i was looking through some old projects and i noticed a trend: i tend to use buttons as embellishments.

for example, i put some on tara’s pillows…

and most recently, on these knit leg warmers…

they were absolutely superfluous in nature. not necessary to hold anything together, and definitely lacking in their other half, the button hole.

but sometimes, a project just needs a little something. a bit of interest. a fiddly bit to catch the eye or a different texture to break up the monotony. at least i think so, sometimes. i say sometimes because there is value in simplicity too.

i’ve acquired buttons over the years here and there, though i wouldn’t say i collect them actively. i buy a new outfit and the extra buttons that come in the little package go into my jar of odds and ends buttons. i’ve found buttons at the craft store and the dollar store. i’ve also made my own buttons out of polymer clay.

i’ve taken buttons from other outfits too, and put them on projects that needed them more. it’s true.  i triage buttons depending where they are needed the most ;-)

most recently, the little retro tunic dress i sewed was in need of type-v (for vintage) buttons. to the thrift store, stat!

i found the perfect buttons on a bright orange 100% polyester shirt. this shirt was far too rash-inducing small for any of us to wear, but the buttons were too cute to pass up.

snip-snip, sewed a few loops and they were just right on the patch pockets for the dress…

after the transplant, i didn’t feel right tossing out a perfectly good albeit scarily synthetic — and now buttonless — shirt. i sewed a few plain buttons where the old buttons were. it took only a few minutes and hardly a scar was left behind. back to the thrift store it went.

not as nice as the previous ones, but at least the shirt is usable again, and my conscience can rest.

i’m not sharing this because i want a hero cookie, though i’d love the recipe if you have one. i’m just sharing an alternative source for buttons…

ok fine. i did it so the vintage pyrex gods of thrift would look down kindly upon me. (a small fridgie or two would be most welcome, if they’re taking notes.)