Windblown--I know what you mean about "quilting fingers" and I used bag balm when we had animals, but because I was alergic to sulfa of all kinds I had to quit using it. Then remembered when I lived in a different state that a few ladies I knew worken in a factory putting boxes together. The edges would cut their fingers badlyy till someone told them to put Cam Pheneque on them as many times a day & nite as they could . and not stain anything, for a few weeks. After that if they used it 2-4 times a day the boxes would not cut them and it worked. They kept a bottle at home and at work so they could use it at lunch time etc.. I know I used it for a while till we didnt have farm chores to do and it worked.
Just remember not to get in eyes, Hope this helps. :-)

Imak

I use the firgerdots also and love them! I get them a Wal Mart sewing dept.,Maryjo's in Gastonia,NC,Craft stores also has them in the sewing
dept. You can reuse them also.

They sound like a great idea, but not available at walmart here. They only carry small amount of quilting supplies. I will keep checking as what they have changes every week and sellls really fast.
Meanwhile I have been using shampoo for dishes. It's mild and has a grease cutter. My second thing I do for all the punctures and cuts and cracks in my hands is to rub them with olive oil, and put on rubber gloves till it soaks in. Most hand creams sting even those with no purfume. the fact that mineral oil comes from a process of gas refining gave me the idea of trying something natural.
I suppose you could eat salad with your fingers while wating for it to soak in. LOL
This is the latest in my search to help my poor hands in the northeast winters.

I have some of the dots for my left hand, to catch the needle. The problem is that my Granny taught me to 'feel' the tip of the needle and the dot's don't allow the feeling. Granny also taught me to use the thimble early on (I begged to learn when I was about 7 or 8) She said the only way to be able to cook meals later without the added liquid from the hand/finger, was to use a thimble. If they fit properly, they are like an extension of your hand, not an impediment. ('course, this woman, my Granny taught me to clean and scrub with bare hands before there were rubber gloves, so now I can't really feel anything is "clean" until I burn the skin off my hands! sigh :shock:

Sharon

This may sound silly, but try several coats of nail polish on your under finger where the needle hits. It tear up more polish than skin, and I can still feel the needle. When my finger gets real sore, I switched fingers, then used my nails to stop the needle, which was not good on them. This works better.

Well I must be doing something wrong because I seldome actually stick my finger. I use a thimble on my pushing finger but not underneath, as soon as I feel it touch, I turn and go back up. Maybe I quilt a lot slower than most? I use a very short needle so I can only load 2 stitches at a time, does that make a difference?
kathy

Thanks, Norah, I'm going to try it. I rarely put the polish I have on my finger nails as I wear it off handing fabrics and paper to much. This will work better!
Sharon

Try using mole skin on your fingers. It is a liquid that you put on and when it dries it doesn't restrict movement. Hikers use it to keep from getting blisters or cuts when they hike long distances. You can get it at drug stores and sports stores.

It worked for the throw I am doing.

Sorry, didn't mean to post twice.

It's ok, I got rid of the first one. Boo

Nina, that's a good idea to try also. I have some in the cabinet from the days I was able to hike and go about with the Boy Scouts. Thanks,
Sharon

Have any of you tried the leather thimble from Wal-Mart? It has worked wonders for me. I think it can be helpful if you get in the habit of using it. I do better with it. I cannot get used to the metal thimble. But, I love the leather one. Try it.