Where is everyone?

database 5832 (20110130) __________

We have had the flu here, yes even in summer. DD had a few friends over on Saturday night for her 21st birthday ( on Sunday). House renos have started again, so far half a wall and the chimmney have come out. Rebuild and extend the carport and add a new roof and new side fence to follow and then update the laundry and bathroom (we only have one bathroom so that will be fun.

Dee in Oz

I've been a bit fluish as well.

I've also been a bit stupid. I totally was suckered by a lass that needed buttons for some re-enactment clothes. Being under the impression that she was more than a bit of a newbie and had but one outfit that needed them, I agreed to make her some Dorset buttons for $5 a dozen, and Deathshead buttons for $10. That is very cheap for those buttons and I told her that after the first lot of each they would cost more. She got me to agree that the first lot meant the clothes she needed them for right now. What she did not tell me was that the clothes she needed them for right now included not just her outfit, but her husband's, and their three children's. From the skin out. That is about a bazillion buttons.

You can bet I am going to be a bit hard on her cashwise after this little event! She doesn't sew, she'll be back. There is not an endless list of people that can do this sort of sewing.

• Dorset buttons are buttons made entirely of thread, they are usually used on underthings and nightclothes. Deathshead buttons are also thread buttons, but made on a wooden form and generally a bit fancier looking. Used on outer clothes.

NightMist

And do we get to see photos when you are done ?

They sound spectacular.

Dee in Oz

They aren't all that!

I went looking for pics online and was perfectly scandalized by what I found for Dorset buttons. Cheater versions every last one of them so far! They all use a ring form to make the job easier. I use a stick that I wrap the thread around to make a ring, and then buttonhole the ring. Currently I am using the ring mandrel from DH's jewelry making tools, so I can get the right size easily. The whole point of the things is they are soft and durable, making them on a plastic ring kind of defeats the purpose. Who would want a plastic or metal button on their undies? Anyway they are just a buttonholed ring with threads run across it in a star pattern so you can sew them down.

Death's heads I found:

I've never had a problem making either sort more ornamental by using lace or embroidery stitches. But not for this job!

NightMist

Just busy doing stuff, mostly not quilty. I am hoping to have a bit more quilting time as DS2 & I are now back from hospital where he has had his ears pinned back. Now he has to have 2 weeks off school. I just hope it all looks good when he has the bandage off next week.

Lizzy

Shovelling shhhhhhhnow.

Doc! Now you know why I moved out west!!! Keep warm!

amy in SoCal

Relatively easy, though the hardest part as a parent is the anaesthetic and the waiting back on the ward during the procedure. It can be done as day surgery, though with children this particular surgeon likes them to stay in the night afterwards. Also children's cartilage is more "mobile" and that leads to a better result we were told.

DS2 now looks like a ninja turtle with his bandage around his head. The bandage comes off one week after the operation and I am keeping my fingers crossed that DS2 will be happy with the the results. The surgery was HIS choice, all we did was support that choice. He also wanted it done before he started his new school in the autumn - new school, new ears, new start. In the meantime he is squabbling with his elder brother as siblings do, though I am trying to make sure it doesn't become physical!

Even better for us was that the surgeon classed the surgery as "necessary due to psychological factors" so it has been "free" (i.e. paid for by our taxes) rather than having to have it done privately. In the current economic climate I am so grateful for that and I shall go on giving blood in order to feed a little more support back into the system in my own way.

Lizzy

replying to NightMist, sewnigel wrote: I came across an aricle on Dorset Buttons in my latest edition of Jane Austin Knits:

Absolutely nothing sewing or quilting wise. Busy cleaning house and going through things to throw away. Why?

Because we are MOVING back to Missouri. I can't wait but am determined NOT to take half of this crap with us this time.

Cindy

Hey cool!

I just finished off a shawl in the grapevine pattern very similar to that oatmeal colored one in the first row. Mine is a very vibrant purple as per request of the daughter that asked for it. Blended superwash with a little alpaca for that.

when it comes to toys and baby clothes, dorset buttons done on a stick are the way to go. Especially if you are using natural fibers. Natural fibers usually break down somewhat if they get eaten. Plus dorset buttons are easily replaced.

NightMist

Absolutely nothing sewing or quilting wise. Busy cleaning house and going through things to throw away. Why?

Because we are MOVING back to Missouri. I can't wait but am determined NOT to take half of this crap with us this time.

Cindy

I am glad you are happy about the move! Good luck in getting things packed so you can find them once you get to your home! Barbara in SC during the summer and Florida in the winter

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