Finally, I tossed out a worn, torn work shirt but today’s topic is Button, Button. This goes back to seeing my mom, a Depression era gal, cut buttons off of old clothing before she tossed it in the rag pile. She stored the buttons in an old jelly jar with a lid next to her sewing items.
All in all, most of the clothing I no long want is still in good shape, so it is donated to the many organizations that need clothing.
Of course, just like mom, I also collect the buttons off my old clothing which is no longer wearable. However, sometimes, I find uses for old buttons.
What to Do with Old Buttons?
I guess the main goal is to have an extra matching button around if you lose one off a piece of clothing.
However, I also find that you can use buttons for craft projects.
I made this Halloween treat basket and love the sewn-on button eyes.
Here is another craft project using buttons.
This is a cute child’s stocking with dinosaur buttons.
The Rag Pile
I find the best cleaning or painting rags to be either old towels or sheets. Let’s face it paper towels are OK to use but sometimes a wet cleaning rag does a better job.
Presently, I have certain old sheets I use for drop cloths when painting. My old towels are cut into smaller squares and used for cleaning.
Notice that my drop cloth is an old, flowered sheet. One note on this, if you get too much paint on the sheet, it will leak through to the floor layer. However, I’m a very neat painter and rarely get more than a few drops of paint on it.
The below photograph is of an old work shirt I used for gardening. It is faded, worn and torn so it is time to say good-bye.
Ending Notes on Button, Button
In conclusion, we once again try to save the world and reduce landfill items by recycling buttons.
Of course, we are also trying to reuse old towels and sheets for cleaning and painting needs. That saves on paper towels. Year ago, crafting women made quilts out of fabric scraps and old clothing.
Will I ever find a use for all the old buttons I’ve saved? No, that’s probably not in my future. However, I can always donate that button jar to charity. What a neat find for a craft teacher or anyone doing lots of button crafts.
Don’t forget Earth Day is April 22nd!