Craft Patterns Plus

Crochet appears to have originated in France. The name we use today comes from the old French word 'croches' which means hook. This describes 'the process of creating fabric from a length of cord or yarn, or thread with a hooked tool'. Some theories are that crochet evolved in Arabia, South America, or China where both knitted and knotted textiles survive from very early periods.

The craft of hand button making was developed and flourished in Dorset, UK, in the mid 17th century, until the 1850’s when Ashton’s button machine (invented and shown at The Great Exhibition of 1851) ruined the hand made button industry. The Dorset button began in Shaftsbury, with Abraham Case. In it’s day, the craft was a thriving cottage industry, employing thousands of men, women and children in the County. At its peak, the trade brought in a revenue of £12,000 annually, were much sought after and exported to Europe, Canada, Australia and America. 

Read more...