Button Cluster II

I am still at work on the same button cluster on my class block, but am pleased to report my experiment worked. I was suddenly struck by the idea of working what I call a variation of the Nancy Eha bead flower (she taught me it). It goes partially over the top of the cluster, anchoring some of the points through the holes in the buttons.

Now, I really wish I had thought of this earlier, as this one is a little cramped. But I will remember it in future.

The way this one is worked is a centre (a tiny gold bead in this case) is sewn on. Then each petal is:

Come up through the fabric next to the centre. Pick up six beads. Very small faux pearls in this case. Go around the sixth and back though the fifth. Pick up three more beads. Go back through the first, and then through the fabric. Anchor the sixth bead to the fabric/button where you want it to stay, pushing back a tiny bit towards the centre, so the petal stands up a little. Go on to the next petal.

There are all sorts of variations of this - it can be worked with any number of beads, just remember the second pickup is three less than the first pickup.

I have other versions of this flower I am due to work in other spots on the block - right now I am really enjoying working on each piece in great detail, and without hurrying.

And no - this cluster isn't finished either.