13 Sep
Buttons

Midsommar Button By Pigeon Wishes

By Megan Valero

Our Midsommar button arrived in our shop when the more organised businesses had already started hinting about Christmas. We usually release new buttons in collections however….this new button arrived solo. The last Pigeon Wishes button collection was all the way back in Feburary. Having not released any Spring button collections…..releasing one button was not the plan! 

Getting inspiration for this year has been a bit of a challenge. In the midst of a ‘90’s revival (lived through it, can’t gather the excitement for the return), the loud whispering of luxury or no single new sewing pattern shaking up every sewist on the internet, well… I felt a bit of a lull. Adding mothering, trying to keep afloat through the living cost crisis and just plain losing my mojo…. Everytime I went to plan out a button collection I was paralysed with indecision.

Inspo

Since my son was born, I have spent Summer with my mum. Mostly for childcare but also for a change. After travelling around for two weeks we went back to her house. I was hoping to start the process of gathering together a collection fully recharged. Still nothing was forthcoming. It wasn’t until I stopped overthinking and started to get some creativity back through picking up beading and making myself some flower necklaces that some spark started coming back. 

Already a bit too far into August we made the Midsommar button. Leaning into the simple theme of Summer, in all its cliche romanticism, was the singular button. My mum lives in rural France and spends most of her time gardening, the picture of the garden below is a micro meadow she planted. That along with finally watching the film ‘Midsommar’ I couldn’t escape the feeling of fields and of flowers. 

Image 1 | Image 2

Midsommar Button

Reminiscent of wildflower fields and hazy days, our Midsommar button evokes the season at its most changing. Celebrating rebirth, life and love. They pair well with a Summer colour palette. Cool, bright colours such as light Blue, light Green, Pink with neutral undertones, Beiges and pastel Purples. Available is sizes 15mm and 25mm.

Image 1 / Image 2

Eternal Sunshine

Writing a blog post about Midsommar just as all the attention turns to Autumn/Winter may be a touch anachronistic but I’m just that behind with my blog posts! Plus, I think this button deserves it’s moment. Somehow the Midsommar buttons work beautifully with all the fabrics we supplied this Spring/Summer and after putting them with a darker palette of Cobalt Blues and Blacks they glisten all the more. Call it Dopamine dressing or eternal sunshine but I do think there’s a space for a touch of florals outside of Spring!

Fabric 1 / Fabric 2 / Fabric 3

Shop our Midsommar button here or on our Etsy shop. Happy making!

Best (pigeon) Wishes,

Meg

 

 

13 Nov
Buttons

Our Story | LPMC x PW

The Beginning 

La Petite Maison Couture (Elaine) and I fell head first into sewing garments and dreaming up sewing plans. Leading us to take pictures of ourselves and explain our creations and everything that went into the project on the internet, from the fabric to the seam finishes. This is how we first found each other and connected. We’ve followed each other on instagram for years and years. I was first and foremost Elaine’s fangirl! Her makes, style, outfits, photography skills and just that Paris girl something!

I nervously reached out to Elaine (sliding into her DM’s) last year on a wave of optimism hoping she would be open to collaborate with Pigeon Wishes to create her own button collection. Elaine made me wait nervously for a few months before replying! But it was with a big yes and much enthusiasm! Elaine has such a strong vision and sense of style. I knew whatever she would design would be so utterly beautiful, sophisticated and with that……je ne sais quoi. Spoiler: I wasn’t wrong.

Images @LaPetiteMaisonCouture | Labels

Making a Business

We found, we wanted to create those perfect finishing touches. Elaine’s business (LPMC) focuses on labels and Pigeon Wishes focuses on buttons. The finishing touches of a garment that bring something special, makes you smile a little more and make you want to gaze more closely at the details. We have almost opposing styles, that somehow overlap. I definitely lean into the excess and Elaine is sophisticated elegance. However, colour, pattern and detail is at the core of our fashion styles and preferences. 

The Heritage Collection

We knew straight away that we wanted to create outerwear buttons, drawing inspiration from English roots and Parisian aesthetics. Both of us having experience creating physical products, we knew exactly the feeling we wanted people to have when holding our buttons and as sewist we wanted our buttons to work with as many patterns as possible. Ultimately we want our buttons to inspire and create joy. Sewing has been a massive part of our lives. Enabling us to make friendships and connection, give us focus and respite in times of stress and release our creativity.

That’s our story but now the rest of the story is yours! Buttons will be released 16th November, we cannot wait to show you the collection in full!

Best (pigeon) Wishes,

Meg

21 Jun
Buttons

Paige Joanna X Pigeonwishes 2.0 | Spring 2022 Button Collection

It’s our new collection with Paige Joanna!

Paige and I were so happy and thankful for such a successful first button collection, there was no way we could resist another! Being able to work with Paige and seeing her create such gorgeous buttons has been a highlight of our button business. This second Spring collection holds so much of Paige’s style, inspirations and general joy we know they will add extra happiness to whatever they are added onto. Here’s a little introduction to each buttons……

Blossom Button

Blossom is a delightful button reminiscent of cherry blossoms and pink striped skies. Paige has already used these buttons on a pink Patina Blouse and who doesn’t love a bit of pink on pink? I also see these looking fabulous on lilac, baby blue, mint and other soft palette colours.

Available in medium and shirting size these buttons will add a pink pop to shirts and Sping jackets.

Image 1, 2 and 3

Buttercup Button

The bestseller from Paige’s last collection, I’m sure, needs no introduction. These buttons are back and in a new size. The buttercup buttons are the perfect fastening for summer dresses with slight cottagecore vibes, I can see picnic swishy picnic dress and woven baskets. 

Was it just me or did everyone hold a buttercup under their chin to find out if you liked butter? I always connect buttercups with picnics, slow summer days and childhood.

Image 1, 2 and 3

Ophelia Button

Now the Ophelia is my personal favourite button amongst this collection. I’ve already put a few aside for my own project. Paige was inspired by wildflowers and the Ophelia painting by John Everett. These buttons have an interesting abstract shape and are perfect for a romantic leaning make.

Image 1 and 2 | Image 3

Willow Button

Paige’s little girl is called Willow, so these are her official button. Inspired by the William Morris Print, Willow Boughs, these sage toned buttons draw nature and renewal to mind. Sage as a colour has had a huge surge in popularity, especially in interior design, I’m pretty sure the increase in green paint made and sold has been dramatic! Hands up who has new green walls (me!) 

These buttons can either be matched by a similarly Sage coloured fabric, we stock a beautiful Tencel/Linen which would match beautifully here. I’m also thinking about truly being inspired by the Willow Boughs painting and having an off white fabric to match with these buttons.

Images 1 and 3 | Image 2

All these buttons are available from Paige’s Etsy store and in some of the loveliest sewing shops (one day I will put a list of our stockists together!) If you are a shop and wanting to stock these button, please visit our wholesale shop here.

Happy sewing and best (pigeon) wishes,

Meg

07 Mar
Buttons

Spring ’22 Mood Board | Dreamland Collection by Pigeonwishes Buttons

By Megan Valero

Hello Stitchers!

It’s almost time for our new button collection,  The Dreamland Collection. In this post (like our last button mood board) I won’t be revealing the buttons but I will be sharing some inspiration we’ve had for the creation of this collection. Each collection pivots around a central idea. It’s now March and while Spring is the overarching theme; the colours, the vibe and the general tone is a little more specific. Florals for Spring is always a classic, however I wanted to go with a different twist. Keeping Spring’s colourfulness and sense of renewal, the collection is meant to have a dreamy haze.

I am so excited for this new collection, it’s been MONTHS since we’ve released anything new under our own brand, the last collection was October ‘21! Winter has come and gone, and I think we are all eager for the sun to bless this cold Island with some warmth!

Now here’s a taste of what’s to come…….

Fanciful Button  

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Fondant Fancy? Or just Fanciful.

These buttons remind me of the two best flavours of fondant fancies. Pink and lemon. One of the few times Chocolate flavour is just lacking! Heading towards Spring and (dare we say) picnics and general alfresco eating, this desert is best enjoyed amongst the flowers. We are colour enthusiasts and the rise of pink and yellow together is a joy inducing dynamic. 

Neverland Buttons 

Image 1 | Image 2 | Image 3

Colours that make you either want to take flight into a magical twilight sky or go into the depths of a lagoon filled with mermaids. Seems like there will always be at least one blue and green button in our collection!!! I actually cannot help myself! The next button in this colour combo saga is the Neverland button. 

Surrealist Buttons

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Unfazed by a collision and colour. We love the art movement that wanted to take a glimpse into the human mind. This button is the most ‘Spring’ like but also the most brash.

Daydream Buttons

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Always a believer. 

These buttons remind me of a dreamscape colour palette. Somewhere between sunset and the surreal. Blue and pink are our brand colours and have a special place in my heart. The colours together always seem a bit unexpected but they just work so, so well. These buttons are not an understatement! Meant for the dreamers.

Lucid Buttons

Image 1 | Image 2 | Image 3

The galaxy is deep, beautiful and inexorable. It runs forever. Looking up at the colour and patterns gives people infinite reverie. From ancient times to the present, purple and dark blue always represented dreams and mysteries.

I hope this has made you a bit intrigued! Happy stitching!

Meg

14 Jan
Buttons, fabric

Pigeon Wishes | 2021 Year In Review

By Megan Valero

It was the best of times…it was the worst of times. I think a lot of small businesses have this quote in their mind every time a year ends! 2021 has definitely been filled with serious highs and the corresponding lows. We’ve had amazing opportunities and customers come our way and have really felt our business grow. However, the lingering effects of Covid has shaped our year in ways we didn’t expect (or want lol) and will do so even into 2022. 

Last year really feels like a game of two halves. I was certain at the beginning of 2021 that everything would be back to ‘normal’ again. It was just about having faith and waiting it out. Half way through the year I think we all had to come to terms with Coronavirus being a continued presence and the new normal.

Here’s a rundown of some major highlights of 2021. We couldn’t include everything but hope you enjoy the insight and the behind the scenes of the business.

Pigeon Wishes Buttons

What started as a tiny offshoot, to earn ‘pocket money’ for myself and Olimi has turned into one of the cornerstones of our business. 2021 was our first, full year of releasing our buttons. We had our classic buttons, which are the buttons that have been around since the beginning, plus released four independent collections (Think Pink, Spring Fling, Beaches and Halloween) and two collaboration collections (with Paige Joanna and Cut One Pair).

The response has been overwhelmingly amazing and I cannot imagine our business without our buttons now! Each collection has been such a joy to produce and put out into the world. A massive highlight this year was having a competition to help create and name a new button! The Aberystwyth button (thank you for the inspiration @JenJen.Bollands). It’s a massive pleasure and privilege that Pigeon Wishes can be a part of so many of your makes.

Images 1 The Rag Shop Display | Image 2 Aberystwyth button| Image 3 Cherry Bomb Button| Image 4 Our Buttons

Paige Joanna X Pigeonwishes

Our first button collaboration! I am beyond thankful that Paige said yes to collaborating. Reaching out is always scary, the fear of rejection is real! However, as you can feel through her instagram, Paige is incredibly lovely, kind and open. It was a joy to work with her and I am so happy with our first collection together. Keep your eyes peeled for our next collaboration collection coming Spring 2022. 

Images 1 Pic ‘n’ Mix Buttons | Image 2 Buttercup Buttons| Image 3 Ice Cream Sorbet Buttons| Image 4 The Whole Collection

Best Sellers

Pink and red forever it seems! By FAR our best selling fabric was our pink and red cotton seersucker. The pink and red combo shows no signs of abating and this colour combo is looking to still be incredibly popular into 2022. We have a new pink and red fabric ready to bring out for 2022 we are pretty sure you’ll love! Our cotton ginghams also proved to be popular. Gingham is always a classic but its popularity exploded last year. We were able to source some gingham in fun, unusual colourways, I especially loved the battenberg-esque gingham.

When it comes to our buttons, Painterly tops the charts continuously. Painterly is such a versatile button and there’s not much it doesn’t pair beautifully with. Our surprise hit was our Nightshade buttons, I thought it was a bit of a gamble bringing out a black button but it’s such a lovely twist to a basic we did anyway. It was a good call!

Images 1 Painterly Buttons| Image 2 Battenberg Gingham| Image 3 Nightshade Buttons| Image 4 Pink and Red Seersucker

Opening a Fabric Retail Shop

As I’ve said Covid has really changed our business model. On a personal note, not being able to go back to China and see family has been incredibly difficult for Yuhao. On a business one that meant sourcing fabric has pretty much completely halted and the escalating shipping costs means our wholesale plans have to change due to the increased price point. In our original business plan we were ideally meant to visit China twice a year on sourcing trips. We wanted a business that allowed Yuhao (and Olimi) a chance to spend more time around family and flexibility when it came to taking long, frequent breaks. Which at the time was a pretty good plan! Now, not so much.

We still want to be closer to family and right now that means something completely different. We have a warehouse full and access to amazing fabric so retail is a part of the business we opened last year and this year will really lean into. This year we are also welcoming my mum to the team and while what’s happening next is for another blog, we are really hopeful and excited.

Images 1 Front Page| Image 2 Fabric Section| Image 3 Me (Megan) at the K&S Show| Image 4 YuHao at Studio

The Knitting and Stitching Show

What a massive highlight of the year!!! Exhibiting at The Knitting and Stitching show was not even remotely in our plans. Not just for this year but ever. Since the beginning of the year we had been anticipating attending the CHSI Stitches trade show. Originally scheduled for February, the date kept being pushed further and further back until it was cancelled for the year entirely in September. Around that time we were seeing more advertising for the K&S show and thought we might as well participate since we wanted to take part in a show this year. I cannot say how wonderful it was to meet customers, talk to makers again and just to spend whole days surrounded by other small craft businesses! Becoming an exhibitor was one of our best decisions ever and I really hope to participate in more shows in the future.

Cut One Pair X Pigeon Wishes

Our second collaboration of the year and our second ever. I have long admired Jenny and Louise’s style and creativity. They have such a distinct point of view and I knew that would translate beautifully into buttons. I wasn’t wrong. It was wonderful seeing them open their shop and doing an instagram challenge with them. And yes! There is plans for another collection!

Image 1 Cut One Pair Buttons| Image 2 Product Backing design| Image 3 Hearteyes Button| Image 4 Stardust Button

Yuhao Working for the Business Full Time

By the end of 2020 we realised that it was time to make the leap. Yuhao was working full time and working on Pigeon Wishes whenever he could and I was spending the majority of my time looking after Olimi and working on Pigeon Wishes whenever I could. It was chaotic, sometimes unproductive but necessary when starting a small, bootstrap business. Luckily we were doing well enough that the situation was completely unsustainable and the only way to grow the business further was to have a full time worker. YuHao handed in his notice in October 2020 and by January 2021 we had to rely on Pigeon Wishes to be our sole source of income! Scary! I handle our social media so people mostly know me (Megan) however Yuhao is the true backbone of the business. The business wouldn’t be possible without him and I’m so thankful we can be part of this together. He’s camera shy and a bit conscious of his English (since it’s his second language) but I’m working on getting him to show his face on the socials more.

We Are Still Here!!!!

We are beyond grateful to still be open and running. Every single purchase, recommendation, mention and word of encouragement is greatly appreciated and keeps us running. Being able to add to our team has also been a highlight and blessing! Having Marie (Marie_StitchedUp) write our monthly newsletter, keep blog posts steadily come out when I’m busy and just having someone to bounce ideas off has helped shape what we’ve offered this year. No business can survive and expand without continuous support so a big thank you to everyone who has extended theirs.

The Future 

That’s still a little up in the air! We’re still a relatively new business and even now every month comes with uncertainty. Ultimately we want to create products people love, use and inspire them to sew. 2022 holds new products, new button collections, new fabric and new collaborations! 

Happy New Year and best wishes!

Megan