I have been quilting hand quilting for over 35 years and still have sensitive finger tips when starting a new quilt. I am now quilting 4 quilts for one lady. I am on my second one and have caluses (sp) on two fingers. My daughter has been piecing quilts for some time but did her first hand quilted full size one recently. I had learned from a quilting group at my church that "Liquid Band-aid" helped and she said it really worked. Hope this helps. Keep quilting. Don't let this art form die.