In my infinite wisdom, I decided that I must have a hand quilted table topper for Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately, I have 4 days and my fingers are killing me. This is my first project. I have the 20' squared top made and half quilted, but it is looking bleak to have it finished by Friday.

I have a thimble and it works great, but I was wondering if you had any additional wisdom to get through. Heck, I have even resorted to band-aids. :roll:

am told to use "Bag Balm" liberally and gloves at night.

Well, my fingers grew callouses and that helped! LOL It is painful, but the end results are gorgeous. I know it hurts, but you do get immune after awhile.

Chocolate. And wine. White wine if you want to avoid stains. Red wine if you want an excuse to scrap the whole project.

bandaids aren't a bad idea. If I haven't hand quilted for a while I put something on the finger that is under the quilt. Have tried flexible leather thimbles, those plastic sticky dots and have used things like smilie face stickers - just something to keep that finger from getting too torn up but thin enough that I can still feel the needle coming through the quilt.

Now that's the best advice I've heard for hand quilting! (Hand quilting and I do NOT get along!!).

To the OP - best wishes for you to finish your project in time for Christmas Eve. I'm sure it will be beautiful!