Customer Reviews

50 Heirloom Buttons to Make

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...of best needlework books. Nehring's careful scholarship has produced a thoughtful, clear guide to recreating textile buttons that might have been lost to this Generation of Glueguns and Three-minute crafts. Her instructions are clear and concise, the samples are well-made and appealing, and Tullis's photography is sharp and detailed. She lists suppliers in the back and techniques in the table of contents. Although some require experience in crochet, most buttons are readily accessible to the needlework beginner. My only regret is that it doesn't seem available in hardback, because I've worn out my copy through completing many of the projects. It would have been helpful had the backs of the buttons (besides the two or three shown) been shown for finishing techniques. I wish that extant buttons from earlier eras had been depicted besides the one meagre split photo on pp. i and 1.

This book inspires me every time I open it; I love it.

i do a lot of crochet work. this wonderful book covers every kind of button you can imagine. it has opened my eyes to several new techiques. needle lace weaving for one. if you knit crochet or sew and like to give your garments a little extra, this book will give you lots of new ideas.

My dream is that one day i will have enough free time to try all sorts of crafts. For that purpose, i hoard crafts books, including this one.

I haven't made any of the buttons in this book, but i have read over the instructions of the majority. Honestly, i think i can make at least the easy and the moderate projects. Nancy Nehring's explanations are very clear, and easy to follow. Still, though, i would have liked more diagrams in a step-by-step way (at least for the basic styles).

The photographs are gorgeous, and they certainly do justice to the many beautiful styles of buttons depicted.

I've seen this book at the library and wanted a copy for myself. When I saw the Kindle version, I decided to purchase it. I regret doing so. No where in the description for the Kindle edition did it say that all of the photos were in black and white. Since I've seen the actual book, I know that the pictures were in color and good quality. All of the pictures in the Kindle version are black and white and have poor contrast. If you count on having good pictures to do needlework, don't buy the Kindle version of this book - buy the print version.

I'm reviewing the Kindle edition.
Period costume makers specializing in the 1700s to 1800s and dressmakers today can learn a lot from this book, it's also an excellent resource for lace makers and crocheters who want to try something new.
There is a great deal of information in this book. It's about how to make very intricate buttons using threads, cording and fabric in a variety of techniques. It's meticulously researched and fairly exhaustive in the things it covers.
Needleworkers will find ideas in here for ways to make buttons and inspiration as well. Many of these techniques could be applied to jewelry.
Where original button molds are now fairly inaccessible, the author offers suggestions to use instead. After reading this I went to the hardware store where I found nylon washers that work very nicely for many of the thread weaving techniques.
Styles covered include thread weaving, lace making techniques, embellishing high quality cotton tulle, embroidery, coiled fabric strips, woven ribbons, simple fabric buttons and knots. My favorite techniques are the thread weaving and the whole chapter on making frog closures that goes well beyond the simple and common cloverleaf frog.
These are not quick projects while your first learning the techniques because of the precision necessary to make matched sets of buttons, but it is very portable. The techniques themselves are simple, it's the scale and trying to get everything exact that make them challenging. I recommend practicing with thicker threads and bigger washers or even yarn on cheap bangle bracelets while you're first learning the technique.

This is a wonderful book for a historic costumer. Especially if antique buttons are out of your means and modern buttons are not period enough. Whether you are doing a garment from hundreds of years ago, to more recent Victorian and Edwardian, there will be something for you in this book. The buttons included are timeless styles. Attractively and concisely portrayed, the author separates them into appropriate skill levels. There are instructions on many needle made buttons, including tenerife lace types. There are even instructions on making frogs (common cape closures made from cording). The photos are large and in color. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. A super book!

There are buttons for everyone in this book whether you rate high in precision crafts, or low in patience. The directions and illustrations are great and the buttons turn out beautiful. Nancy Nehring includes a breif history about many of the buttons and when and where they were popular. A wonderful resource for the historical re-enactor and historic demonstrations. And great to use when you are re-enacting, and lose a button.

Attaching the perfect button to a handcrafted piece makes the piece totally complete. 50 Heirloom Buttons gives examples and directions by which perfect buttons may be made. The style of writing is easy to follow, the directions are nicely illustrated and the finished product is great! Once the basics are mastered, the possibilities are endless. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!

Most books of this sort are by and large garbage. This one is a keeper. Unsual ideas for needle work buttons, and how to make them. Very nice.

I was very pleased with my oder. It was shipped to me in less time than stated, it arrived in the exact condition it was described to be in and it is exactly what I had thought it would be. It is a great source of button making for anyone who is interested in the craft and the directions and illustrations are easy and clear. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves buttons for whatever reason.