My most recent challenge - a Hula Hoop Dorset Button

Images and design is the Copyright of Anna McDowell
of Henry's Buttons

Earlier in the year I set myself a new challenge to make a giant Dorset Button. So here it is.
The button is worked in exactly the same way as a traditional Dorset Button with a modern design, like many Dorset Buttons I’ve made in the past – just on a much larger scale.
For the ring I used a 24 inch (61cm) hula hoop. After several months of careful planning, the decision on yarns I was going to use and how I was going to construct the button finally came into fruition.
I eventually decided on a mix of strips of a Designer Guild fabric to cover the hoop. For the ‘spokes’ and centre I used Mulberry silk natural double knitting yarn. The rest of the button is filled with a mix of reclaimed sari silk and other fibres, vintage black ribbon and further strips of Designer Guild fabric. Buttons with shanks, both old and new, from my button box embellish the design and add further texture.