In The Matter of Thimbles

   When I sit down in my favorite place for a time of quiet stitching, nothing seems quite as familiar as my thimble. My thimble shares my journey through the stitches and styles that form the quilt. Together we write a memory and draft a treasure. Hours and hours we spend together..and with all that time logged we better be a good fit. Many thimbles have found my fingers but few have stayed to weather the tasks. Let's open the old wooden sewing box and take a peek at the thimbles that share creative space with me.

   My first thimble was small red and plastic..fashioned after the traditional steel thimble. Having small hands, it was recommended I use a child's thimble in order to get a good fit. Sadly, it just didn't stand up to the volume of stitches being worked by my hands. From there I progressed to traditional thimbles passed over by my grandmothers who stood firm on their conviction these would stand the test. While the thimbles were sturdy and fit fairly well, I didn't like them for quilting. In my sewing room, the traditional steel thimbles my grandmothers wore are reserved for hand work on dolls and dresses instead of the quilting frame.

   I found an adjustable thimble with an open top that was a true blessing. Easily molded to fit my finger with room for my nail to breathe..it was wonderful. For many years this has been my standard quilting thimble. As my quilting motifs became more challenging a need rose for a thumb thimble, but most quilt stores shook their heads at me. Creativity grew as I perused the isles finding an open leather thimble with green plastic reinforcing. Since my hands are small, the thimble easily worked on my thumb for quilting awkward positions. The downside? Plastic thimbles just aren't durable. Replacing them has become difficult causing the two remaining thimbles to be tucked away as I searched a more sturdy replacement.

   On a Google search I found a websight that saved the day. Liuxin Newman aka "The Thimble Lady" was demonstrating her thimble design..open at the top with deep dimples along the thimble..just right for a quilter. Skeptical I was, until I tried one..now I'm attached! She not only developed a wonderful thimble for your quilting finger, but also a perfect thumb thimble.
   The down side of these thimbles is their price..they are a custom fit. There is a plastic finger thimble available at a reasonable price, but my husband knew my plight and purchased the steel version as a gift for me. It is a treasure I have already put to good use and intend to keep employed for years to come.

   So, what do I recommend for a beginning quilter? First, start with what you have. Many wonderful quilters do use the standard thimbles and are successful with them. Comfort is key. If the standard is uncomfortable or just doesn't fit well, try an open adjustable. You are going to spend an awful lot of time with this so be sure it fits well and doesn't cause pain or discomfort. If you are interested in Liuxin Newman's thimbles you can find her at Thimblelady.
   If you have questions about thimbles or any other quilting supply or technique feel free to leave it in the comment box or email me at simplyscaife@yahoo.com .