I’ve never been able to sew comfortably with a thimble. Several very earnest attempts have been made. Each time I would give it a go I ended up taking it off after 5 minutes and grumbling about wasted money. But now my life is changed forever! I’ve been doing a lot of hand sewing and my middle finger on my right hand is REALLY tender from getting poked so much. I took a hand embroidery class this morning (can’t wait to finish and share what I made). The instructor, Margret Darrah of Mad Dog Quilts, suggested this simple little rubber thimble that they carry at the store. It is fabulous and it actually fits. The rubber adapts to the exact shape of my finger tip without cutting off the circulation. The hard rubber at the end easily grabs the needle eye to push it through. Oh, and it cost $1.95. Cheapest one I’ve ever tried. Go figure.
I feel your pain … I have the exact same ailment on my right hand’s middle finger. It’s been sore all day long and I did try to use a thimble, but it just wasn’t working out the way I thought it would. I’ll have to give the rubber thimble a go. Can’t wait to see what you were working on in class.
although i don’t feel your pain (i haven’t done much hand sewing) — i do love the picture you took!
I have the same anti-thimble affliction! I always take it off within a few minutes – can’t stand it. I guess I’ll have to go look for the rubber one. I do love inexpensive things
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And I agree – that’s a fabulous photo!
Thanks for the compliment on the photo. I took a photography class 3 years ago in Santa Fe. Besides being the oldest capital in the country it’s also the photography capital. Lots of talent, many of them teaching to make extra money. I had the opportunity to experiment with a Macro lens. I ended up purchasing one and have never regretted it. It’s fun to take close up shots like this and pick up all the detail. I also like experimenting with the depth of field in such a mini format.
Ooo – might have to go find one of those. I’m just so clumsy when I try to hand sew (except binding — I think I’ve got that one down) I figured my dislike of thimbles was just due to inexperience.
THANK YOU! I have always had issues with thimbles, and grumbled along just dealing with the tender finger- I am out as soon as possible to find this. Can’t wait to see what you’ve made in the class!
Thimbles can be difficult, that looks like the perfect solution. I’m looking forward to seeing what you started making today.
Hi and thank you for your nice comment (on flickr) on my lime pincushion. I’ve just scrolled through your site a little bit and am in awe of all your sewing project. I have a sewing machine and can manage to use it to get different pieces of fabric stuck together but I hesitate to say I can actually sew! I especially love the colored pencil holder you made for your daughter–beautiful and inspired.
Barbara
This sounds great. I am doing a lot of hand sewing and it really would nice to have a thimble that I can actually use. The leather thimbles are kind of okay for me but still a bit too thick to sew with. I hope the one you discovered are available here in Japan.
Good jpb on the photo!
I found your entry doing a google search for “rubber thimble” because I’m considering getting one for my knitting. I knit with DPNs and small ones at that (US sizes 1 and 3), and they’re doing damage to my left index finger. I know you’re not supposed to push the needle back, but I have to a lot with my tiny knits.
I share your loathing of regular thimbles and I too have bought too many just to be annoyed. Do you think that these rubber ones would protect from constant knitting needle bumps on the side of the tip of the finger? Or is there only protection right at the very tip?
And as others have said, the picture is great.
Kathy I wanted to tell you I bought one of these for Chloe yesterday. She thinks it will helper when she needle felt. Clarice