I love my ThimbleLady thimble. Best investment I have ever made for quilting. I first tried the plastic version to see how I would like it and then when that wore out got the stainless steel version. I did not think they were overly pricey compared to spending other $$ here, there and everywhere else for thimbles that didn't fit; didn't hold a needle well, etc. I also like Roxanne needles. I'll use #10; 11 or 12 depending on what I have on hand and what thread I am using for a given project.