I also hand quilt. I think it is a dying art. I quilt on a large frame and use a metal thimble. I also volunteer to quilt twice a month at a historical village not far from my home. It is so fun to see the school children (and adults also) come in and admire the quilts we work on. Right now I have 3 quilts that need quilting here at home. The one I'm quilting on now is called "Three shades of Gray".