I am glad to see this thread. I have been wanting to ask the question that was asked recently asked about counting. I have always been told you should get 12 to 15 stitches an inch. Had one teacher says she always gets 12 stitches on her needle. When not using a frame, I get more, usually 9 to 12, except, I learned I have counted them wrong. If you only count the top stitches, how can anyone get 12 stitches to an inch, let alone on the needle. As far as the thimble I use, I always use platinum needles, with them you are not to use metal thimbles, so leather it is :cry: I think the platinum go thru the material easier. (they are also harder on the finger if you don't use a thimble) Used to buy them easily, but not so any more. :cry: