Notion salvaging?

[nuisance26]

~Do you salvage notions off of clothes?
I was about to salvage a zipper off a beat up vinyl diaper bag today but decided that if I cut the flap off right and put a few holes along the edge it'd be a great zippered pencil case for a notebook. But usually I salvage good zippers. It only takes a minute with a seam ripper.
I'll salvage shell, novelty and shank buttons, especially if they're pearly buttons. I only use these in novelty projects because I love the buttons too much to use them on clothes. I wanna collect them.
I used to salvage velcro but I hit such a good deal on it new last year that I don't have to salvage it anymore.
A few years ago I cut up a ton of jeans and kept the zippers. I still haven't found projects to use up those 4-6 inch zippers beside a coin purse here and there.
I've salvaged purse handles, D rings, magnetic snaps, O rings and sport gear clasps. Most bags I've made have recycled notions on them.
I always salvage good lace and eyelet.
So it's hit and miss with me. I really need to stop saving the zippers, or save and donate them!
Besides the zippers, I have a feeling most of the little things I've saved will come in very handy for making clothes for my dd's toys over the coming years. I've got a lot of ideas for that lace.
What do you save?~

[Judi Dial]

I've been known to, but I've never salvaged zippers, as I never put them in anything! (I remember the horror of Mrs. Berry's clothing I class all too well...)

But yeah, I do save buttons, buckles, velcro (sometimes)...mostly I salvage clothes for the fabric.

My

Judi

[mauimagic]

Yup - I'm also a salvager!! The fasteners - velcro, zippers, buttons, etc are all great for preschoolers to practice with. I just sew them onto appropriate fabric - and use them for each child to practice with - it really helps to have one of each for each child for group activities. The children will also choose these pieces on their own. Velcro pulling is a wonderful activity for children with autism!!

[sunshine]

I salvage the material, zippers, buttons, hook and eyes,lace, ribbons (starch, and an iron make them look new) and any unique areas that i think will make good appliques, etc.

[Michelle]

Yes, I salvage all that I can, unless it's from something I am donating to Goodwill or a similar organization

[Imarachne]

If a garment is wearable-no holes or stains-I give to the goodwill. If it is in bad shape , i salvage all I can from it like zippers, buttons and fabric pieces for patches and quilted items.

[frugalfranny]

Yes, about the same as the other posters said.

I don't always remove the zippers. But buttons and everything else is a potential......depending on 'shape' of item.

[Ali Lee]

Salvage lady here, too. Always keep the buttons, lace, elastic, etc. Comes in handy...