Vintage Buttons from Wayward

Readers,

Here are buttons I bought at Wayward, the shop I visited on a day trip out of London last Saturday. They deserve their own post.

I’ve never thought of myself as a collector, but…now I think I’m a collector of vintage buttons. They’re irresistible. (They’re also easier to tote home in a suitcase than fabric.)

I continue to entertain the ever more remote possibility that I’ll use all of the hundreds of vintage buttons in my possession now on jackets and coats. I hate the thought that they’ll stay on their cards for more decades. They should be out being useful and adding everyday beauty and pleasure to the world.

My problem is finding the right buttons for my fabrics or finding fabrics that complement my buttons. I keep trying, though, because when the right elements are brought together it’s very satisfying. The jacket at the top of my home page, which I made from a 1936 McCall pattern, has buttons I was told are Bakelite, although I don’t know for sure. All I know is that they’re just right.

I look at that jacket and at the blue and white linen one I made to use some wonderful Art Deco-era buttons and think they’re two of my favorite sewing successes ever.

Wednesday I fly home from London. Back in the sewing domain I’ll spread out my new purchases and try new combinations with my fabrics and patterns. What will I discover? I’m itching to find out.