Pat:

Sure, that counts

I had a tin and a glass jar full.

this is an older thread but I'm just noticing it LOL

I have a button jar that belonged to my great grandmother..... she gave it to me when I was little (apparently; because I was too young at the time to remember). I have no memories of her but am blessed to have this button jar. It's made out of what looks like an old coffee can or chocolate drink mix can. Its filled with tons of buttons some of which may be considered antiques if there is such a thing as antique buttons. When I was a kid, I'd entertian myself by organizing the buttons (by color, type, etc.) on the floor. Yeah, I'm a dork. LOL.

Anyways. That's put away with other childhood  momentoes. I do have a place where I keep spare buttons (those that come iwth shirts and stuff) in case I need to fish one out for something.

Have a blessed day,

Julie

I have one!  I also thought that everyone else had one :)

I have one that my uncle made for my grandmother when he was in boy scouts. I loved playing with the buttons when I was a kid and I was thrilled when I finally got my hands on it for keeps. I like to find buttons at estate sales because they don't make them like that these days. Now they are all cheap and plastic. Blah...

I always have to refer people to the I dropped the button box crazy quilt site in Australia!

http://inaminuteago.com/buttonquilt/buttonboxgallery.html

This could be one of the reasons I have started getting so many buttons!  (Visions of grandeur?)

Gayla, it is surprising that people don't know about a button jar or box, but when you think about it, these days clothes are usually donated to organizations or passed down intact to friends, neighbors, relatives.  In older times, people would wear clothing until it could no longer be worn, then buttons, snaps, other fasteners would be removed.  The cloth would then be made into rags if of no use as clothing, or cut into strips for rugs, or pieces for quilts.  If people are into the donation of clothes, the most they would have as extra buttons would be the extras that come with garments when new.  I think even pockets might be saved for use on newer garments as a shortcut.

Last night I found two whole new categories among the bags of buttons:  cufflinks and belt buckles.  My old canning jars and canisters are holding more than foods these days!

I have one of those jewelry organizers that will hang up -- one side fabric and the other plastic pockets.  I keep cards of fashion doll buttons in this, as well as tiny trims suitable for fashion doll wardrobe items.  I think the fashion doll buttons are 1/8", a trifle smaller than baby buttons.  Were you the one going to create a box for baby buttons?

juju_mommy:

some of which may be considered antiques if there is such a thing as antique buttons.

Oh yes, there are collectors who pay serious $$$ for rare buttons.  Of course, there are books on the subject!

Lynnea Berr:

In older times, people would wear clothing until it could no longer be worn, then buttons, snaps, other fasteners would be removed.  The cloth would then be made into rags if of no use as clothing, or cut into strips for rugs, or pieces for quilts.  If people are into the donation of clothes, the most they would have as extra buttons would be the extras that come with garments when new.  I think even pockets might be saved for use on newer garments as a shortcut.

Youngest DD came home last week to shop for 3 tiny buttons to finish an infant blessing/baptism gown she had crocheted, with matching bootees & bonnet. (Beautiful!)  She couldn't find buttons small enough, so we went through my button jar - - small white buttons from the collar tabs of a dress shirt were just the right size, & there were more than enough for the dress that was done & the one she was finishing up.

I always cut all the buttons off anything that wears out.  Always have.  I have 3 button jars - one for whites & two for others.