Brisbane: Fabric Brooches

Guess what, I'm giving away my brooch making secrets at this meet up!

Re-discover the traditional craft of 17th century covered button making to create fabric brooches or buttons. The technique used is definitely for lovers of 100% handmade, no glues or quick-assemble tools allowed at this meet up, it’s all about slowing down and valuing the time and skills of completely hand-stitching your brooch.

After you've mastered the basic technique you can go on to create more with embroidered designs or embellishments! Bring along some little designs if you'd like to include embroidery.

When: Sunday 19 May, 10:30am-12:30pm OR 12:30-2:30pm

Venue: Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street, Brisbane CBD

RSVP: Essential! Even though there are now 2 meet ups for this craft they are almost at capacity! Email brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com asap to reserve your spot.

What to bring:
1. Fabric scraps
2. Felt scraps
3. Embroidery thread
4. Needle
5. Scissors
6. Brooch pins (available at most craft stores and beading shops)
7. A light weight ring the size you would like your brooch to be (bring a few if you'd like to make more than one). For example in the old days bone rings were used to make buttons using this technique. Light weight rings could be plastic (for example I have some curtain rings which work well), wood or anything that is light enough to wear as a brooch. You could also use oval ring shapes. Check out Reverse Garbage for possible options. Bring along anything you think may be suitable. I will also have a small supply of curtain rings for use on the day.
8. Embellishments (optional, for example little beads could be stitched on) 
9. A thimble (optional - I don't use one but my fingers may have built up a resistance over the years)

It’s always better to bring your own materials and tools so you can make exactly what you want however if you are having trouble finding any of these things I will have extra on the day. Email brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com so I can put some aside for you.

If there is a specific embellishment or embroidery you would like to add please shoot me an email and let me know so I can have a think about the best way to approach it.

 See you then!