Heritage Button Making Our local town, Leek, was the centre of the button industry as early as the 1600's, the Death's Head wrapped button being one of the most common types. At the other end of the country, the Dorset button began life in Shaftesbury, the most famous being the Dorset Crosswheel. Four different buttons will be made on the workshop - the Death's Head, Austrian Star or Shirtlace, Yorkshire and Dorset Bouquet or Crosswheel (see photo below).
Suitability This workshop is suitable for beginners. Please note that some buttons require tight winding and therefore a degree of dexterity is required.
Date(s) This workshop may be run again on demand.
Times 10.00 am. to 4.00 pm. with 30 minutes for lunch Arrival:- from 9.30 am.
Location Alstonefield Memorial Hall (The Village Hall) Postcode for Satnav - DE6 2FR Click for Directions
Refreshments Tea & coffee is provided throughout the day, with home baking. Please bring your own packed lunch.
What you need to bring All materials and equipment will be provided.
Cost £45 per person including all materials.
About the Workshop We shall be using cotton and silk threads on rings or button bases to help you to make the four different button types during the workshop (Photograph shows from top left to right - Yorkshire, Shirtlace, Dorset & Leek buttons). There will be a choice of threads. You will be shown variations of the button types to make at home. The number of buttons you will make on the workshop will depend to a large extent on your dexterity.