quiltmom04

I don't hand quilt, but I do hand sew, and use an antique thimble. I found one that fits on the middle finger of my right hand. It's very comfortable, probably because it's old and worn smooth on the inside.

BeckiQuilts

I have a Thumble, but I can hardly quilt with it. I use a needle gripper. It is simply a piece of rubber ( remember the jar opener called a Round To It?) and it works great for me. I don't have a lot of grip on my fingers, due to diabetes, and was happy to find something that works for me. Keep trying.

Sarah CA

Christine, where did you get your open thimble? Did you buy online, and if so, how did you know what size?

Twilliebee

Oh, I'd love to know how you like the Thimblelady products. It looks like a great idea and it's a tough call between her thimble and the Roxanne one.

But I've never seen either one in person or even known someone who uses them. I'd be grateful for any information.

Also regarding Thimblelady, did you need to purchase additional guidelines to use the thimble appropriately? Are the instructions clear and simple to follow?

Thanks so much!

KiwiQuilter

Before I mention the Thimblelady thimbles, just thought I'd let you know that Roxanne's are not available (or I have not seen them) in this part of the world. Roxanne's may be very similar to Thimblelady's - I'm not sure about that.

I had always drooled over the Thimblelady thimbles. Maybe it was the idea of getting perfect little stitches, hmmm I don't know. Anyway, my circumstances changed and the cost of these thimbles was well out of my price range.

A few years passed; still drooling over them, and watching you-tube videos that I found, then a lady in one of my craft groups came along with a plastic cone Thimblelady thimble. I asked her all the usual questions; did it fit well, how did it compare to other thimbles, did she like it, would she buy it again, etc.

She was so gracious and allowed me to borrow her thimble for a couple of hours. Yes - they are that treasured that you would never want them to leave your sight :) Her size fit mine - that was lucky.

Well I thought it was a good thimble, I wouldn't say great or fantastic, but pretty good. More time passed, and I happened to be looking online where I found a stainless steel one for sale. What a blessing - I was the only bidder and got it for a really good price.

I've been using it for about 2 or 3 years now - and my estimation of it has gone up. It fits well, it is better than all my previous thimbles, I really like it, and I would buy it again - in fact I did - I bought a new sterling silver one for my birthday a couple of years ago (too naughty). I feel like I have more control with the Thimblelady thimbles, both from the depth of the dimples, and the dimples being further down the finger - giving you more pushing power (without the pain).

I would recommend trying the plastic version - then if you thought that was okay, then I would move to the stainless steel version. The silver seems to be a softer metal.

I have never bought the additional resources (e.g. the book or DVD). I watched a few you-tube videos, and pretty much got the gist from there. I think the cost of her products overall is pretty expensive - and I didn't want to buy a book when there was only a few subtle changes required to my existing hand quilting style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOP4bUTyrfE
There were also some Simply Quilts videos too... but I can't find them right now. (Hit my broadband limit for the month - so down to dial up speed).

I hope that helps.

Twilliebee

I would recommend trying the plastic version - then if you thought that was okay, then I would move to the stainless steel version. ....................
I have never bought the additional resources ................
I hope that helps.[/quote]

KiwiQuilter, thanks for your very helpful response. I very much appreciate it. I think I will order one of the plastic thimbles. Yes, they do seem expensive in comparison to some other thimbles, but if they are good well made and above all useful I suppose the extra expense is worth it.
Thanks again for going to the trouble of writing such a good and complete review!

KiwiQuilter

Glad my review was helpful. If you have any other questions, just PM me and I'll help you out.

I was thinking about showing a photo - but I don't think that would be very helpful to you. I use a size M (medium) - but since you can't see my finger that's not going to be much help either :(

Definitely shop around - if I recall there are places in the US and Canada that sell these thimbles.

My thoughts on these thimbles (the 2 I have) are that they will be my thimbles for life. Okay, maybe not life, but maybe the next 20 years. I hand quilt exclusively and while working full time I manage to complete 1 queen size quilt a year.

Twilliebee

Thanks again. I've been to ThimbleLady's website and I was wondering if the plastic ones hold up well.
I've also made a trip to your website/blog and may I say your work is stunning! Constellation Traveller is magnificent. The quilting is exquisite.
How is that foot getting on? Are you back to health?
Take care and thanks again, Big Quilty Hugs to You

christinetindell

I got it my thimble at a Millhouse quilts in Wannakee, Wisconsin. I have seen many of them at quilt shows that they can form fit to your finger.

Fabaddict

so far the only one I can wear is a leather one that covers my whole finger - and I have tried them all. I don't do much hand sewing so it isn't really a huge dea.