About 5 years ago I started an applique quilt... the calendar quilt with various barns by Piecemakers... It was, unfortunately, my first needleturn applique quilt and I struggled along both with the small piece sizes, technique and sore fingers. But I really liked the idea of quilting a picture, so I plugged along... on and off... for most of the year before life got busy and I fell so far behind that all I did was collect the kits and I box them up for another day. I actually completed only one of those blocks with the pieceing and embroidery. I have another seven or eight blocks with all but the tiniest pieces appliqued and none of the embroidery. (sigh)
I've done other applique and handstitched projects since then with much bigger pieces and discovered this leather thimble at one of the quilt shows. I like the elastic-y part that was tight at first but stretched to a more comfortable fit in short order. I would sometimes lay my work down and walk away forgetting I had the thimble on until someone would ask what I had done to my finger!... it became a part of me.Here's a picture of the working side of it. It is hard to tell in the picture, but this one is about ready to be replaced. It has been getting a lot of use lately as I'm handsewing those Cheddar Bowties. That gray area where I push the needle through is getting worn thin and the needle is starting to poke through to and into my finger. I am hoping it will last me until the next quilt show comes along and I can purchase another one.
Bonnie Hunter is doing a linky thing on her blog today where everyone can show their thimbles and extol their praises... or not. You can read about it here: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-thimbles-up-monday.html I am heading there now to link up and read your post!
Think I may have purchased one of these thimbles at JoAnns. Or you could try online.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a well loved thimble! Maybe stock up at the next quilt show so you don't run out of your favorite.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if you could turn the thimble around in the meantime and use the leather from the other side? You might be able to order these online also.
ReplyDeleteI have that kind of thimble too, but I have modified it to use on my thumb when I'm quilting on my floor frame. I find I only need a "thumble" when I quilt in the frame. When I'm quilting in a hoop, I just turn the hoop the direction that is most comfortable for my hand.
ReplyDeleteI think I have seen this type at JoAnn's or at my local quilt shop, it's made by Dritz, I think.