There is a first time for everything :)

[Lorchen]

It's the very first time that something on this site has not worked for me, so I wonder if it's just me, or a more general problem.

If I want to watch 'Alex on Thimbles' I get her smiling face, and her dulcid tones, but no movement. So, anybody else out there who can hear her, but doesn't get moving pictures with it?

Lorchen

[Lorchen]

It played fine for me. Hope you get it working alright for you!

[Lorchen]

Thanks a lot, Christi! Because of your response I went back and tried again. Must have been some sort of temorary glitch, because now Alex is moving just fine. So I'm going to go back now and see what she has to say about thimbles.

Pst...... (I hope the quilt police is asleep).... I have never ever used a thimble, and I have been doing all sorts of needlework for just about 50 years.

Lorchen

[Lorchen]

Ouch!! You must have tough fingers!

I'm glad it worked for you!

[Lorchen]

Lorchen and Christi, sometime back, there was a problem with a video and Ricky said that there are 2 or 3 servers, and sometimes we might get linked to a server that isn't working. He said to wait a few minutes and try again and you'll probably get linked into a new server that is working. So if it doesn't work, just wait and try again.
Hope this helps, Sharon in TN

[Lorchen]

I've been wondering if anyone out there has fake nails and is able to use the thumbnail as a thimble when quilting away from yourself. I do tend to use a thimble when quilting towards myself, but often use my thumbnail to quilt away. I keep wondering if the sturdy fake nail would work as a thimble? Anyone?

For those who are unable to get used to a thimble - I first used the little black leather one and when I got used to that I switched to a cheep metal. I'd love to get a higher quality one but haven't really seen them anywhere and can't imagine ordering one on-line without being able to try it on.

Does anyone use anything on the fingers below the quilt? Mine are so callused and ugly! I've never tried the spoon-tool.... NA

[Lorchen]

I use a product called Skin Shield. It is a liquid bandage that you brush on. I put several layers on my under quilt finger. I can still feel the pressure of the needle coming through the fabric but I am pricking the layers of bandage and not my skin. When I have pricked it enough times that I am feeling the pain, I add another layer or two. At the end of the quilting session it peels right off.
Hope this helps. Betty Ann in perfect weather in Florida.

[Lorchen]

I actually like to use the leather thimbles on my finger under the quilt because it gives good protection without being too tight. Also, sometimes I find it helps in moving the needle back to the surface of the quilt. But, that's just me!

[ljkn52]

I don't usually like thimbles but did have a leather one that was fantastic. I used it so much I wore a hole in it and haven't been able to find the same type for a replacement. Yes, NancyAnn1959; I have acrylic nails and use my thumb nail much of the time as a thimble. I'm sure Alex would frown at that but it works for me.

[mknavy90]

Great advice, All! I have been doing more handwork and have been trying to figure out what to do to protect my finger under the fabric...... the poor thing has more holes in it than I would like to admit! I was actually thinking about trying a piece of masking tape (or course, my hubby would probably recommend duct tape - the solution for EVERYTHING!) I may try that liquid skin...... thanks again for the advice!

[mknavy90]

Hi all, I haven't been quilting lately, but I've been playing guitar. For non-quitar players on the site, a callous has to build up on your fingers. I use Super Glue on the tips of my fingers as a 'callous' and it works great! Also, in the winter, my fingers split around the nails, and super glue is good for that. Be careful, though. Yesterday I had the super glue on my index finger and thumb. I accidentally put the two fingers together and almost didn't get them apart!! Another time, I was blowing on the super glue to dry it and accidentally got it on my tongue and touched my tongue to my lower lip. In case you're wondering, moisture makes it 'dry' faster. Another tip: keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay 'usable' longer.

Take care, Sharon in TN (quiltnlady)

[QuilterLynn]

And you can get it OFF with acetone based nail polish remover!

[QuilterLynn]

When Suzanne Marshall was on the show, she mentioned that she uses electric tape from the hardware store on her finger to protect it when it gets sore. I haven't tried it yet, but I was thinking of trying that or the liquid bandage on that under-the-quilt finger.
-Tina

[QuilterLynn]

I have said or typed it before several times on this forum, the liquid bandage works GREAT. I can still feel when the needle come though the fabric but the skin is protected from the prick of the needle. When the patch on my finger gets roughed up, I just add another layer. The stuff lasts forever because so little is used with each application. Go out and buy some. Betty Ann In Sunny Florida

[Judymc]

Sharon, your Super Glue story reminds me of the time I was in the emergency room for a kidney stone and a woman came in that had accidentally used Super Glue to put on an artificial eyelash and had glued one eye shut. I preferred the kidney stone if I had to choose! :lol: