December 3, 2013
Now that my mother is living in a nice warm climate, I’ve repossessed some sweaters that I have given her over the years. My favorite is this Irish cardigan, from the Blarney Woolen Mills…
But I didn’t like the wood buttons. There’s nothing particularly wrong with wood buttons, I just didn’t like them. So I changed them for bone buttons.
I’m much happier now…
Sometimes you just have to really look and think through why you’re dissatisfied, and take appropriate action. This was a $10, 20 minute fix. I now have a cardigan that I will literally wear for the rest of my life.
love,
Janice
Was it the colour contrast? Or that the buttons would distract from the lovely texture?
Melanie
I think it was the woodsy, folksy sort of feel that the buttons gave to the sweater – very "A Quiet Man" costume kind of feel. I wanted to emphasize the texture of the sweater while wearing it with more black and grey (of course), and I felt like brown buttons didn't really work well…
I do this a lot, either because the manufacturer used plastic buttons and I want mother-of-pearl, or tho change the mood. And it's such fun browsing though a button store! eBay has been a good source of specialized buttons.
That is so funny, because I have done exactly the opposite. I bought wood buttons whilst in Germany, because all I could find in my neck of the woods were the plastic variety. I was much happier with my change too.
I do this alot, Janice. But, I go to Goodwill and find beautiful buttons on a garment which costs next to nothing and change them out on other garments. Buttons can be expensive if purchased brand new…thrifting buttons can be a lot of fun!
That's a great idea! Buttons can also be re-purposed into jewelry.
I do this quite often. The most dramatic change was the midnight blue sweater with the cheap, bright white, pearlized plastic ball buttons. The kind where the pearl paint chips off the first time you button them. Who puts white buttons on a dark blue sweater anyway? I found frosted glass buttons in the same dark blue shade. The sweater looked about 700% more expensive.
Such a fantastic idea. I prefer the bone buttons as well.
I did the same thing with a jacket, which came with non-descript, plastic buttons and I replaced them with silver metal, military-style buttons. Much nicer!
You've inspired me. I have a black jacket that desperately needs new buttons. I don't know why they thought light gray buttons were a good idea but they bother me enough that I rarely wear it. I am adding new black buttons to my shopping list. Thank you! That sweater looks cozy. The new buttons are an improvement in my book.
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thanks,
you are the best readers in the world,
Janice
What a lovely cardigan, Janice. I've done the button switch before and it completely changes the look oo a garment. :) Simple trick that extends the life span of clothing.
Good point! I can't remember changing buttons (though I probably have), but I've shortened a couple of hemlines to good effect. I decided I just couldn't rock the midi-length skirt so I'm a lot happier with on-the-knee length.
Your reader can add your blog to her blogger dashboard. Once you open your blogger account, go to dashboard, then click "add" , which is in the upper left go the screen. From there, type in your URL and she should be golden.
Ah yes! Changing buttons seems so small, but it makes a huge difference. I think you can spot a good seamstress by the buttons alone, when you make and love something you just cannot inflict upon it the sad excuses for buttons that manufacturers think will pass for the real thing. And nothing perks up a thrift find or a tired item better than new buttons. Good buttons go on and on, I have several sets from my grandmother that have been used countless times by my mother first then myself.
Great idea and reminder Janice! I had a pink Spring coat with big white buttons that was looking dated. I switched them out for black buttons. That coat worn with black slacks became on trend!