Thursday, May 10, 2012

Things I Wonder About

 I was looking at my buttons and got to wondering why the holes are so BIG in old underwear buttons.  Apparently I don't have enough to think about because I spent about an hour surfing around the Internet searching for an answer. 
As near as I can discover, strips of twill tape were sewn on the garment and then threaded through the holes to tie on the buttons so they could be removed for laundering. I guess they didn't hold up well to lye soap and going through the wringer.  That answer still isn't making a lot of sense to me.  I understand not wanting to damage them but if you were going to the trouble of sewing on the twill tape then why wouldn't you just use that to tie the garment shut and not bother with the buttons at all??  Does anyone know or has anyone seen a picture of the button ON a garment?  Sheesh, the things I wonder about!
Yes, I'm still playing in the altered book.  The page on the right was made several years ago and the one on the left was made last night.  I did use some of that pretty new ribbon to make a border around it.  Funny how something as simple as a new spool of ribbon can spark an idea.  I love it when things like that happen!

9 comments:

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Now you went and opened a big can of worms:-) I never could picture how those buttons worked either. It's no wonder we don't use them any longer- a big accident waiting to happen!

Blessed Serendipity said...

I have never seen these odd looking buttons before but there has to be some crafty thing you can do with them. Now you've got me wondering.

Danielle

vintage grey said...

Wish I could help!! ;) If you find out, let us know!! ;) xo Heather

Andy's Attic said...

Not a clue about the buttons. I do like your quote about when and where to be happy!! :>)

LBP said...

Hello! I just found you via Vintage Mending! You have a lovely blog I love your altered books!

Nice to meet you.

Blessings

Linda

My Vintage Mending said...

Okay, now I had no idea why they were so big eyed. And now I too need to know. Please tell me they washed frequently! How on earth did they take the buttons off and not lose them? Hmm. Love your page...smiles..Renee

The Junque Seeker said...

I have quite a few of those buttons and had no idea what they were, so thanks for sharing! I enjoyed seeing your Lilacs and Spirea in your earlier post, too. Beautiful!

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Now stop that! I have enough to obsess about. I have no idea about those buttons! I do love your altered page, though!!:)

Annette said...

I have several of those buttons and wondered why the holes were so big. I didn't even know they were for underwear!! At least now I know that much!
LOVE the goofy quote!!