Notion noun [plural noun: notions]

1.    A conception of or belief about something.

2.    an impulse or desire, especially one of a whimsical kind.

3.    Notions [plural]items used in sewing, such as buttons, pins,hooks.

 

I love sewing notions – and especially whimsical representations of them – like my ‘cotton reel’ which is Bob made as an occasional table, and my 'button' which is a necklace, [and my much loved, but sadly lost, 'zip-pull' ear-rings]

So I was really thrilled with a Christmas present from my cousin – ‘button drawing pins’ We were rather late exchanging gifts this year, which is why I have only just got them –but here they are up on the pinboard.

In case you are wondering, the pins are holding up the Periodic Table Of Sewing Elements – a fabulous chart which my friend Pat told me about [find it at the Scientific Seamstress here]

It is full of wonderful words from the sewing room – but when I looked at Ar, I wondered what armscye was. Another new word to learn – armscye means armhole – believed to be Scottish or Ulster dialect, from arm’s eye [Nana Go-go and Mags, do either of you know this term?]

Thanks for all the kind comments about my first Dorset buttons – I have to say they are a lot easier to make than I expected. The skill is clearly in creating the spokes evenly, and making the crossing place right in the centre. Practice, practice, practice!