Embroidery and fibre artist Rosemary Drysdale inspires stitchers with her latest book, fostering creativity through mixed media designs
Interview byJulian Odessa
Rosemary Drysdale’s latest book, Weekend Makes: Embroidery with Buttons, is a lively exploration of mixed media for beginner and seasoned stitchers alike. But what sparked the idea of a book that blends fibre art and buttons? “Buttons and sewing have been intertwined for centuries, so it felt natural,” Rosemary explains. “I noticed button art was trending and I thought it would be interesting to build on this idea and create embroidery designs where buttons had a stronger focus.”
This enthusiasm for blending mediums is a hallmark of her artistic vision. “I’m constantly inspired by artists who work with diverse fibres, papers and paints,” she says. “The interplay of textures and colours when these elements come together is magical.” Looking to spread a little magic herself, Rosemary’s book is full of projects that take the humble button and elevate it to star status. It’s also a source of inspiration for incorporating buttons into your existing cross-stitch pieces. “You can revisit your existing cross-stitch charts, looking for elements to swap with buttons,” Rosemary suggests. “Simple flower centres are prime candidates.” For those hesitant to alter existing patterns, Rosemary offers this suggestion. “An example of a pattern ripe for button-ising is the pot pourri sachet pattern from my 101 Mini Cross Stitch Designs book,” she says. “You could easily replace the stitched flowers with beautiful buttons, creating a completely new look, similar to the forget-me-not sachet in Weekend Makes: Embroidery with Buttons.”
Many of us have a trusty button jar, but where does Rosemary find buttons for her projects? Vintage buttons hold a special place in her heart, but practicality played a role in writing her latest book. “I wanted to use buttons readily available to readers, ensuring they could easily recreate the designs,” she explains. “My go-to button sources include local ‘five and ten’ stores (similar to what was Woolworths in the UK), as well as dedicated craft stores.” The boundaries created by using what you have to hand or what is locally available can inspire new ways of creating.
Rosemary’s passion for fostering creativity is purposefully tied to her designs, which often have beginners in mind. “I want anyone who is new to fibre art to experience the joy of quick, achievable projects that leave them feeling accomplished and inspired.” He
