Monday, March 17, 2014

Buttons


I just finished this navy blouse, blogged here
Mood Fabrics' wool blouse with antique gold buttons


I went into the construction process convinced I would use bright gold buttons.  When I went into Joann's all the buttons were just too bright and "fake"  looking.  I happened upon these antique gold buttons with a shank.  These looked great with the navy wool.  The biggest problem buying buttons at Joann's is quantity, you find a style you like and the correct size but do they have enough for your project?  Luck was with me, they had just enough.  Whew!

I usually only buy buttons when I am working on a project, that could mean when I am getting my supplies together or in the middle of a project or after the garment is completed or it could mean when I finally get to Joann's.  That is my only source locally.

I do have a small stash of buttons, I keep a nice assortment of shirt buttons, most purchased Fashion Sewing Supply.  One day, I was in a Singer store a town away buying some thread and they had all their buttons 90% off, yes I loaded up.

What about you, when do you get buttons?  Do you have a stash?  Do you have a favorite online source?


22 comments:

  1. I do have a button stash in part due to Fashion Sewing Supply and in part I blame Kathi R.

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    1. Sounds like Kathi is another good souce

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  2. Like you, I usually buy buttons as I need them. But I do have a "button jar" which is filled mostly with buttons I bought years ago at an auction sale. It was a large ziplock bag about half full of buttons. (I am sure it was the contents of someone else's "button jar"). I do check there first, and am surprised at how many time I find what I need in there.

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    1. That is nice you have such a selection at home.

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  3. I know exactly what you mean about Joann's. Never quite enough of a style for a complete project. And they are my only source in a 60 mile radius. I looked last week on a lovely site, JHB, I think, but was concerned about how true the colors might be.

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    1. It is hard to buy buttons online but at least you can get quantity online

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  4. Lori every single thing you make always looks so polished!

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    1. OH, Faye you are so sweet.

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    2. OH, Faye you are so sweet.

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  5. I have quite a button stash but the question became, do I have enough buttons in my stash for the project at hand? And the answer was usually no, so I have stopped buying buttons that don't have clear projects. I buy most of my buttons at Joann's too.

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    1. I always have the wrong size if I buy ahead :)

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    2. I always have the wrong size if I buy ahead :)

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  6. I shop JoAnns as well, mostly because I like to see the button, can't do that online. And I do stash up whe they have a button sale!

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    1. I need to remember the button sales, thanks for the reminder.

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  7. My stash consists of buttons from ready to wear (the extra buttons they give you) buttons I purchase for a project or the clearance sale buttons. Joann's is my only local supplier, however I did purchase buttons in NY at MJ Trim which put me in a trim and button overload - wow do they have just about anything you can dream up and then some!

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    1. Joen, sounds like a fun place to visit. Someday I would like to head to NYC and spend lots of time in the fabric district.

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  8. I have started to do a big button stash because I usually sew late at night when Joann's is closed. Also, they don't have much selection any more- they have cut way back on their button section. I scour their markdown and buy what I like. I don't buy online because I like to know my colors match exactly. Oddly enough, I stopped at a fabric shop that caters to the Amish and Mennonites and they have a ton of buttons. I bought a bunch. Hobby Lobby also seems to have a different selection than Joann's. We have a local artist that makes beautiful clay buttons and I buy those whenever I see them in colors I know I will wear. A stash comes in handy!

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    1. Sounds like you have several sources and you are right, Patricia, a stash when you sew late at night is a good thing.

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  9. I have inherited several button collections from relatives including my grandma. I think she cut buttons off old clothing before getting rid of it. Having lived through the depression, she only gave away clothing that was worn out. Some of the buttons are really beautiful. I have more than I could ever use, but they are rarely the color or size I am looking for. I am lucky enough to live near Haberman Fabrics. They have a wonderful selection.

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    1. Anna, how nice to have those buttons from your grandma and other relatives. My MIL, cuts the buttons off of old clothing. How nice to have a fabric store like Habermans so close to you.

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  10. Lovely blouse. I have a button stash, hoewever, it seems I never have enough for my project.

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    1. Isn't that the worse feeling, you get so excited to have the right color/size buttons in your stash and then you are one or two short.

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