chamby

If you are not using this finger for pushing the needle it will not poke through until the finger wears thin. I usually get use just one finger when quilting a small project. Remember I use this on mine finger that I am feeling for the needle on the underside just as a guide, not to push the needle through.

Tippy

I have some special pink tape that I use in place of a thimble.. it lasts well and just toss it when I'm through.. Occasionally I do punch through it. I have also used the smallest Nexcare bandaids and they are awesome also... I hate thimbles.. to answer the other question.. you can use porcelain thimbles, but as a rule the dimples in them are pretty shallow and the needle will frequently slip out of them.

quiltin fool

I have a black leather thimble that has a metal strip imbedded in between two leather pieces just at the top portion of the finger. I can't remember the name of the brand but the leather is very comfortable on my finger and the metal provides just the right amount of protection.

Skeat

This is so me too:)! I have tried and tried different thimbles, etc on my left hand, but, if I can't feel the needle, I am not sure it is going thru right;)So, w/a sore finger I go!:)I do know some use the 'aunt becky' and the old timers here use a back of a spoon! Prob the same affect as becky:)What I do find interesting, (and first let me say to anyone what works for you, do it!....)is you have a thimble on your right hand index finger...how do you pull or handle the needle? I wear mine on my middle finger to push the needle thru...took awhile for me to get use to wearing one, but, now that I do....I have even run to town on errands and realized half way thru...I was still wearing it!:)Skeat

motomom

I bit the bullet and purchased this lady's method

http://www.thimblelady.com.au/catego...ting-Packages/

after suffering with pretty severe pain in my right wrist and LH fingers. I cannot say enough good things about it. Not only is my quilting better and prettier, more even, but I have no pain anymore.

The system is awesome. My daughter had never quilted before, and I taught her the method, and this is her first result

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/24111.page

I think her stitches look very professional, even if she is my daughter!

This Christmas, I bought the sterling silver thimble for both her and myself!

gangles

I usually put instant glue on my finger tip that will be receiving the needle (left hand) A couple of coats will allow me to feel the needle and still afford quite a lot of protection.

Shemjo

I am a left handed hand quilter so I use my dimpled ridged thimble on my left hand. I don't use anything on my under hand because I NEED to feel where the needle is and that it has actually gone through all three layers.

BTW, Hello, and welcome from Missouri!