More on buttons and Broderie Perse

Carol asked me in the comments yesterday to share how I made the magnetic needle keep and then asked if the tutorial HERE was what I used.  Actually the tutorial she found is far better than the one I had seen (and have subsequently lost the link to).  So, if you'd like to make one this will tell you exactly how it's done. 

I purchased my coverable button kit at Fabricland, but I would assume that places like JoAnn's in the US would have them.  Mine were made by 'Unique.... H.A. Kidd' and measure approximately 2" across.  I have several different versions of coverable buttons and would recommend that you try to get the ones that have little 'teeth' in the back of the button top.  It makes holding the fabric in place SO much easier.   I bought Rare-Earth circular magnets from Lee Valley Tools here in Canada   3/8" diameter; 1/10" thickness (your local hardware store may have them as well).       I would highly recommend these magnets because they are very strong and will easily 'work' through the metal button cover and the fabric you use.  I'm not positive, but I would be suspicious that the cheap dollar store ones wouldn't be strong enough.  I used two magnets in my needle keep. 

I had taken a picture of the 'parts' to show you

but the pictures at the link above are

FAR better than mine so go and have

a look there.

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Today the quote is from Anonymous....

The happiest business in all the world

is that of making friends,

And no investment on the street

pays larger dividends,

For life is more than stocks and bonds,

and love than rate percent,

And he who gives in friendship's name

shall reap what he has spent