I don't know if this will work or not, but several days ago there was a thread on using vinegar as a soak for cracked and dry feet, so I'm thinking why not for the hands? use a search as "vinegar " and hopefully you can read all the results.

I have alway's used Mary Kay Extra Emollient cream on my feet and hands when they get dry.
I use only cotton socks and gloves. I would never use med gloves! They do not breath and may be part of your problem.

I use the liquid bandage on my hand cracks. It burns going on but protects. If I put a couple of layers on, it will last all day. Then I use one of the Aveeno creams--the extra moisturizing (dark blue top) works extremely well. There is also a product called \Quilters Glove that works very well.

These are all good recommendations. But there is another factor to consider. Your fingers and nails are dry and brittle because of the dry climate, but also because you don't have enough hydration inside your body!! Drink at least 4 glasses of pure water every day - and up to 6 or 8 if possible. In a week you will notice the difference in your fingers and nails!

As others have suggested, drinking more liquids should help. Also using a humidifier to add more moisture to your sewing room should make a difference. I haven't tried this on my hands but using a paraffin dip after creaming your hands well will make the dryness feel better.

I had to use Vanicream when I had a stem cell transplant. I was not able to use anything that had perfume in it. It kind of feels like you're putting Crisco on, but it works
Here's the web site: www.psico.com or 1-800-325-8232.
Hope that helps.

Whatever product you use, hydrate your hands before applying it. Wash them with mild soap, gently pat with a towel but not to the point of totally dry. Then apply the product, it will lock in the moisture

Wow, there are lots of products out there!

I used to have cracks at the corners of my nails, too, but now I use pure glycerin from Walmart. Dr. Oz said that glycerin should be the first ingredient in skin lotion. This is least expensive product I've ever used...nice! It is 6 oz. for $2.99 and lasts a long time. I put one drop in my palm and add an equal amount of water. It is enough to put on my hands and face each night before I go to bed. No need to wear gloves. It is not greasy. It is in the pharmacy section. You may need to ask for help finding it. I guarantee you will like it. I had no cracks this past winter, and I usually wore three or four bandaids at one time. You do not need to reapply during the day as it really goes into the skin and does not wash off. I highly recommend this. I used this all winter and only used 1/3 of the bottle.

Thanks for the reminder! It does work! I just drank my first glass of water, with 7 more before I go to bed

First, make certain that you do not have psoriasis as it can behave exactly as you describe, and you may need prescription medication. I also get dry hands from the fabric and cough from the fabric dust. To help, I purchased a True Hepa air filter from Home Depot. Have had an enormous improvement. I slather on moisturizer called "Identity, Organic Hand & Body Massage Lotion". It has helped. Good luck and check out the psoriaisis, my DH has it on his hands.