Thimbles from the Mary Rose

The Mary Rose was Henry VIII's favorite ship.  Sadly, she sank in 1545.

https://maryrose.org/

The wreck was discovered in 1971 and raised in 1982.  Guess what they found onboard?  Thimbles!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1178680860969808&set=a.559825776188656

The thimbles were used to mend sails and perhaps clothing as well.  It's fascinating to think how much we stitchers have in common with the Tudor sailors.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Thimble for Those Allergic to Nickel

The Royal School of Needlework in England sells thimbles that are nickel free.

https://royal-needlework.org.uk/product/prym-thimble/

If you or a friend are allergic to metal jewelry, it's most like the nickel in the alloys you are reacting to, so these are a great find for someone who can't normally use a thimble.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Using Curved Needles in Finishing

Starke Art shows how to use a curved needle and fishing line in finishing.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO4gKQVgC8I

There are some great ideas for those doing self-finishing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 22, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Leather Ring Thimbles

Deanna has a new leather thimble that she just loves.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2926508684092937/

These are made to measure (you measure your finger with a piece of string, something that all of us have easily available!) and the ring is sewn together.  If you want the outside to be dimpled, you need to ask for this.  A variety of colors are available and you can probably get them decorated, too.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeepWoodsLeather?ref=shop_sugg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/737319654/simplistic-leather-ring-unisex-stackable?ref=shop_home_active_8

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 23, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Style Thimble from Clover UPDATED

Shannan at Bobbin and Fred has done a thimble review about several styles of thimbles. I don't often use thimbles in needlepoint but if you do or you want to try using one, they aren't very expensive.  They also make hand sewing much easier.  I do use them when finishing ornaments.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/04/thimble-review-and-diy-needlepoint.html

Because Shannan's in the UK, I did a search to see if the open-sided thimble is available in the US.  It is.  Remember, it comes in two sizes only.
https://www.clover-usa.com/en/thimbles/249-open-sided-thimbles.html

UPDATE:  SL says these are not actually new.  She's seen them around for quite a while here in the USA so anyone interested ought to be able to find them fairly easily.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My New Silicone Thimble

My New Silicone Thimbles, One Trimmed Down

Regular Blog readers may remember Mary Corbet's foray into using silicone finger protectors as a thimble.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2018/04/mary-corbet-macgyvers-thimble.html

I thought it was a clever idea and since I'm prone to split skin around my fingertips, I started trying to find local sources for these things.  We don't have cooking stores in my area but we do have several big box craft stores and I got lucky in the glue section of Hobby Lobby.  I found the same silicone finger protectors Mary used marketed as hot glue gun finger protectors.
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Basic-Crafts/Glues-Adhesives/Mod-Podge-Hot-Glue-Finger-Caps/p/93942

The package has three of them, two Large and one Medium, for $4.99 plus tax.  I have small hands but the Large fitted my fingers and thumb well.  However, they were too long, so I took my paper scissors and cut half an inch off the bottom of one of the Large finger protectors.  Now it works great!  I've used it a little and find it both light weight and good protection using tiny beading needles.  Their eye ends can be sharp as you push them through something dense but so far, I haven't had a needle sink into the silicone, much less go through all the way and stick me.

It feels good on my fingers and thumbs—it isn't heavy like a metal thimble is--and will help protect any fingers with issues.  I am not certain how good it would feel it I were stitching on a sunny beach with heat, sweat and sand. Perhaps one of Blog's readers will take one for the team and go on a beach vacation with a few packed away for us and report back?

Thanks, Mary!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet MacGyvers a Thimble

Mary Corbet put her Mad Scientist gear on and made herself a fabulous new thimble!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/my-thimble-substitute-it-works.html

These appear to be similar to what Mary used if you prefer not to patronize Amazon.
http://www.joann.com/finger-protectors/12536330.html

Thanks for the tip, Mary.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tools for the Fingers and Needles

The latest shop newsletter from Amy Bunger has a lovely section on tools to protect fingers and pull needles through canvases.  Some of the tools she recommends are inexpensive and can be found laying about the house.
http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0817.pdf

All of the things Amy mentions can be ordered from her shop if your favorite shop doesn't stock them.
http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Interviews Sandy Arthur UPDATED

Have you seen Sandy Arthur's Shapes books, or lusted after one of her cyber classes? Then you will enjoy her interview on Fiber Talk.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/05/21/fiber-talk-with-sandra-arthur/

If you aren't familiar with Sandy's classes, stitch guides, apps or books, here is where you can get acquainted.
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/

UPDATE:  The thimble dots that Sandy mentioned from Colonial Needle can be seen here…
https://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Colonial-Needle-ThimblePad-Pack-of-12/6203865/product.html

and here.
https://www.createforless.com/Colonial-Needle-Thimble-Crown/pid230119.aspx?utm_source=bingProdAds&utm_medium=cse&CAWELAID=530001980000096533&catargetid=530001980000165791&cadevice=c

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 21, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Project Bags and Thimble

The World in Stitches has new styles of Walker project bags and a new style thimble from Anne Brinkley, too!
http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2014/02/new-walker-bags.html

http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2014/02/no-one-is-more-clever-than-anne-brinkley.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Antique Stitching Tools

Are you fascinated by antique needlework tools?  Quail Run is!
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/antique-needlework-tools_2.html

Gay Ann Rogers has a few copies of her Silver Thimbles book available from her website, in case you are interested.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/books.html

She also has pages about thimbles, sewing tools and thimble collecting on her old website.  Here's the home page.  Choose a section and browse.
http://www.gayannrogersannex.com/site_2/Home_Page.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com