Donna, all I do is hand stitching and know what an OUCHY that can be. Go to most any quilting store or maybe in craft or dollar stores. Anywhere thread is sold, they should have a thimble. It's a little 'cap' to put over your middle or "push" finger. You can buy a medal (very light) thimble or for starters you may want to pick up one of the small pack of traveler's thread which normally has a plastic thimble.....
My OUCHY happened way back in 7th grade when we still used the old medal machines. Machine needle ran thru my nail, into and thru my left thumb and then was stuck in the inner workings of the machine. No 911 back then so someone had to go find the janitor and he had to come remove the needle....none to gently I may add! :cry:
May you and yours have a God blessed Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Year...... BoibbiSue