Crochet

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BUTTON UP FOR A CAUSE

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butterfly buttons 0909

visit here

Someone just directed me toward a site that sells fantastic buttons all handmade by women in Africa.  Such a small thing, a button.  But, such a huge way to support an artisan anywhere in the world with the purchase of his/her handmade items.

To this end, I’m going to begin collecting and posting information about similar sites on this blog.  IF YOU are aware of a site that would support an artistan/artist/crafter in a ‘fair market’ way, please be sure to post a link to the site or shop here.

Since I’m a small business owner, I try to support other small business owners rather than having all my dollars go to the big box retailers.  This can’t always be done on a practical level, but I have discovered that it’s usually worth the few extra pennies or bucks I might spend to keep good businesses local and to maintain the huge amount of expertise in all crafts/arts that will be lost if we spend all our money at the big box stores.

So, join me in this.  Doesn’t matter if you’ve actually dealt with the business yourself, but it does matter that you have good reason to believe it’s on the ‘up and up’ and that the majority of money will return to the artisan rather than to some intermediary.

On this site, there are literally hundreds of buttons to chose from.  Here is a sample:

xmas buttons 0901halloween buttons 0909xtra large button 0904Best of all, these buttons are available at MY favorite LYS (Hearthstone Knits).  You can check the website for a retailer (or wholesaler) near you.

Here are some more buttons that are stunning.  I love that they’re made from fallen trees rather than from the destruction of living trees.

eco beads 0909

http://www.ecobutterfly.com/catalog/Natural_Buttons-7-1.html

At the Ecobutterfly.com site there’s a section on beads.  I’ve purchased a bunch of glass beads in India.  As far as I know, they’re all authentic.  This site tells you the questions to ask when purchasing ‘fair market’ beads to determine that you’re getting the real thing.

Another business benefits the children of mothers with AIDS.

mothers-for-all-asstd beads 0909

http://www.injabulo.com/acatalog/Beads_from_Mothers_for_All.html

You can find more resources online that will use your dollars to benefit artisans all over the world.  After all, when you pour your energy and money into your one of a kind crocheted project, it may well be worthy of a special button.

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Have you read?

The Miffy Crochet Book Review: 16 Sweet Projects for Bunny Lovers

Some characters need elaborate outfits and a whole collection of accessories to be recognisable. Miffy manages it with two long ears and the simplest little face. There is something rather lovely about that, especially when you’re looking for crochet projects that feel sweet without being overly fussy.

The Miffy Crochet Book brings that familiar storybook charm to a collection of handmade toys, decorations and home accessories. If you have a Miffy fan in the family, or you’re rather fond of the little bunny yourself, this is a crochet book worth a closer look.

What appeals to me is the possibility of making several coordinating gifts from one collection. A bunny is lovely on its own, but a bunny with a matching blanket? That is how a small project quietly becomes an entire gift basket.

What Is The Miffy Crochet Book?

Created by crochet designer Kimberley Zwaans, with designs based on Dick Bruna’s illustrations, this official Miffy crochet book is published by Search Press.

The 128-page paperback contains 16 projects, with a mixture of smaller makes and larger pieces. You can find The Miffy Crochet Book at Knit Picks.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More Than a Miffy Bunny Crochet Pattern

The collection includes Miffy and friends as amigurumi toys, alongside projects such as a blanket, motif cushion and moon-and-stars mobile.

There is also a birthday theme, with a crochet cake, placemats, bunting and a crown. That gives the book an appeal beyond toy making, particularly if you enjoy creating decorations that can come out again for family celebrations.

I like that mixture. Sometimes you want a small character project with a face to embroider. Other times, a larger piece of crochet is exactly what you want beside your chair for the evening.

The collection uses seven yarn shades, which gives it a cohesive feel. You will still need to check the quantities and requirements for each project before shopping. Seven colours does not necessarily mean seven balls, much as our yarn budgets might wish otherwise.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

The publisher describes the book as beginner-friendly and says it includes illustrated guidance for the key stitches. There are also projects offering more challenge.

My practical advice is to choose your first make by the techniques involved, rather than simply picking the smallest item. Small amigurumi pieces can require quite a bit of counting, shaping and careful assembly.

If working in the round is still new territory, our magic ring crochet tutorials for beginners are useful preparation. You can also build confidence with these easy crochet projects that start with a magic loop.

Before starting, check the book’s stitch terminology, recommended yarn and hook size. Those details matter more than choosing a colour that happens to look lovely in the basket.

The Appeal, and What to Consider

For me, the strongest selling point is the coordinated theme. This would be particularly appealing for crocheters who love Miffy, enjoy character projects or want several related handmade gift ideas.

The narrower theme is also something to consider before buying. If you prefer a crochet book packed with different animals and styles, this collection may feel too specific. Its appeal depends on how much you enjoy Miffy’s simple, recognisable world.

Simple faces also deserve careful finishing. A tiny change in eye placement or the angle of an ear can alter a character’s expression, so I would allow time for pinning and checking before sewing everything permanently.

If you would like a separate bunny project to try first, our free kawaii bunny crochet pattern on CraftBits offers another option. It is a different pattern, rather than an extract from this book.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

I would put The Miffy Crochet Book on the shortlist for a crocheter who enjoys nostalgic characters and likes the idea of making a coordinated collection.

The combination of toys, home accessories and celebration projects gives those 16 designs several different uses. You could choose one special make or gradually work towards a whole Miffy-themed gift.

That is the charm for me: familiar, cheerful designs with room to make something personal. Just decide which project you’re starting before buying the yarn. Otherwise, “one little bunny” has a habit of acquiring a blanket, bunting and its own birthday party.