What is this?
 

My mom used to sew a great deal - curtains, clothes, etc. She actually used to take daddy's suits and cut them down to make her skirts and blazers to work in. Unfortunately, she is getting some dementia and vision problems and no longer sews.

I have borrowed her sewing machine and her sewing suitcase, where she keeps all things sewing. I found this in box. The box is only labeled Sears Kenmore (same as her machine). I know she purchased something to help with ruffles when my daughter was born, 31 years ago. Mom made the curtains for her room. Is this possibly the ruffle maker attachment?

Thanks for your help!!

it is a buttonhole attachment. I have one on one of my first kenmore machines. Forgot how to use it though

Ha Ha yup, its a buttonhole attachment for a Kenmore zigzag.. i have one exactly like it, cant remember how to use it either LOL

My first Kenmore had this attachment. It was a pre-1980 machine. I think the screw on the left there attached to the machine. The disk on the right has the different sized/style buttonholes. The disk rotated so you could pick the size/one you wanted. I believe mine came with two different disks that you could interchange. Something followed the pattern of the buttonhole shapes on the disk. And the needle stitched through the oblong hole in the middle.

Interesting piece. For buttonholes huh?

I too have this but I have the whole setup. It's part of the button hole maker for my old Kenmore that I got back around 1980. With having newer machines that do it automatically I would never bother using it but at the time it was the best!

Had to sleep on it. :D It had a stitchplate that had a rotating little gear that fit into the buttonhole templates. Just set your zigzag stitch, put the gear in the chosen buttonhole, and go to town.

I loved that machine, but wore out the zigzag gear inside doing applique baby quilts by Gingham Goose. Once I made the first one for my SIL, everybody I knew got pregnant. :D

Thank you all for your help! I appreciate it!

They are right. I have my Mom's Kenmore

I loved that machine, but wore out the zigzag gear inside doing applique baby quilts by Gingham Goose. Once I made the first one for my SIL, everybody I knew got pregnant. :D[/QUOTE]

I was curious to know what "Gingham Goose" patterns are. Found a bunch for sale on eBay. I do remember them, but never made any. Very cute, but very '80's.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/gingham-goose-quilt-pattern

You can still buy them from their website: http://www.ginghamgoosepatterns.com/...?dir_cat=11637

Is the manual still with the sewing machine, it should tell you how to use it, never have seen one like this.

If the manual is still within reach it should have instructions on how to attach it. If not then go to google and type in Sears Kenmore and the model. Maybe someone else has a web to go.

I have a few gadgets that I don't know what are or how to use either. So, don't feel bad!! Did you find an owner's manual???

I agree that it is for button holes.
I have an old Kenmore and the manual as a pdf.
I'll try to see if it gives instructions. Can't recall if I have that particular gizmo, but I'll look. I never use this machine 'cause I like the Elna better. :)

Talk about memories! I saw those buttonhole attachments and I could smell them. Mine had a very distinctive plastic odor. It's been years since I thought about my old Kenmore. We had fun. Thanks for posting.