I started sewing for my dolls when I was 8 or 9 and just couldn't manage with a thimble. My mother urged me to keep trying and over the years I finally got used to wearing one. I think a big part of the problem was the fit. My hands were always smaller than mother's so her's just didn't work for me. Now I keep several thimbles around in different styles and sizes because my hands can be 'fussy.' Sometimes they're swollen and when I'm a little cold they're smaller. Sometimes they just don't want to work at all, but I don't have a thimble for that!!:)