I also use the leather thimbles, it helps me feel or control my stitches better, but I'm also trying to get my fingers toughened up by not using a thimble at all(as my DM has taught me).

I currently use a Thimblelady thimble. I personally find that my hand quilting stitches are much smaller and consistent. I did not get her books or other products, but looked at videos online of the thimble being used, from their I worked out the technique being used.

Anyway, first I tried a Thimblelady thimble - a plastic one - from one of the ladies in my quilting group. I found it quite pleasant, so I bought myself a stainless steel one. Then a short time later I found a sterling silver on online and bought that (for a very good price).

I thoroughly enjoy them, but I would recommend that you try before you buy. You might not enjoy them the same, and they definitely aren't cheap. My first quilting thimble was a Clover adjustable open ended one too.

As yet, I haven't tried any of Thimbleladies other products.

Thank you all for your responses about the Thimblelady technique. I think I will order a plastic thimble and some needles and give it a try. Like you, I think I can get the technique from the online videos without the book/dvd as they are very expensive also. Do not know anyone in my area that has a thimble that I could try. In the past I have had a very difficult time finding a thimble that fit which is why I use the Clover open end, however have some wrist problems occasionally so the pain free method makes a lot of sense. Have the same problem with shoes so don't know why my fingers would be any different :-) Will let you know how it all works out.

Good luck - I hope it goes well for you :)

I agree, I haven't ried thimblelady's way either.