advice?

[winterknight.livejournal.com]

i can't make eyelets/grommets work (the little silver/brass circles). what's the best brand and what's the best way to apply them? i want to make eyelet tape to alter a pair of pants for my daughter and i'm having no joy here. the fabric frays or doesn't catch or the little pieces that are supposed to fan out end up bent funny... i'm already going grey, i don't need more help. sorry there's no pictures of anything cool. coolness is on hold. :p