Julie your work is stunning, I love the batiks against the black, it certainly is going to be an awesome piece when it's finished :D
Have you tried the Ultra Thimble? I happened across it and LOVE it, it is a small steel thimble disc, that sticks to you finger wherever you prefer it to sit, I tend to use the side of my middle finger, and can position it just so, which still leaves me good 'feel' as your finger isn't enclosed. I often forget that I have it on and wonder what the tap tap tap on the laptop keyboard is tee hee!! The stickly pads are reusable lots of times, just don't have any handcream residue on your skin as this stops a good bond!!
Here's a good close up picture
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/8027.htm
Well worth a try :D