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Monday, January 26, 2015

MondayMorning Inspiration

Good Morning!!! Can you believe that this is the last week of January...already! 
A couple of weeks ago, we took a  look at welt pockets and gained a lot of inspiration. Well, bound buttonholes are nothing more than tiny welt pockets. The problem with bound buttonholes though is that they are small, fidgety and just down right scary to put into a garment that you've worked so hard on. Well, be sure to scroll on down as I have listed some wonderful tutorials and even a tool that makes the process so much easier. But first, let's take a look at a few interesting and pretty buttonholes.
This buttonhole is nothing more than a long welt pocket with openings for the 3 buttons. This could make a lovely accent on a garment.
I love triangular shaped bound buttonholes. This is obviously from a vintage book. What a sweet look with the addition of the bows for buttons.
Everything about this jacket is beautiful! The shape, the matching of the plaid, the bias cut of the plaid on the front, the raised neckline and then....not only did they add bound buttonholes, but they are on an slant.
Look closely at this jacket. This is basically the same idea as the first buttonhole above, but in a practical application. The bound buttonhole is long to incorporate the 2 buttons.
If you've taken a look at Vogue Patterns, you've seen this lovely coat from Ralph Rucci.
Here's a couple of close ups of the buttonholes.
Love the addition of the thread loops.
Here's another example of slanted bound buttonholes. Beautifully done I might add.
Details are what make a garment interesting. This is just a basic bound buttonhole, but look closely. Of course you see that the buttonhole is in a contrasting fabric, but notice the thread color that was used to sew the button to the garment. It doesn't match the button or the garment, but the buttonhole.
This is an OMG button hole. The little touch of piping is sensational.
I thought that this was a very interesting fabric combination, felted wool and the gingham.
Real interest is added with the toggle style button, a little wider buttonhole and the the use of 3 different colors.
Now, if you don't look closely, you'll miss the mitered stripes in the buttonhole. Mezzo Couture did a lovely tutorial on this buttonhole that you can it find HERE.
The method that was used to create the above buttonhole was also used for this very interesting shaped buttonhole by Diana of Diana's Sewing Lessons. You can find the tutorial HERE.
How about this interesting shape from Louise Cutting. You can find the tutorial HERE.
Now for a treat!!
When I was 16 years old, I bought this tool,
This is the Dritz Bound Buttonhole Tool. I have guarded mine with my life. Now, I can make buttonholes without it, but I do love this tool. For many years, the tool was not available. Dritz never allowed their patents to expire, smart on their part, and they are now once again producing the tool. Again, smart on their part. If you do not have this tool, it's one that I HIGHLY recommend getting.

I found this link on Amazon. The tool is $4.19, but then of course there is shipping. I also found this link on the Joann Fabrics website. It's a dollar more than the amazon price, but the shipping might be cheaper, so check it out.
Making beautiful bound buttonholes is just like making beautiful welt pockets, it takes practice. But please don't shy away from making the buttonholes as they can really set your garment apart.
Have a lovely week!
Rhonda

25 comments:

  1. Fantástico Rhonda, muy buenas ideas para inspirarse, gracias!

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  2. oh, how I love bound buttonholes! I'll be trying out several of these shapes.

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    1. The shaped buttonholes are so pretty and add such an interesting spark to a garment.

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  3. Love those button holes. I personally have never sewn any button holes so must get this skill in my repertoire. Never knew a bound tool existed. Thanks for showing.

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    1. BeaJay, trust me, you have advanced to the point that you are more than ready for buttonholes. Try giving one of the titorials a try. I think you'll be very happy with the outcome.

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  4. There are some beauitful bound buttonholes here! I've never tried one of those tools but I am not afraid of bound buttonholes. Maybe I'll have to give it a try. :)

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    1. I absolutely love my little tool. It does make the process a little more fool proof. I was surprised to see how inexpensive the new ones are. Give it a try, what do you have to loose?!!!

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  5. I had no idea Dritz was making the buttonhole "gizmo" again. I have one of the old ones, but I don't think I've ever used it. I seldom make bound buttonholes.

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    1. I make them a lot! The tool only makes the standard buttonhole, but it does make the process a little easier. I LOVE the tool.

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  6. Thank you for these and for mentioning my buttonhole Rhonda.I'm flattered and another thank you for the amazon link for the buttonhole tool.I'm ordering one right now!

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    1. Hi Diana! Your buttonhole is lovely and great inspiration. Thank you for posting such a wonderful tutorial! I think you are going to enjoy the new buttonhole maker. I know I love mine :)

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  7. Fabulous inspiration again.Thank you Rhonda.

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  8. That plaid jacket is amazing! Thanks for posting the tri color toggle piece with the wide lips. In my tailored jacket final, I did those wider lips. Not intentionally of course, but I MEANT to do that! Glad to see it done on purpose!

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  9. Thanks so much for sharing this information, I actually have the Vogue pattern above and I didn't pay attention to the buttonholes. I must invest in this tool before I make this garment...Thanks Again

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    1. I thought I sent this but maybe not. I would love to have the vogue pattern number for that jacket please. Thanks in advance😃

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    2. Shelia, the Ralph Rucci coat is Vogue pattern 1419. Happy Sewing!

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    3. OMG! You just made my day. I am so in love with this pattern, Thank you.

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    4. Thank you for the coat pattern number, but the pattern I love is the plaid jacket. Would you happen to know the pattern number for that one ?

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    5. Hi Sheila, I'm sorry, but I have no idea what pattern was used to create the plaid jacket. In fact, I can't find any information on the jacket. So sorry.

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  10. I still have my Dritz Buttonhole Tool from my college days in the 1960's.

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  11. So much inspiration. Now I need a new tool!

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  12. Inspirational! That piped, triangular number is just so awesome. Thanks, Rhonda.

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  13. I just want the Vogue pattern to come home with me but I don't like that it's unlined :-/ I can line a simple jacket but no idea how to do it on a more complicated pattern like this.

    http://titesmains.wordpress.com

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