I attended a 4-day quilt retreat last week and came home with a lot of ideas and tips but the best one is making your own thimble. I dislike thimbles a lot but have to try to get used to them. Never have and it has been 65 years.
You can make your own thimble by using animal wrap. The kind they wrap animal legs. You can get it at a farm store for about $2.50. It is about 3" wide. You cut in about an inch from the edge and make it 3 1/2" long. Then cut off the next a half inch and fold it 3 times. Then put that piece over the end of your finger and wrap the 3" piece around it, pulling it gently so it stays in place.
Now, you are ready to sew. Wonderful. The end of the needle does not go through your finger!! When I need to leave the sewing, I put my thimble inside the wrap so it won't shrink. When I need it again I remove the thimble and stick my finger in the wrap. OR you can just make another one if you want too.
Hopefully, some of you will enjoy this.
Nan
Wall Warmer