Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Clam Shell Buttons


Buttons Made from Clam Shells
 Happy National Button Day. 

Don't we all remember our Grammas and our Moms saving jars of buttons!  All sizes, shapes, colors.  Older buttons were fancy, some with rhinestone centers.  Ladies didn't think of throwing a piece of clothing away without first cutting off the buttons.  In fact, not so long ago I emptied a quart jar of buttons out on our livingroom floor and had fun simply sorting through them.  My favorite ones were the irridescent ones made from clam shells.

Our Grammas and Moms darned socks, they mended farmer overalls, bluejeans, and they were forever sewing on buttons.  Today, I'd be hard-pressed to find a spool of thread and a needle around the house. 

Thimbles were a mainstay in every lady's sewing basket, as well.  The thimble was worn over the finger that pushed the needle through the fabric.  The lowly thimble, too, has become a thing of the past. 

Buttons and thimbles, such little things, yet the memories they arouse are amazing, aren't they?  Then add the sound of a squeaky wooden rocking chair rocking back and forth, and it's just like pushing the rewind button on life.