all trace of the biro and had the other good side effect of tightening the fabric over the button.

There were problems ahead, but am really pleased which the finished button, part 2 coming soon!

Toiling over the sea

Beautiful morning and as its Chris's birthday weekend,

we headed up to Candie Gardens for breakfast.

What a view, though I am not sure what Victor Hugo (the statue) made of our second cruise boat of the season!

Its the Azura and she is massive, 3597 passengers on board.  I always find it hard to work out why they don't topple over!  I know the physics works, but it doesn't help my mind eye connection!!!

Think he prefers this view point....

As he strides through a windy Guernsey for eternity

 

deep in thought...

The Toilers of the Festival starts today celebrating 150th anniversary of its publication, so enjoy

Right, off for our fry up!

 

Spring is springing....

The sun is out, the sea is calm and I am not wearing socks!

Spring is here and its my blogs 3rd birthday!

So lots of shots of what will be my veg patch soon

Seedlings signify optimism of what is to come for me, I love watching them grow..

these peas never get as far as my kitchen, they are more of a gardening snack!

 

This little chap is a few days further on now and looking very impressive.

Happy April every one xxx