Spring 2025

Spring is the season of new beginnings.  Plant life bursts into bud, soon to bloom into glorious flowers.  The leaves seem to appear on the trees like magic.  Gone one day and here the next.  The tulips, irises, and daffodils are beautiful, but the Cherry blossoms are the stars of Spring in Victoria.  The pink and white blossoms lift my spirits as I walk under the falling petals and through our fairy tale-like streets.

We have received lots of new books in the shop, like Knitted Socks from Finland 20 Nordic Designs for All Year Round, by Niina Laitinen.  This wonderful book features 20 creative and beautiful sock knitting designs.  Shown here with Lang Jawoll Superwash sock yarn.

New in the store is Berroco Vintage Sock Handpaint.  This is a machine-washable sock yarn available in colourful, fun colors.  Made in Peru.  437 yds (400 m), 25-30 sts., 2.25 - 3.25mm needle.  52%  acrylic, 40% wool, 8% nylon.

The Pocket Book of Knitting by Claire Gelder, and The Embroidery Stitch Companion by Coline Bavois, are essential resource companions that are well organized and thoughtful.

Sashiko + Color by Boutique-Sha Editorial.  Expand on traditional indigo and white Sashiko with bursts of colour.  Features 23 bright and stylish accessories to stitch.  Shown here with Sashiko thread and needles.

Seasonal Flower Embroidery, a Year of Stitching Wild Blooms and Botanicals, by Kazuko Aolo.  This book is a seasonal exploration of charming botanicals and delicate floral landscapes.  Stitch your way through the seasons with this wonderful book.

And now for something less structured: check out this new book, Abstract Embroidery, Slow Stitching with Texture, Colour, and Creativity by Emily Botelho.

The stunning works of art in this book will bolster your creative spirit and fill you with inspiration.

Enjoy the Spring season, everyone.  Calm your mind and focus your attention on mindful stitching and knitting this Spring.  Pay attention to all the beauty around you and make space in your life for the joy of creating.

Merry Christmas 2024

Saltwater Gifts from the Island of Newfoundland
by Christine Legrow and Shirley A. Scott

More than 25 fashion and home designs to knit. Choose from socks, gloves, hats, and cushions.

Keep warm and cozy this Autumn and Winter.

Its's Snow Time by Cottage Garden Samplings

100 W x 130 H (6.25" x 8.2") on 16 count aida or 32 ct linen

Christmas Eve by Cottage Garden Samplings

100 W x 130 H (6.25" x 8.2") on 16 count aida or 32 ct linen

Cashmere Dreams Hat or Scarf Kit comes with 1 ball of this delightfully soft and dreamy yarn, a printed hat pattern, and a QR code to a one-ball scarf pattern knit in Brioche Rib.

Requires 3.25mm needles for the hat, and 4.00mm needles for the scarf.

65% Cashmere, 35% Silk - 25g - 290m - 317 yds

Christmas Parade by Country Garden Samplings
Stitched on linen or Aida with DMC threads.

200W x 100H
32ct linen or 16ct Aida: 12.5” x 6.25”

It all starts with the parade!

Christmas Delivery, by Cottage Garden Samplings
Stitched on linen or Aida with DMC threads.

185W x 125H
32ct linen or 16ct Aida: 11 5/8” x 7 1/8”

The delivery!

Merry Christmas, by Cottage Garden Samplings

Stitched on linen or Aida with DMC threads.

206W x 82H
32ct linen or 16ct Aida: 12 7/8” x 5 1/8”

It’s here!!! Merry Christmas!

Springtime 2024

Spring is finally here.  The cherry blossoms are all but finished their blooming.  It is always a race to catch the show when it arrives.  It ends all too quickly.

Many more blooms are showing up all over the city.  Tulips, Pansies, Irises, Cherry Blossoms, Magnolias, and Peonies.  Spring is such an uplifting season.  It soothes the soul to watch everything come to life once again.

How are you doing with your knitting and stitching?  Below you'll find projects and helpful products to keep you in stitches.

The Pink Flowers kit from Tamar is a 6" design.

The Baby Deer kit from Tamar is a 5.25" design. 

These fun-to-stitch kits are small enough to take with you if you are on the move. They include printed design, instructions, needle, and all the floss you need to complete the project.

First Blooms by Crazy For Crewel.  Kit includes printed design, Appletons Crewel Wool, Needle, and stitch instructions.   Finished size: 5" x 7" $32.95

We have so many birds coming to our feeder.  This morning we watched Northern Flickers, Hairy Woodpeckers, Juncos, Downy Woodpeckers, and watched as a baby sparrow was being fed by its mother.

Embroidered Birds and their Habitats is a lovely book by Judy Wilford.  This is an inspiring book that leads you through stitch techniques, habitat ideas, and information on composition for your piece.

September Circle by Melissa LaBarre  

Knit with Zauberball Crazy, Sock Yarn,  col. 2438 Indigo.  4.5mm (US 7) 24" circular needle.  $29.95

Lang Crealino yarn

100% Linen, 50g, 165m  3-4mm needle, 21sts  $15.95

Twinkle by Kremke Soul Wool

51% Viscose, 49% Polyester  300m, 2-5mm needle.  $18.95

The Gleener Travel Sewing Kit in zip-up case.  Pink, Grey, or Teal.

Kit includes scissors, seam ripper, tape measure, sewing needles, 6 colours of sewing threads, button variety, and the travel Gleaner.  $29.95

Compact travel sewing kit $15.95

Wooden Shawl Pins $11.95

Merry Christmas

Beautiful Summertime 2023

It has been a beautiful summer.  I hope you have been soaking up the sun and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.  I visit the  Butchart Gardens on a regular basis to enjoy the changing of the seasons.  This year's rose garden was exceptional.   Just look at these amazing roses!

These garden-themed embroidery kits from Tamar are fun to stitch and small enough to take with you if you are on the move.  The kits include printed design, instuctions, needle, and all the floss you need to complete the project. Garden Tools 4", Gardening 6", Greenhouse 6".

Cascade Nobel Cotton is a 100% mercerized cotton that is strong, shrink resistant, and similar to Pima Cotton.  

10 beautiful hand-dyed colorways.  Each 100 gm hank is 200 meters (220 yards).  3.75 - 4.00 mm needles, DK 22 - 24 sts.

Hand-crafted ceramic buttons.  Beautiful hand-made buttons for your projects.  Large 1.5" wide, small 1.25" wide.

Hand-crafted ceramic Ladybug and bee buttons.  Ladybugs: sm 5/8", med 3/4", lg 1"  Bees: sm 5/8", med 3/4", lg 1 1/8"

Full Bloom is a classic Kaffe Fassett Needlepoint pattern.  This Needlepoint kit includes painted 10 mesh canvas, Ehrman Wools, needle, and instructions.  Design size is 16" x 16".

Ehrman Tapestries Needlepoint Kit Wild Anemones by Elian McCready.  This beautiful life-like design is stitched on 10 mesh canvas and includes Ehrman wools, printed canvas, needle, and instructions. Design size: 15" x 15".

Beautiful Alstroemeria plant in my garden.

Hand-crafted ceramic Orca and Boat buttons.  Orcas: sm 1 1/2", lg 2 1/4"  Boats: sm 5/8", med 3/4", lg 1"

Springtime 2023!

Spring is finally here!  Spring is one of my favorite seasons.  The Japanese Cherry Blossom trees were so lovely this year as they lined the streets of Victoria.  After a long winter, it is always a joy to see the trees bloom again.  Now the winds have returned to carry the blooms away in "blossom snow".   What have you cleared room in your schedule for this Spring season?   Perhaps you want to start a new embroidery or knitting project?

How do you capture the beauty of the season?  Have you been waiting like I have for the weather to warm up enough to really get planting a garden?  I love my garden, and the Lovely Little Embroideries book is a great guide to capturing your plants and flowers in embroidery.

 New Book; Lovely Little Embroideries by Beth Stackhouse. 19 Dimensional Flower Bouquet Designs for Hand Stitching.  Use the floral patterns to create your own designs.  128 pages.

Tamar Embroidery Kits; "Reading Time" and "My Easter Bunny".  Printed patterns with stitch instructions.  Includes needle and DMC threads.

6" x 6" finished

Foolproof Embroidery by Jennifer Clouston

80 Stitches and 400 combinations.  Embroider beautiful flowers, stems, leaves, twigs, and more.  This book gives clear information on creating your own floral designs. 

We carry a variety of sock yarns.  These make great socks, but are also fun to use for accessories like shawls, scarves, mitts and hats.

Prices range from $16.95 - $24.95/100gms.

Evolution Sock yarn.  Fun, bold stripes with a subtle speckled effect.  This sock yarn makes great socks, but is also ideal for shawls and accessories.  75%  superwash merino, 25% Nylon. 100gms, 437 yds (400m). $16.95/100gm

Stop by the shop for all your knitting and needlework supplies.  Shown here; DMC Coloris and NIS threads.

Summertime 2022

It has been a beautiful summer here in Victoria.  The warm temperatures are welcome after the cool spring we had.  The berries came later this year because of the cool weather but they are abundant and delicious now.  Blueberries and strawberries are my favorites, what are yours?

Have you been knitting or stitching this summer?  Many of our customers do both.  Some knit come fall and stitch in the summer.  I have been busy stocking the store and getting ready for the fall season.  A difficult task when I just don't want the summer to end.  

Coral needlepoint kit by Magie Hollingworth

A stunning red fan coral.

This Ehrman Tapestry kit includes a printed 100% cotton canvas, 100% pure new wool, needle, and an easy to follow guide.

17" x 16" (43cm x 40cm), 10 mesh canvas, $152.95

Klimt Yellow Needlepoint Kit by Candace Bahouth.

This Ehrman Tapestry kit includes a printed 100% cotton canvas, 100% pure new wool, needle, and an easy to follow guide.

16" x 16" (41 x 41cm), 10 mesh canvas, $125

Shangri-La Jade by Magie Hollingworth.  Exotic birds and magnolia blossoms.

This Ehrman Tapestry kit includes a printed 100% cotton canvas, 100% pure new wool, needle, and an easy to follow guide.

16" x 11" (40.5 x 28cm), 12 mesh $155

Shangri-La Gold by Magie Hollingworth.  Exotic birds and magnolia blossoms.

This Ehrman Tapestry kit includes a printed 100% cotton canvas, 100% pure new wool, needle, and an easy to follow guide.

16" x 11" (40.5 x 28cm), 12 mesh $155

Fishy Fishy by Crazy For Crewel.  This embroidery kit includes printed crewelwork linen, Appleton crewel wools, needles, buttons, stitch diagrams, and instructions.  $32.95  Handcrafted ceramic sailboat buttons $3.00 and $4.00.

Dragonfly and Bee Buttons.  Handcrafted ceramic buttons, 3/4" - 1".  Dragonflies $3.25, bees $4.00.

Back by popular demand:  Berroco Folio.  A luscious superfine alpaca transitional yarn, Folio is wonderful for wraps and lightweight garments and accessories.  65% superfine alpaca, 35% rayon, 22sts, 32r, 200m. $11.95.  Infinity scarf shown: "Kurama".

Another seasonal transition yarn by Berroco is Ultra Wool Fine.  100% superwash wool in a fingering/sport weight yarn.  100gms 366 meters, 26-30sts, $15.95.  This yarn is perfect for socks, shawls, fingerless gloves, and scarves.  Skylark Stole shown here from the book "Custom Knits Accessories" 

Handcrafted ceramic sheep buttons 1" - 2 1/2" $4.50 - $6.00

As not all products on this newsletter page are listed on our website yet,  feel  free to leave an email message at buttons@buttonedup.com or call us direct at 250-384-8781 for inquiries or purchases.

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For blueberry cheesecake recipe copy this link to your browser: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/blueberry-cheesecake-4302

Sun, Moon, and Stars Needlepoint kit by Alex beattie.  16" x 16", 12 mesh, $135

Enjoy the rest of the summer.  We have many weeks of warm weather to come, so enjoy every minute of it!

there is nothing left
to worry about
the sun and her flowers are here.
...Rupi Kaur

Spring - is it gone before it arrives?

Spring is coming to an end but in some ways it feels like it's just getting started.  It has been a cool spring with a lot of rain, and little sun.  Gardens have been delayed, the plants are shivering in the wind!  I'm dreaming of strawberries, but they are patiently waiting for the sun to help them flower and bear fruit. 

The forecast for June is more favorable than March with temperatures rising to more seasonal norms.  I literally feel like I've missed Spring (my favorite time of year), but we were fortunate to have witnessed the beautiful cherry blossoms around the city before the petals shed their flowers.

The last few years has been full of changes, endings, and beginnings.  It has been a real roller coaster.  A lot has happened since my last post, personally and professionally.  We have been low on some goods, stocked up on others, but have been working to replenish inventory and product so you can continue with your knitting and stitching projects.  It is always a challenge adding to the website, but we are working on it as we can. 

We have seen so many creative projects and have met so many people "trying" stitching and knitting for the first time.  It is wonderful to see others discover the peacefulness that can be obtained when creating something with your own hands.  It is a great opportunity to let go of all that is happening in the world, just for the moment. 

Take some time to slow down and tap into a more meditative practice of picking up needle and thread, pouring a cup of tea (or coffee), and really giving that project your full attention.

Small Things by The Drawn Thread

Stitched on 32ct. Natural Linen, 91 x 29 stitches.  Chart only $13.50

New Satsuma Street cross stitch charts

These adorable cross stitch designs by Satsuma Street will brighten up anyone's day .  Little Bertie the bird, Ellie the elephant, and Myrtle the tortoise are 66 stitches wide x 65 stitches high (4.6" x 4.7" and are stitched on 28ct Flax Cashel linen using 2 stands of floss. Chart only $11.95

New Tamar Embroidery Kits

Monstera Monkey Lady 8" x 8"

Kit includes: printed fabric,  illustrated color and stitch guide, embroidery DMC threads and Needle.  Kit $27.95

Monstera Folklore Lady 8" x 8" 

Kit includes: printed fabric,  illustrated color and stitch guide, embroidery DMC threads and Needle.  Kit $27.95

Caprice Blue Needlepoint Kit

Designed by Candace Bahouth

Delicate Summer wildflowers on a sky blue background.

This Ehrman Tapestry kit includes a printed 100% cotton canvas, 100% pure new wool, needle, and an easy to follow guide.

20.5" x 20.5" (52cm x 52cm)

10 mesh canvas  $175

Hollington Wood Needlepoint Kit

 Designed by Alison Gee

Alison Gee was head designer at Morris & Co. reinterpreting and updating some of Morris's famous works as well as creating new designs inspired by the past. Classic with a modern twist, this is the look she brings to her new range of needlepoint kits for Ehrman.

This kit includes a printed 100% cotton canvas, 100% pure new wool, needle, and an easy to follow guide.

18" x 18" (45cm x 45cm)

10 mesh canvas $169

Buttons

Flower buttons 1 1/4"  $2.50

Ceramic butterfly 1"  $3.00

Estelle Eco Cotton DK yarn

100% organic cotton, 4.0mm needle, 22 stitches, 125m, 50gm  $6.50

This yarn would make great booties, kitchen accessories, children's wear, or a cotton summer top.

Please email us or call us if you are looking for something specific and we'd be happy to help.  If you see anything on these blog pages that are not on the website yet, feel free to call or email us. 250-384-8781  info@buttonedup.com

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We hope you enjoy the holiday season and have a chance to visit friends and family.  I think that a visit with those close to us and a delicious Turkey dinner with all the trimmings is just what is needed this year!

Decorating the Tree and Snowy Pine by Crazy for Crewel.  These crewel embroidery kits evoke the magic of Christmas and decorating the tree.  Display it at Christmas time if you don't have room for a tree.  Check the Crazy for Crewel kits in the Needlework section of the website.

Eucalan is a wonderful wool wash that is gently scented with essential oils.  Available in 100ml $5.95 and 500ml $14.95 bottles.  Scents available: Unscented, Lavender, Grapefruit, Jasmine and Eucalyptus.  The small bottles are a great addition to your hand knit gifts.

Books shown here: The official Harry Potter Knitting Pattern Books by Tanis Gray.  Patterns from Hogwarts and Beyond (also includes patterns from Fantastic Beasts).

New yarn: Estelle's Merino Big.  100% Australian Superwash Merino Wool, 80m - 100g,  Needle size 8-10mm (10 - 12sts)  $14.95

Available in Black, White, Ecru, Merlot, Golden Nugget, Leap Frog, Navy, Nickle Heather, Forest Green Heather, and Tanzanite Heather.

Christmas Tree Embroidery Kit by Tamar

Tamar embroidery kits include everything you need: printed fabric, colour stitch guide, DMC threads and needle.  These kits look great framed in a hoop, framed as a wall decoration, or appliqued to a pillow cover.

Two Christmas Deer and Christmas Deer embroidery kits by Tamar.

These whimsical embroidery kits includes everything you need: printed fabric, color stitch guide, DMC threads and needle.

Frame it right in the working hoop for a quick addition to your Holiday decor.

 Christmas Deer embroidery kit by Tamar.  See Tamar kits on our website  under "Needlework, Embroidery Kits, Tamar Embroidery Kits"

 HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve Dec. 24 and New Year's Eve Dec. 31: 10:00am - 3:00pm

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day: Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and January 1.

Merry Christmas Everyone.  Have a wonderful Christmas, and we wish you the very best in 2022!

GIVING THANKS, Oct. 2021

Happy October Knitters and Needleworkers! I hope everyone is enjoying the beauty of Autumn.

Next to Spring, Autumn is my favorite time of year. Cooler evenings call for cozy sweaters and jackets, turkey dinners with pumpkin pie, and nesting in your home.

The hardest thing for me at this time of year is letting go of my little garden. Day by day I trim away more spent flowers and foliage and hope that the garden will last another week, another day, before the trimmings are added to the compost pile to nourish future gardens.

Savor these magical Autumn days. Enjoy this Haiku by Christopher Herold:

 proofreading finished

  I go outside

   to edit the garden.

The Autumn Garden by The Drawn Thread.  Stitched on 32ct. Dirty Belfast linen.  Design size 289 x 63 (10" x 24").  Contact us at buttons@buttonedup.com to purchase.  (We are still working on getting the Drawn Thread charts up on our website). Chart: $16.95

Giving Thanks by The Drawn Thread.  Stitched on 32ct. Belfast linen.  Design size 279 x 58 (10" x 24").  Contact us at buttons@buttonedup.com to purchase.  (We are still working on getting the Drawn Thread charts up on our website). Chart: $13.95

Olga's Tart by Plum Street Samplers

Stitched on linen using Gentle Art or DMC threads.  Design size: 71 x 67 (4.4" x 4.2" on 32ct linen). Contact us at buttons@buttonedup.com to purchase.  (We are still working on getting the Plum Street Sampler charts up on our website).

October mouse by Woodland Threads. 

This sweet little embroidery kit includes printed design, embroidery floss, needle, and stitch instructions.  A perfect accent for your home this season.

Purchase on our website under the Woodland Threads embroidery collection. $20.95  (cushion not included)

Bilbury Needlepoint Kit

This design by Candace Bahouth is stitched in soft Autumn colours.  The design is based on cushions found in English country houses. 

15.5" x 12.5" on 10mesh canvas.  Kits includes yarn, needle, and printed canvas.  See more information in our Shop section under Needlepoint Kits.

Lil walking with the ducks

Enjoy October everyone!