I have purchased shirts from thrift shops - never want to pay much for them and the bigger the better. My first buy was a 4X - didn't realize how large it was until I was putting it in the washer! Our Goodwill has a 'bin' store where you go in and it is all tossed into bins - you buy by the pound so shirts are much cheaper this way. I always look for the biggest, prettiest ones and they have to be 100% cotton. When I cut them apart, I don't usually save cuffs and/or collars unless they are big enough to get a 2.5" square from. I always cut the buttons off - can't bear to toss them and there will be a day when I wish I had some of them. I sort by color and store in drawers so they are easier to use - but I have been thinking about tossing them all into a large jar and using it for decoration while they wait for other uses. I am sure my five year old grandson would love to go through them from time to time to find the perfect button for his grandma! lol