Skeat

Gail, I totally understand w/the not being able to use a thimble. I thought at first you might as well as put a rock on my finger.:) I now can not live w/o one! Well, I could, but, I no longer have holes in my fingers, my DNA on my projects from that, etc:)). I also realized I was having a hard time finding one that didn't drop off my finger when I turned it upside down or cut off my circulation. Well, I did find one that didn't do either...and, bought it!:))I forced myself to use it and actually started using it to push the needle thru on purpose...and, loved that driving action:))Such control!:0)Now, I love that puppy! So, my advice is to make sure it fits and just force yourself to try it for awhile and I bet you will love it too. And, no more sore spots on your fingers:))The roxanne comes recommended from many around here too. Keep us posted on your thimble progress! I am sure it will be helpful to so many :))Keep stitch'n Gail!! Skeat

Boston1954

I have two of several things. There is a small kit in my purse for when I go quilting at church on Tuesdays. I do not have to remember anything. I always bring my purse with me so I am all set, if I am not going to work on my own stuff.

Skeat

I like that thinking Boston!!:0)Great idea too! Skeat

bearpaw

I have a Roxanne thimble and love it. After wearing it, I sometimes forget I have it on. It comes in different sizes.

mpspeedy

Hi,

I also vote for the leather ones. I have more than a dozen of them scattered through out my house. Since I am a hand quilter for hire I usually go through one everytime a do a full size or larger quilt. I also quilt with both hands so I use a shorter black leather one on my left thumb. When I quilt left handed I push with my thumb. The leather ones I like best are made of deerskin, have a plastic round disk in them and elastic that helps them stay on. I get them at quilt shops and have gotten some of them through catalogues etc. I prefer the ones that are light brown. I even have a pattern for making my own but haven't used it yet. I have never learned to use a metal one.

Susan F

I just found a new one that is called a jelly thimble. I like the way it fits my finger. i have a hard time with the leather ones being left handed the needle always seems to fall on the seam of the thimble.

pocoellie

My favorite thimble I found at an auction, believe it or not. It's an old one, although I don't have a clue about the age. If you or anyone wants, I have some very small ones that if you would like to try them, just PM me, I'll send them to you.

mimisharon

Oh, I love this topic! I learned to sew everything, even embroidery with a thimble when I was about 6 years old. My Granny and my mom never let us touch a needle without a thimble. I have one with a lip at the top that I love. I use it on my middle finger and push the needle through with.

I tried the leather ones and they just don't last long enough. I have a jell one to use when I have a hang nail but it just feel as this one made in Spain. I have an allergy to nickle but this thimble has never broken me out. It doesn't go far from my side ever.

Hope you find one you like, Skeat!
Hugs,
Sharon

Minda

Skeat,
I love TJ Lane thimbles. I have two of them and can wear them for hours with no discomfort. I have arthritic bumps on my knuckles and these are the only thimbles I can use. They have a lifetime guarantee and can be exchanged at any time for the full purchase price. Look at this site:

http://www.thimbles2fit.com/

Skeat

All these suggestions are just super!! All of you are better then any google search and I have to say 'personal experience' beats all odds of any search:) I am making notes on all the suggestions, making marks on my favorites to keep my search ongoing!:)I am glad I am NOT the only person in the world stressing out over the 'thimblemania' issues of the world:) I appreciate all you are sharing in the thoughts of this process!! As, I am sure there are others thinking the same mental thanks!! Keep them coming!! Even though I do looooove vintage and objects w/history, I have been warned that the older thimbles can be of a softer metal and may not last and end up w/a sad hole in the end. Which to me, would be such a sad thimble emergency for the thimble:) I really don't know that as a 'true' or not...I still secretly look while at flea markets, etc in their glass cases for those tarnished thimbles!:))Keep your thimble ideas and experiences coming!! It's such a huge help and relief! (They do exist in the real world):)Thanks much! Skeat