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| Product Related Questions - Products for hand quilting |
What is in the Thimblelady's new applique book/DVD?
The new applique book has four parts:
1. Analysis of designs and science in matching materials/tools to designs for better applique.
2. How to perfect needle-turn applique precisely step-by-step!
3. How to handle seams around the most basic 6 shapes from basics to perfection.
4. Applique 20 butterflies to test your needle skills. Don't stop until you are perfect!
The DVD covers the number 2 and 3 (above) in movie motion. So you can't fail to learn!
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What is the difference between your needle-turn Applique book and the others?
In short, it teaches you how to be a better appliquer instead of making another applique quilt. There are two major differences: 1) different approach to teaching applique. This book is needle skill focused not pattern focused. It teaches most important knowledge and skills on matching designs and materials/tools; how to physically applique such as cutting seams, turn seams with needle precisely etc; how to handle seams around curves, points, indents and circles... 2) It covers basics to perfection! Many tricks I have made up for myself because point less then 20 degree, band thinner than 1/10 inch or circles smaller than 1/8 inch was seen as "impossible" before. Now I shared all these tricks with you if you love applique too. Baltimore patterns are not ultimate challenge in needle skills! Read my book and you can do better! This is my promise.
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What is the Thimblelady's Folding Technique?
This technique is the best technique for hand quilting: it enables quilters to quilt better stitches with minimum stress. No more pricked under fingers (no callus either) nor tendon pains. You can quilt better and faster with a long needle as seen on Simply Quilts! My book Perfect Hand Quilting Without Pain shows you all!
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What is the difference between the Perfect Hand-Quilting Book and DVD?
The book has everything in writing and pictures. It explains 1)What is the difference between this technique and the others. 2)Take you through ten excises to learn the technique in hours by breaking it down into pieces. 3)How materials and tools affect the quality of a quilt you make and how to match stitches and materials to designs/patterns. 4)How to make a better quilt (tricks from design to finish).
The DVD/Video (we have two formats for US/ Canada and the rest of the world) only covers the parts best for visual learning - a movie for the first half of the book: the ten excises and trouble shooting.
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Do I need to purchase both the Book and DVD?
You do not need to purchase the Perfect Hand-Quilting Book and DVD if you learn well by reading the book.
But now the latest edition has combined the book and DVD together for a cheaper price! It is the best to have both. How can you help but go on perfecting your stitches when she/he no longer has pains on hands and find out all the tips and secrects of making a winning quilt?! So sooner or later, you are going to want the book! |
What is the Open Cut Thimble?
It is our old design. It is made to fit not just to the sizes but also to the shapes of your fingers. The merit of this thimble is it can be used not just for the Thimblelady's Folding Technique but also for other sewing. Some applique teachers are recommending it for hand applique. The limits of the open cut thimbles are 1) time consuming in hand making them, we can't make the quantity at the speed the market demands; 2) requires personal service to fit thimbles. 3) The thimble can't stop quilters who have already had a habit of bending the top knuckle to stop cramping their knuckles up when learning the new technique. You have to make the effort to stop your hands forming a quilter's claws.
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What is the Cone Shape Thimble?
Our new design! Patent pending. I can't wait to tell you how exciting this new thimble is! The design focus of this thimble is to overcome the limits of the old open cut thimble! It is easer to make so we can keep the price down but the quality up. It is easy sizing (e.g. buy by mail order) as it is more forgiving for the finger shapes (most difference between fingers are at the tips! You can always have the perfect dimple to hold needles no matter how much your finger swollen/shrinks in a day. Better still, the even bigger and deeper dimples give you the best ever control over needles. The best of all is that the cone shape body covers the top knuckle of your finger so to prevent your quilting hand cramping even when I am not looking over your shoulders. I call that "compulsory correction".
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What is the Plastic Cone Shape Thimble?
Our new version for quilters who can't afford a silver straight away! It is the same as the silver cone. Of course, it is not as good as the silver cone thimble and won't last as long (it has been a year since it is first sold and no one has worn one through). But it is just the same to learn the technique. So no one shall be left behind in learning the new technique.
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Which finger is the best for hand quilting?
Any finger can be used for hand quilting using this technique. However, most quilters I taught naturally prefer the index finger (before they learn to quilt with their thumbs). So do I. The reason I choose to use the middle finger instead of the index is because I find, in real quilting process, "pulling a heavily loaded needle" is a far greater job that is better for the stronger index finger. The less strong middle finger, with the help of the strong thimble, can be more productive for quilting. You wouldn't find your middle finger not strong enough. In fact, the hardest thing to learn is to come to terms quickly in your mind just how little strength you need to use when quilting with this method and thimble. I use a middle finger and a thumb which is even stronger than the index finger to quilt and use the index finger and thumb (yes, with thumb thimble on) to pull needle after 12 stitches are loaded.
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What is a correct fit for the Cone thimble?
The correct fit is first it is too small so it can't cover your top knuckle at all even after wearing it for a while. As long as the large end of the thimble can cover the knuckle a bit to make it very uncomfortable to bend, it is a good fit. On the other hand, a thimble is not too big, it slides right down to near your second knuckle and make the natural bending of the second knuckle difficult.
Don't over worry about "covering the knuckle entirely" or your finger changes (swells). That is natural. Everyone's finger changes in winter and summer or even in the morning or afternoon of a day. When that happens you just change the dimples that suits you the best. That is the aim of the design. I have found most fingers are smaller in the evening starting from after lunch and bigger in the morning when you get out of bed. Your fingers tend to be bigger in the cold and dry winter than in the hot and wet summer. Take this as a reference when you measure your fingers.
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Can I use a cone shape thimble on the finger and an open cut one on the thumb at the same time?
The thimbles are not used at the same time - you quilt with one finger or thumb at a time. The difference is in the quilting directions - quilt away from your body with your thumb or towards your body with your finger. In terms of the technique, they are both the same. I wear both when quilting, but only use the finger one to quilt towards me and away with the thumb when pattern turns.
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What differentiates your thimbles from all the others on the market?
The small but revolutionary difference I have made is in the dimples. I make bigger and deeper dimples so we can HOLD needles not just push needles with our thimbles. That gives you a much better control over needles when quilting. By changing the dimples on my thimbles, I find how well one can quilt is determined by how well one can control her/his needle. Once you learn my FOLDING technique using my thimbles, you will find: you don't have to prick your underneath finger to feel the needle coming through; Or the smaller the size the needle, the smaller the stitches you get... Try it! Grandma's old rules were limited by her old thimbles!
Our hand making process gives your finger an individual fit as we make them not in different sizes but in different shapes.
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Why are the thimbles made of sterling silver and 9ct gold?
As we all know, quilting thimble bears enormous pressure through hand quilting. A strong thimble is surely a necessity. Sterling silver and 9ct gold are strong while not too heavy. The principle is simple: One needs to use the right weight of hammer for the nail to save energy.
Another important factor is that silver and gold are known to be the two metals that are most human skin friendly. Other metals are likely to cause some form of skin irritation or allergy. To quilt as long as we enjoy and as well as we wish, a comfortable thimble is a necessity.
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Why are the thimbles and thimble holders hand made and hand polished?
In short, silver/gold-smithing is a process of annealing (softening) and hammering (hardening) through which a silver or gold work reaches its final shape in its strongest form. The hand making process ensures your thimble is stronger than cast ones of the same weight. The hand polishing process gives a well hardened sterling silver/gold thimble that has a fine luster unique to the precious metal that no plated or cast items can compete with.
After handling thousands of fingers, I found our fingers not only differ in sizes but also differ in shapes. Hand made thimbles enable you to have a thimble that is just made for you.
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Can your thimbles be penetrated?
Yes, technically. All thimbles will eventually be worn through, just like shoes. The only thimble that won't be worn through is the thimble you don't use. Those thimbles don't fit any fingers and sit on the shelf to collect dust will last forever. However, I have used my sterling silver thimbles for 6 years now. I have worn through one dimple. But I have made 5 beautiful quilts with it and all of them won prizes.
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Why should I pay so much for a thimble instead of a $2 thimble?
I used to think the same way! But now I can't understand those who spend hundreds of dollars on their shoes but only $2 on their fingers. We should care our hands and fingers just as much as our feet if not more. However, it is not how much you spend that will determine how much care your hands get. Our thimbles are hand made and hand polished in solid sterling silver. This gives your finger the best care the world has to offer. If you even the cost of thimble on the quilts made with it, you can easily see that the thimble is the cheapest in every cent you spend on the quilts. You pay more for threads, needles and fabrics on a quilt. The value of the quilt including its cost can only be realized if the quilt is well made and our thimbles help you to quilt better. Most important of all, you saved pain on hands while making the most beautiful quilts you have always wanted to make. I am sure few would want to save $80 at the cost of injured hands, long, painful and bloody quilting process and a less good quilt to look forward to.
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What should I do to take care of the thimble?
"To keep the family silver shiny is to use it daily." So said my silversmith mother-in-law. Use your thimble as much as you can. To clean the tarnish or grease out, wash it in hot soapy water and dry it while it is hot or wipe it with silver polishing cloth from a general supermarket. To take the scratches out before the silver matures, polish it gently with Thimblelady's special polishing cloth ($1 each) no more than once a month.
It simply shines when the silver is matured. My three year old silver thimble no longer needs any polishing. My gold thimble won't even scratch as it is harder than my needle. Instructions on care of the thimble is attached to every thimble. You will get one when you purchase a thimble.
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What should I do to take care of the thimble?
"To keep the family silver shiny is to use it daily." So said my silversmith mother-in-law. Use your thimble as much as you can. To clean the tarnish or grease out, wash it in hot soapy water and dry it while it is hot or wipe it with silver polishing cloth from a general supermarket. To take the scratches out before the silver matures, polish it gently with Thimblelady's special polishing cloth ($1 each) no more than once a month.
It simply shines when the silver is matured. My three year old silver thimble no longer needs any polishing. My gold thimble won't even scratch as it is harder than my needle. Instructions on care of the thimble is attached to every thimble. You will get one when you purchase a thimble. |
Do left handed quilters need a different kind of thimble?
No, you need a thimble that just fits the finger you want to quilt with, whether you are left or right handed. The reason for that is you will no longer quilt with the side or tip of your finger or thimble which causes all sorts of pain on your hand. I can quilt with both 2 fingers and a thumb on my left hand and 3 fingers and a thumb on my right hand using the thimble. So can you! Hand quilting has never been so easy. |
Do left handed quilters need a different kind of thimble?
No, you need a thimble that just fits the finger you want to quilt with, whether you are left or right handed. The reason for that is you will no longer quilt with the side or tip of your finger or thimble which causes all sorts of pain on your hand. I can quilt with both 2 fingers and a thumb on my left hand and 3 fingers and a thumb on my right hand using the thimble. So can you! Hand quilting has never been so easy.
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Shopping and Ordering Related Questions... |
How to find the prices of your products?
Prices are displayed next to each product in the "Shop" and on the printable order form. With Paypal, you can pay in US dollars directly without hidden currency conversion fees some banks charge.
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What about shipping and delivery time?
All orders are delivered by Australia Post airmail . Free for needles. $5 shipping/order of $10 -$99, $10 shipping /order of $100-$199 and shipping free/order over $200. Delivery time is 2-5 working days within Australia and 4-7 working days outside Australia. |
How can I find out my thimble size?
Our New Easy Sizing Card will solve all your problem! Just to give you a peace of mind. Another easy method is to simply buy our "essential or complete learning package on the home page" of which you get all four sizes of thimbles in the plastic version. In case, you ordered the wrong size of a silver thimble, you can send it back for exchange. |
I live outside of Australia. What is the best way to buy your thimbles?
You can purchase all Thimblelady's thimbles through our online shopping service. Our New Easy Sizing cards have made thimble fitting as easy as a piece of cake! No more worries! Our mail order is timely and low cost. |
What else do I get with a thimble in mail order?
You will get with each thimble a leaflet of finger positions and Thimblelady's contacts. The postage you pay will cover a full insurance of A$100 should the parcel be lost in the mail and a jewelry box to hold the thimble.
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How long will it take for you to deliver my order?
We pride ourselves on immediate delivery which means you should receive your ordered goods round about 10- 15 working days from the day your order is shipped (anywhere in the world). You should contact us if you don't receive your ordered goods in three weeks' time. However, we will inform you in case we experience unusual circumstances beyond our control such as Christmas seasons.
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Could I exchange the thimble with you in case it doesn't fit?
Yes, you can exchange with me any time. But you must not used the thimble. You will need to pay the shipping to send it back to us. And we shall pay for the shipping back to you. We do not refund a silver thimble. We do not exchange a thimble that has been used.
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Do you have a Return policy?
All our products are individually inspected before delivery. However, a full refund including postage will be provided should our products have any manufacturing faults.
See our Ordering page for more information.
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