So who's Doris, then?

www.dorisandco.co.uk - delightful home decor and more - and mugs just right to put your cocoa in - did you see what I did there?

Button-Keeping

 I'm in the process of acquiring buttons, and having them on a card, or in little bags, wasn't working for me.  I did try stringing them together in a random fashion, but then they'd tangle with the others.

Now I thread them up one way (ie, from the back) then down the other side.  If it's a four-holer then I just go down the diagonal.  Then I knot - a reef knot, but with an extra twist round.
Done!
It doesn't work with shank buttons, but I just do them tightly.

Why Not to Knot...

Since I discovered this technique, I rarely use any other way of beginning my hand sewing.  It's secure, easy... and why isn't everyone doing it?
I make no claim on this - it's not my invention - but it's oh, so cool!

I'm going 'big' for clarity

 If you're happy sewing with double thread, then go ahead, and ditch the knot.

Double is easier to thread, for me.

So double your thread, and thread it, loop first

Like this...

First, slide the needle so the looped end is furthest from it, and make your first stitch.

Don't pull it all the way. Put your needle thro' the loop...

Keep pulling - the thread is now secure. Carry on sewing!

Ignore the extra thread you see - I was being a meanie-moo and didn't want to cut my string.

Trimming...

What do I do with this?

Trolling round my local charity shop, already with a handful of reclaimed buttons, I spotted a pair of canvas capri pants - wa-ay too small for me, but with a delightful trim at the knee. Only 50p.

I picked up the pants, mainly to ascertain whether I could easily separate the trim once I got home - and maybe make a bag, or something with the remainder.... but... they were... um... ew... stained!

I asked the assistant whether, as they were clearly not wearable, I could just have the bottom bit, cut off, pay her the 50p and they could put the rest in their rag-bag.

Yesss!  Result.  Everyone happy.

Now... what do I do with the trim?