OFF TOPIC - old fashioned toys

Oh I remember those. Yes the button is put on a loop of thread, then using both hands with an end of the thread/string in each hand, kinda wind it up by tossing it over and over till it's wound pretty tight, then start pulling and pumping, like an accordian type move, and it almost sings to you. Is that as clear as mud? Or did your toy do something different from that? :-)

Sharon (N.B.)

What did you think it was supposed to do? Also, is it the sort of button with holes *through* the button?

Best wishes, Ericka

That's what I used to do........eons ago.

Gillian

Wind up and

Yes - I just can't get it to "wind up". I have a piece of hemp for my twine, I'm beginning to wonder if that is the problem.

That's it! I am beginning to wonder if the length of hemp is just the wrong thing to use. I could make them with yarn when I was a kid and you could get lots of action out of it!

Cheryl

The physics may be against you. It depends on how big is big. Generally speaking a piece of cardboard, about 4 inches diameter, works pretty well. HTH.

I was going to say it sounds like a couple of toys that I used to love when I was much (VERY much) younger - the "diabolo" and the "yoyo". However, Sharon's explanation reminded me of what it really was; if the button was large and heavy then it could be quite a lethal object, especially if the cord or string snapped! (see and )

Is this what you're talking about?

(Buzz Toy, bottom of page) The only thing I can think that might be wrong is that the button isn't the right type or the string you're using is too long/short.

I think it's possible that the hemp is too sticky and is catching on the fibres. I remember doing it with smooth cord.

Lucille

That makes sense!

Cheryl

Maybe--we always made them with a lighter weight string. Also, do you have the loop going through two different holes on the button?

Best wishes, Ericka

Yup - the whole reason I did it was the button reminded me of one of childhood favorites to make the toy with - an extra large, two hole coat button in a dirty gray. I used my grandmother butchers twine. Something I don't have in the house.

C

Ahhh...you can even do it with a heavyweight thread, like a buttonhole twist, though that's a little hard on the fingers.

Best wishes, Ericka

Ouch!

I felt like recreating my childhood. I have to find something in the house that will work! LOL

C

"Sharon" ,in rec.crafts.textiles.needleworkwrote: and entertained us with

No, that's what we did with them. The sound could be quite impressive.

Haha, yes greaaaat !

Similar to one we made from coloured card. I believe we cut small, slanting slots around the edges (same sort of idea as a circular saw, but not so many notches). Panted in rainbow stripes (from outside edge to inside - not around) you had the two effects - both the blurry colours and the humming.

Pat