Mumsnet Talk

I have a bag full of spare buttons for clothes and have not got a clue which goes with which, anyone have a system for storing those little plastic bags?? thanks

system??

I have a box. Buttons go in. Not sure I've ever used any of them though.

Umm, I guess you could take a pic of garment & button. Save in folder of pics on computer, marked, 'for days when I have time to faff with spare buttons', or something.

Or sew the button onto the label inside the clothes, like some shops do for you anyway. Then atleast you'd know where it was.

What? Surely you can look at the garment and choose an appropriate button? Am I missing something here?

I write "blue blouse from Next" or whatever on a small piece of paper, pop it in the little plastic bag, then mislay it.

Don't you just stick them in a box then look through box for button that is the same as the other button on the clothes when you need to replace??

I have a spreadsheet that colour-codes garments (a major tone for each family member, and shades within each tone for their individual garments) and then I put an appopriately coloured sticker of each drawer of my button filing cabinet. Don't other Mners do this?

I sew the button on the garment then cut an extra hole so i can use it.

Or how about making a whole new replica 'dummy' garment to store the spare buttons on, and filing each of these replicas in the wardrobe next to the original master garment. Its the only way to be sure.

I was expecting some of this but it was a genuine question, point is I don't have time to rifle through the whole bag looking for the appropriate button. Like the piece of paper idea

I am in awe of your organisational commitment really. I just think 'oh pretty, shiney' then lose them.

I lazily cleverly leave them attached to the garment.

I have spilled wine all over my keyboard now thanks to Eleison's suggestions.

MrsMcJnr - I really think you need to get out more!!!

Loving your work, Eleison.

Please tell me you aren't in the UK Savoy!

LOL, I wondered what you meant flamesparrow till I saw the time of Savoy's post

Also loving Eleisons ideas

Mine just go in a pot. Never used them once

No, Australia so that was my evening wine and now I have just had my weetabix and Castlemaine XXXX