Here is a nice video of Jean Brown showing how she uses it. She makes it look pretty easy. http://www.quilterstv.com/channel/video/265
Last spring I injured the finger that I wear my thimble on to rock the needle so I didn't know if I could ever use it to hand quilt with again but after watching the video I think I would like to do it that way.

I am a hand quilter and have used a cloth tape, you buy at the drug store, I don't know if I could use the Aunt Becky Finger protector, I also need to feel the needle.

I couldn't figure for a while what you were all talking about. Then it dawned on me, I have one of those, bought at a quilt show. I hate the darn thing. I can't get the hang of it, I use my fingers on the bottom, they are never sore. its the top finger that gets all the hurt. I can't find a thimble I really like or can wear. I am new to hand quilting, am not fancy basic stitches is all. I do the rocking quilting tho and as I said its the top fingers that get all the flack. I have a pretty good collection of thimbles and none of them work, have tried leather, metal plastic, you name it I have tried it. No haven't bought the real expensive ones, that I can't make myself do. Can't fit the cheapies, and to pay that much for one that won't fit and I won't use, well that knocks me out of my chair. I am glad to see that there are you out there that did buy them and can't use them like me. Oh did I say that outloud. Thanks I feel better.

Rita

I Googled for comments about the Aunt Becky. Some said that it's really important to use the right kind of thimble with it. This thimble is sold on Jean brown's website but you have to kind of hunt for it. From what I can figure out, this is the type of thimble that has a deep indentation on the top -- sort of a rim around the top. Someone who watched a demo said that the end of the needle is held inside this indentation, near the rim edge, and the thumb holds it there.

Again, from what I can tell, the needle is held stationary this way while the underneath finger moves the fabric onto the needle. I watched a video that demonstrated how Jinny Beyer hand-pieces, and it is a similar technique in that she holds the needle stationery and manipulates the fabric onto the needle for the stitches. She is amazingly fast at doing this!

I think that, even once you understand the theory behind each technique, it can take quite a bit of practice to get good at it. The advantage is that it's a lot faster. I have seen knitting techniques that are similar -- where the knitter manipulates the yarn onto the needles instead of moving the needles -- and again, that is much faster than our traditional methods.

I've only been handquilting a few years. For the most part, now it's all I do. I've looked at Aunt Beckys protector several times and just cannot figure out if it would work for me. I now use a small lap hoop like she does, 14" round. Whether floor frame, PVC or lap, my quilting is the same. I've tried the drugstore tape and can't get the hang of it. I have to feel that the needle is on the other side. I've considered using the liquid skin too, and I still might.

What I really want is a callous on my finger. I know, what a thing to want! But I do, I'm trying to form a callous on my index finger so it won't be so painful. It's so hard to describe to someone who doesn't stitch anything that I'm not pricking myself at all, but it's still painful.....oh well.

For now, I'm still sticking to feeling the other side. Just not in my comfort zone I guess. I use a generic 87 cent Walmart thimble with the lip on it for quilting. I don't necessarily rock or not rock the needle, though I do try to put at least 4 stitches on the needle at once. I sometimes rock the needle, other times the fabric. It's all one fluid motion if my quilting space isn't too taut.

I have heard of the Aunt Becky but have not been able to find one in any of the quilt shops around here......
Does it really work that well?????????? Thanks for the site.... very interesting.

want to try it one day.

Scrap Quilter

Just bought the Aunt Becky after watching the video last night. I can't wait to try it, I know it will take time after being a rocking stitch hand quilter. I already have the thimble, it is the one I learned to hand quilt with over 25 years ago, they are not really that hard to find. I have been using the one with the deep brass cap since the 80's. I can usually find them at LQS or Quit shows as well as online, clotilde and Creat for less http://www.createforless.com/Needlea...2-8801cd2af630 and create for less.

I will let you know how it goes, I have several projects I am hand quilting on right now.

G'day

I also use the Aunt Becky's finger protector. I have had it for many years having purchased it on a trip to Florida from Australia. So many people ask me where to obtain it and after another enquiry today, I got on the internet and found it. So now I plan to buy a few of them as gifts for quilting mates. The markings on mine have nearly been worn out but I did manage to decipher it and so have been successful in finding the source.

Aussie Janie

Diamonds,

I need to find Aunt Becky. Seriously, I am wondering if you have any contact info from when you bought it. I want to sell the little finger protector on my site. It is a perfect add on. Any thoughts?

Harry B.

Jean Brown sells them on her site: http://www.jeansimpressions.com/
Scroll about halfway down the page and you will see them. I really like mine.