Upcycled Eyeglass Chain with Amy Barickman

How about a quick, easy and practical project to make for yourself or a gift? Our friend Amy Barickman shares a tutorial for her clever idea created with buttons, a t-shirt and needle and thread.  

The project will be a tether for your face mask or alternately you could use it as a fabric chain for your eyeglasses. A full supply list will be available on the printable instructions, just follow this link to have them delivered to your Inbox. https://amybarickman.com/free-tutorial-instructions/

For those who may not know Amy. She has been a creative entrepreneur for 35 years and founded the sewing pattern company Indygo Junction. In 2010, she published Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework Cooking Sewing Fashion and Fun, which was inspired by Mary Brooks Picken and her work at the Woman’s Institute in the 1920’s. Amy continues to inspire makers in vintage made modern style on her blog at AmyBarickman.com and with her online courses at VintageModernMakers.com.

Not only do you receive the t-shirt instructions, but Amy also shares a design created with wire using this technique. 

Amy loves vintage notions and buttons are her absolute favorite. In this project, she features Mother of Pearl Buttons. If you are looking for fun ideas for your button stash, including some unique jewelry like this stacked Mother of Pearl Pendant,  check out Amy’s Buttonware book. You may purchase the PDF version on her site here. Amy’s passion for pearl buttons also led her to create an online course sharing this notion’s fascinating history, visit her DIY course site vintagemodernmakers.com for more details.

We love the idea that you can customize this project with color for a gift that highlights team spirit or someone’s favorite color. Here is Amy’s mom celebrating her love for the Kansas City Chiefs!

Here is an example of both options for either glasses or your mask. The bulb safety pins work well as an easy way to attach the chain. (2 options for photos here)

If you enjoyed this button project, receive more of Amy’s best ideas by joining her newsletter and enjoy these fun tags you can embellish with buttons along with a Magic Pattern in her five-page printable gift!

We love the idea of having special guests on the Sewing With Scraps site so, be sure to let us know what you think and if you want to see more.