While reading about thimbles, in preparation for hand stitching my Fairy panel quilt, I remembered the rolled gold thimble my Mum had shown me. It originally belonged to my grandmother, and was given to Mum when her mother passed away.
Mum knows nothing of the history of the thimble, other than that it belonged to her mother. She had never seen it being used. We've been able to find a little information online, but not as much as we'd hoped.
J.F. is the mark of James Fenton, one of the four top thimble makers in England during the Victorian era. He ceased making thimbles in 1922.
We can't find any reference to rolled gold thimbles. Everything we've read refers to sterling silver thimbles. I'm not sure what the base metal is, but it certainly doesn't appear to be silver.
I know nothing about the sizing of thimbles. In fact, I know nothing at all about thimbles and have never mastered using one. This one is a size 9. It fits comfortably on my little finger (two photos above) and snuggly on my ring finger (below). Do people wear thimbles on their ring fingers? I can't fit the thimble on my middle finger, which is where I think thimbles are normally worn, and I have a reasonably small hand. Perhaps it's a child's thimble.
Mum and I would both be thrilled if you could throw any light on the origins of this thimble.
Do you wear a thimble when you sew? Is it worth me persevering learning how to use one? Although I don't think I could buy a rolled gold one to fit me.
... Pam
don't forget, people 100 years ago were smaller than we are now, I'm sure that included their fingers. I would put a thimble on my ring finger as that's the finger I use to push the needle through. I've tried it and when I'm wearing a thimble, I just use a different finger so they're useless to me.
ReplyDeleteYou should try contacting Mary Corbert (Needle n' Thread). She's incredibly knowledgeable about all things needlework. Her readers are often asking her questions and she'll either point you in the right direction, or write an article about it! It's worth a try anyway.
Since it fits your baby finger, you could wear it while (whilst! very British :D) drinking tea - that way you're bridging the years between you and your grandma, and looking mighty snazzy while doing so :D
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about thimbles as I don't use them - I just don't like the feel - I deal with hamburger fingers on those occasions when I sew by hand :D
I don't know anything about thimbles and I have never really used them while sewing. However, I do have my great-grandmother's thimble that she used when hand quilting. It has a little hole in the top because she used it so much (as I've been told). I never knew my great-grandmother, so her thimble is special to me.
ReplyDeleteI had joined a hand quilting group for a couple of months. They wear their thimbles on their middle fingers. I am finally getting used to that! One lady had a thimble with an edge on it that worked like a finger nail to push the thimble through with, I really liked it.
ReplyDeleteHere is a linky party on thimbles.
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-thimbles-up-monday.html
What a great piece of family history Pam, I hope you find out more answers to your questions.
ReplyDeleteLove to read this!! I hope you find out more answers to your questions.: )
ReplyDeleteHi Pam
ReplyDeleteI learned to hand quilt wearing a thimble on the middle finger of my right hand since that's the one I quilt with. I load the stitches with the thumb and forefinger, then push with the middle thimbled finger. That one is beautiful. All the dimples are helpful to hold the eye as you angle it thru the fabric. It's a keeper. I have many thimbles, but the most useful is the cheapest, fits snugly not tight, has lots of dimples.
LeeAnna Paylor
Not Afraid of Color! lapaylor.blogspot.com
I think I'll really have to give it a a good and persevere with a thimble for hand quilting, LeaAnna.
DeleteHow neat! I hope you're able to find out more about your thimble.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun piece of history. I've never used one- though I had a project recently that caused me so many stabbed fingers it would have been helpful!
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning !!
ReplyDeleteSomething really special !
I would love this little beauty in my sewing room....:)
and please dont wait with checking Ottobre...you wont regret it !!
best wishes xxx
It's definitely a piece of history.
DeleteFeeling happy and proud to say that this is my favorite Blog. The postings are very unique and also outstanding performance with the new creativity and Excellency with the new different ideas and concepts. Artificial Grass Wall
ReplyDeleteHowever, if the article covers different methods of threading, such as in sewing, programming, or other contexts, it could be informative and useful for readers interested in learning about this skill. Providing clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, and perhaps even visuals or examples could enhance the article's value and make it more engaging for readers.
ReplyDeletenew jersey divorce attorneys
I had joined a hand quilting group for a couple of months. They wear their thimbles on their middle fingers. I am finally getting used to that! One lady had a thimble with an edge on it that worked like a finger nail to push the thimble through with, I really liked it. To get a clear guidance about filing a protective order in virginia Our skilled legal team is here to help you.
ReplyDeleteRequesting review or feedback on university seminar or presentation on new statutes. Provide specific details about content, presentation style, clarity of information. More details will help provide better feedback. abogado dui southampton va
ReplyDeleteA licensed professional, a lawyer advises and represents clients in a variety of legal matters, including criminal, family, personal injury, and business law. By educating people about their legal rights and options, representing them in court, settling disputes, preparing legal documents, conducting research, and standing up for their clients' interests, they play a critical role in society.
Dovecot is a robust server that offers efficient email storage and retrieval, extensive configuration flexibility, robust security features, user-friendly management, and excellent community support. However, it has areas for improvement, such as overwhelming configuration options for new users, insufficient documentation for advanced features, and higher resource usage. Despite these issues, Dovecot is a solid choice for both small and large email systems, and with improvements in user onboarding and documentation, it could be even more accessible.fairfax county hit and run Your trusted advocate with a proven track record in navigating legal challenges. Committed to securing justice and delivering results for every client, every time.
ReplyDelete