I have to keep my right hand middle finger nail short so I can get a thimble on it. The rest are long and not a day goes by that someone says to me "Aw, did you break a nail". Beside it looks dumb. If I let it grow out how can I protect my finger, my thimble won't cover it. A smaller thimble won't do as I normally wear a small. Are there special thimbles for this, anyone know? I'm also up for any home remedys. Thanks in advance cuz I'm sure someone out there has a solution.

What about those plastic ones that look like a half of a thimble. They are open on one side. Might that work? I used to have one years go but don't remember where I bought it. Probably WM or Joannes.

I think I have seen open end thimbles somewhere...maybe try Keepsake Quilting? or just do a search for open end thimbles and see what pops up.

there are thimbles on the market designed especially for this. The one I tried is a Dritz Adjustable Thimble.

It didn't work for me because it was too small. Not flexible enough to fit over my finger. I have to figure out a way to stretch it. since you use a small thimble anyway, they should work well for you. Quite inexpensive. i posted a link you can use to either shop for one online or to at least see what it looks like.

http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Adjustable-Plastic-Thimble/dp/B000FKGUFO

There are at least two other types on the market. One would be too big for you. The other looked dangerous to me. No protection against the needle slipping and stabbing you under the fingernail. Ouch!!!

google on "thimbles for long fingernails" to see if there are more.

Thanks Patrice you're a doll. Site says I can buy one at Joannes.

Debbie: thats what I was talking about, but calling it a half of a thimble--the adjustable thimble is under $2.00 at Joannes. Good luck!

I'm sorry, thank you too Vickie. Fifty lashes for me.

http://www.denverfabrics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FD0021&Categ ory_Code=FD&Product_Count=13
Open End Thimble: denverfabrics.com

http://www.quilterslittlehelper.com/thimbles.htm
thimbles

No problem! I just didn't know what to call it. I could picture it but didn't know what they were called :D

This is a rather expensive thimble but, for me, it was well worth every cent. I've never been able to use a thimble before and now I can't sew without it.


http://www.thatperfectstitch.com/products.html

that is soooooooooooooooo not the thimble i pointed her toward. Holy Smoke! I'd have to find a sugar daddie to afford one of those. LOL
:shock:

or maybe 2 or 3 :!:

Yep! But I'll never have to buy another thimble! And it works!! I didn't get the sterling thimble though! :cry:

Not one of the others thimbles that I've tried over the years would stay on my finger.

My battle cry is, "That's why I worked for 31 years!" And as long as I don't do it too often... Sigh! It did take a chunk out of my fabric $$$!

(1) I'm sure you're worth it
(2) If it keeps you from sticking yourself and bleeding all over your hard work, then it's worth it, too.

www.keepsakequilting.com
I've seen them in the catalog I get in the mail.

Good website I just might order one of theirs

Hey Debbie,
Day late and a dollar short, but, Clotilde's has some great open thimbles. I have some stick on thimbles I'll send you if you want them. I can't use them, they bother me. I used to have scuplture nails, but quilting is more fun. lol lol

I'm having tough time typing.....sewed my index finger the other night. First time in 50 years of sewing to do anything so dumb. Because I'm a touch typist not a hunt and peck, I may get some keys wrong, sorry id the words don't come right.

Sharon

psssssssssst!!!! c'mere. i'll tell you a secret.

i use the underside of my sculptured nails like thimbles. otherwise, they wouldn't be worth the expense. (which reminds me ... i need a new set. LOL)

Pssssssst. Mine are fake too and I've done the same thing with mine. We went to an auction last weekend and I was so excited they had an old wardrobe closet up for auction. I had to sit there for 3 hrs waiting for it to come up and I sat there and picked and pulled at my nails til they all came off. Oh God I hate myself when I do that. It went for $360. Of which I couldn't afford but I did get some vintage embroidered linen hand towels. I love antiques.

Either Herrschners or Joann's sells these leather thimbles that has a slit cut in it for long fingernails to go through. I don't remember the brand but I have one and use it a lot.

Regarding the thimbles from "that perfect stitch". Didi McElroy was at the Lancaster Quilt Show several years ago and I wanted to try her thimble. Didi had demonstrated on Simply Quilts. I picked up and tried one and felt it was too small. Didi corrected me and gave me an even smaller one. It was to fit just on the tip of the finger, about halfway down the nail. I thought it should go almost to the joint of my middle finger. When I flip my hand, it does not come off, it stays put until I take it off.

Mine is sterling. It came in a small velvet-like pouch and this is where I keep it. Needless to say, I take very good care of it owing not only to the expense, but because it fits. With my other thimbles, I have to try on several to find the fit because of the swelling in my hands - not the same everyday. My good one fits everyday.

Suzanne

I have a special quilting thimble that I found at Jo Anns that fits only the front and bottem of the finger and the nail goes out over it. It is pink plastic and works just great.

Jane S
Tucson, AZ