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Member since 6/18/04
Posts: 12
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Posted on: 12/19/09 6:36 PM ET
Hi All,
Hope everyone in the snow storm area is safe and keeping warm.

I came across a template for the Singer vintage buttonholer. It's called an Eyelet template # 161231. It looks like the other oval template sizes/types except it has a pea size hole in the middle. I've searched & searched in all my books & online but can't find any info as to what this template does. It was the word eyelet that caught my attention as I love vintage clothing and vintage eyelet dresses, blouses are a weakness for me. But it's driving me bonkers that I can't find out what this template does ! I've never heard of an eyelet type button hole?? I'm getting to the point of down right Hissy Fit mode

If anyone has any info I would oh so much appreciate it!!
Take care, Teresa
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Member since 9/29/05
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Posted on: 12/19/09 6:49 PM ET
In reply to snoopydancin
As far as I'm concerned, eyelets are just that...eyelets.
They aren't buttonholes.

They're decorative. You can also do a couple of them and thread yarn or decorative string through them...you get the idea.
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Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 12/19/09 6:53 PM ET
In reply to snoopydancin
Snoopy, the eyelet template makes eyelets, and this particular template is included in many of the Singer buttonholers sets. You could use an eyelet template to surround a hole on a belt. You could also use it to make your own eyelet fabric, but I think it would be much more convenient to buy eyelet fabric in a store.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
Member since 6/18/08
Posts: 2609
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Re: Help W/Vintage Singer Buttonholer Template Ive Never Seen (posted on 12/19/09 7:05 PM ET)
You should know that this template is extremely rare, and people have been known to pay quite a sum for one...

This one's listed for $40, but I've seen them go for $60:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Singer-Buttonhole-Eyelet-Template-Missing-This-One_W0QQitemZ300379062598QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45effcc146
  
Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 12/19/09 7:47 PM ET
I have this Singer Buttonholer, and it includes the eyelet template.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
Member since 1/20/08
Posts: 1301
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Posted on: 12/19/09 7:55 PM ET
In reply to Soolip
Quote: Soolip
You should know that this template is extremely rare, and people have been known to pay quite a sum for one.

Really!!! I did not know that! Nearly every buttonholer I have ever gotten my grubby paws on has had that eyelet template in it. That is really interesting that they are a rarity.
------
Michelle

http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 6/18/08
Posts: 2609
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Posted on: 12/19/09 8:56 PM ET
In reply to Michelle L
Singer buttonholers came with 5 templates. 4 additional templates were sold separately, and the eyelet template was sold in a little tiny box all by itself. You are lucky if you got that template along with a buttonholer. Most buttonholers can be had for cheap, and quite often the sellers (and bidders) on ebay know nothing of the rarity of certain items -- in this case a "part". That's the best way, of course, to acquire these elusive little things!
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 12/19/09 9:42 PM ET
In reply to Soolip
Hot dog! I KNEW that little doodad would be pricey! So I kept it. Now it's an investment. Yippee!
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Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 12/19/09 9:44 PM ET
In reply to snoopydancin
You can use it to embellish. The eyelet part could be cut away (like eyelet fabric) and you can embellish it, much like a flower. I have an old Singer book that shows some tricks using this little gem. I'll try to get some pictures, but I'm not promising much.
------
"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine

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Member since 9/3/06
Posts: 8552
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Re: Help W/Vintage Singer Buttonholer Template Ive Never Seen (posted on 12/19/09 10:32 PM ET)
Back in the 50's when my mother sewed all my clothes, almost every dress had a belt..belts were made with a fabric covered buckle and the eyelet was used for the holes..

I'll look for embellishment tips..I just got a new(old) sewing book and under the section on buttonholes, it shows the Singer buttonholer as well as how to do the handworked ones..

I also got the template with my Singer Professional model buttonholer..now I'll have to try it..
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2009-113.25 yds
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2011-80.25+30+donated
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Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
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