I forced myself to get use to a thimble. It was very awkward for a week or so and then became second nature. As far as pricking yourself with a needle I think that most quilters just get use to it, though you do tend to learn how far in you can go without blood loss. I think in the three months I've been quilting I've almost got a callous built up. Ah well, part and parcel; the Marquis de Sade would be proud. :wink: