Hand-made thrift store find - but what is it? (or what are they?)

[sea*dreams]

These are crocheted tabs - each about 1.25" wide by 3.75" long and each with 1" diameter buttons at both ends.

There are 30 pieces, 60 buttons, and a variety of button styles.

Any idea what the maker was planning to do with them before she (or he) decided to give up and donate them?

[terrycece62]

my thought is maybe button version of a sweater clip 

made maybe by a church lady to be sold at a craft church bazaar   other than that not a clue I am interested in others thoughts on this item 

[msmaggie060]

They were popular during Covid. They were used at the back of your head and you attached the mask strings or elastics to the buttons instead of looping the elastic around your ears. Much easier on the ears! Guess you can hang on to them just in case there is another pandemic or maybe one day they will become collectors items!

[terrycece62]

That would make sense   

Boy I could have used one of those during covid