Creating Dorset Buttons: A Classic Craft Made New

Named for the southwest county on the coast of the English Channel, Dorset buttons date back to the seventeenth century. The practice of button-making -- involving a technique somewhere between needlepoint and knotting or lacemaking -- dates back to the 17th century and is enjoying a resurgence today. Creating distinctive, handmade buttons holds an irresistible charm for modern-day knitting, sewing, and needlepoint aficionados as well as jewelry makers, and this inspiring, easy-to-follow guide is exactly the book to show how it's done.
Author Pat Olski provides a history of the craft as well as beautifully photographed instructions for 30 variations on the basic procedure. Many of these jewel-like items resemble tiny canvases embellished with images of flowers and animals. Detailed directions offer a clear approach to re-creating the centuries-old craft and adding a personal flair to modern garments and accessories.

Pat Olski is equally passionate about knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. Her designs reflecting all three have been published in many issues of Vogue Knitting, Vogue Knitting Crochet, Knit Simple, and Noro Magazine, as well as in a variety of books ranging from Debbie Bliss to the Cascade ＂60 Quick＂ project series.
She has created numerous patterns for major yarn companies, and is the author of three crochet booklets in the Go Crafty series from Mixed Media Publications. She is also the author of the books Crochet Stories: Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland in amigurumi and Yarn Whirled: Fairy Tales, Fables and Folklore in yarn craft as well as Crochet Stories: L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in amigurumi, and Yarn Whirled: The Royal Family.
Pat enjoys nothing more than translating complicated traditions into relevant and approachable designs.