If you are a yarn collector chances are you gather other things as well. Maybe buttons? They are the perfect collectable for textile lovers. Being small, featuring a myriad of designs and techniques, widely available, and useful as closures, what could be better (besides yarn)? I began gathering buttons before I knew I was collecting. Buttons fascinated me, especially the mother of pearl varieties, and since I sewed, they soon became a staple in my foraging expeditions. The fact that I began to amass so many that special receptacles were required to store them all may have been my first clue that I’d discovered another obsession.

This rectangular wrap shows off my mother of pearl collection. I selected a neutral color palate because a subtle pearly gleam can be easily overshadowed by brighter hues and heavier textures. Besides, there’s something about old pearly buttons that conjures lace, doilies, old hankies, along with granny’s tablecloths. I aspired to capture this feeling while mixing in an ethnic touch. A neutral blend of undyed silks, cottons, and linens banded by black and earthy brown fuses two very different inspirations into one piece--granny gone tribal!

My antique tribal mood is further enhanced by bordering what is a basic rectangular shape with lace edging--one version for the sides and a lusher rendition for the two ends which creates a soft collar when draped about the shoulders and neck. Stitches used throughout feature knit and purl basketweave with seed stitch bands and drop stitch.

You could use another color or many other colors in this wrap, depending on your button collection. If you’ve accumulated an array of ceramic or polymer buttons, a different color scheme may be preferable. Consider Victorian jet buttons glimmering against black and white or specialty buttons shaped like flowers blooming amid garden hues. Or, how about paua shell or abalone buttons agleam on a background of blues and greens? Oh, my imagination is afire.
If you are currently buttonless, cast your eye around the shops as you go forth on shopping ambles and see how these tiny little items can peel back a whole new world.