Sunday, March 31, 2013

Buttonholer!

Today we got together with my parents for Easter, and my mom had more things from my grandparents' estate.  Mostly she just picked out stuff that was nice for me, my brother, and my sister to divide up.  But this was especially for me.

My grandma's Singer buttonholer.


The machine she was using most recently was a Kenmore, but the machine before that was a Singer.  Apparently this was the buttonholer for that machine.  I found a video on YouTube that featured, I think, this buttonholer hooked up to a Singer 27, but I can't find it now.  I'm sure the good people on the Treadle On mailing list will be able to help me figure out how to use it. 

I'm pretty excited.  After the kids go to bed I'll try to figure it out. 

Next weekend my grandparents' house will be opened up one last time to let their kids and grandkids take what's left.  I'm going to go and take any of Grandma's sewing stuff that's still there.  I'm sad to do it, but I'd rather go and have it end up with me instead of just ending up on the curb.

7 comments:

  1. I know how you feel it, all my family knows that anything sewing related will come to me. My dad passed away last year, but my stepmom already told me all of her sewing stuff was coming to me when she died. I'll take what a want and share what I don't want.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It makes such a nice remembrance. I'm glad your family understands that!

      Delete
  2. Those buttonholers are the best! They make the prettiest buttonholes.
    If yours didn't come with manual, there are manuals online. If your Singer 27 is a side clamp, then yes you should be able to attach it to your machine. I always stitch twice around when making a buttonhole since this makes an even nicer stitch. Remember to grease the buttonholer with Singer sewing machine grease; those directions can be found in the manual. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have one just like that as well as an older one in the original cardboard container. My mom used one with her 201. Although I remember using it, I don't remember how it worked. I haven't yet tried either of the the two I have--I guess I've managed to go years without making a buttonhole! Have fun with yours! And I hope you are able to rescue many more sewing treasures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It works so nicely! I don't think I'll use it much either, but it's definitely fun to play with.

      Delete
  4. This gal's video has attached a scanned manual if you don't have one. The gear is what gets a little bit of grease, a must for maintenance. The directions tell you not to start at top like she and some others do in their videos. Follow manuals directions pages 10& 11, that's the key to making them pretty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGJD4VYVU08

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thanks! I saw the video, but missed the part about the manual. I'll take a look at it - my button hole really puckered the fabric, which I'm sure is user error :) I can't get over what a clever device it is!

      Delete