Roxanne Thimbles ?

[Judy M.]

Hi everyone - I have been reading a lot about the Roxanne thimble, the one with the open back. It is along the lines of the Clover open sided thimble - the reviews on the Roxanne one are very good, but does anybody know whether the Roxanne is available in the UK? I could order online from the US, but I am wondering if it would be difficult to get the sizing right, especially as I would need to find a US ring sizer to start with! Thanks, Jacky

[Judy M.]

Hi Jacky, I'm having similar problems with the TJ Lane thimbles. They're not sold here and though I have contacted a sales team it all seems to have fizzled out. I don't think they think I'm a serious purchaser!! Very frustrating.

Does anyone know if there is anything decent on any of the stalls at the NEC show?

[Judy M.]

The TJLane thimbles are open sided as well aren't they? I haven't done any searching around for those - I'll be at the NEC in August - it is so huge it would be easy to miss thimbles though!

[Jo H.]

I'm in the US and tried to contact them directly about the TJ Lane thimbles and haven't had any luck in getting a response. I started thinking that maybe they don't sell directly to consumers.

I ended up buying a really, really old but in perfect condition thimble from a gentleman in the UK. He was wonderful to work with and helped me with figuring out what size to get, which thimble would be best for quilting, and educated me on how many of the thimbles are made.

The thimble I ended up getting is called a Dorcas thimble and is the best thimble I have ever had. Even with the shipping it was less than some of the local thimbles available.

JoJo

[Mandella E.]

The Cotton Patch sells Roxanne Thimbles and I think they will exchange if you order the wrong size.

[Mandella E.]

The Cotton Patch isn't a million miles from me - about sixty or so - it would be worth while going to have a look. Thanks for that - I'll phone first to make sure they have some - have never been to The Cotton Patch, I believe it is good!

[Mandella E.]

Jo Jo, was the Dorcas thimble a traditional one? You don't have any contact details do you? (By the way, my daughter is a Jo Jo, as well!)

[Teri L.]

Roxanne products are now handled through the Colonial Needle Company in White Plains, NY
http://www.colonialneedle.com/cgi-bi...e_list_roxanne

Colonial Needle bought out the entire product line some time ago and has been in process of re-designing labels.

They have a thimble sizer available for purchase with directions how to use it to get the right size.

I don't know how they handle international orders.

Teri

[Teri L.]

Thanks for that link - I'll have a look at that - Jacky

[Jo H.]

Jo Jo, was the Dorcas thimble a traditional one? You don't have any contact details do you? (By the way, my daughter is a Jo Jo, as well!)

I have one that has the daisy and the beehive and the latest one that I haven't received yet is the one with a waffle pattern--really a beautiful piece. He said it was mostly likely made between 1905 and 1948. Amazingly these thimbles really last because they have a steel core.

His name is William Legge and his email is mailto:[email protected] -- please let him know that I told you about him. He is extremely nice and helpful. I have two thimbles from him and the third is on the way. (I've grown to love these thimbles and am on the lookout for the various patterns.) I've never been able find a thimble that is comfortable until I found this type.

JoJo

[Jo H.]

Hi JoJo, have you very long, thin fingers? The Dorcas one's I've seen seem to be for a slender finger.

Mine as far from slender as can be. I'm 50mm around the base of the middle nail and rather oval. The TJ Lane's can be remodelled to suit. They also have the nail cut out too.

I'd be interest to know what you think of the Roxannes Jacky. From the photo on Cotton Patch, they always look a little thick around the rim.

[Jo H.]

Hi Amoret - I've been on a mission today - driven to Cotton Patch (60 miles) and now have a Roxanne thimble in silver - it is quite chunky, but is nice quality - have been test driving it around the house, but haven't sewn with it yet! It is quite difficult to get the fit right - I am almost thinking I might need a half size bigger - as although I had allowed for cooler fingers in the shop, now my hands are warm, it feels a little tight. They did say they would exchange it though - will do some sewing later and report back!

[Jo H.]

Hi Jacky, how's it going with the thimble?

I've re contacted Thimbles2fit who sell the TJ Lane thimbles twice more and their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. It stinks to be honest.

I've always been amazed at the American commitment to their products, Bob at Superior has replaced the strange Masterpiece thread with no worries and Nolting have sent me a new needle bar when the needle retaining screw sheared off, no questions and no charge again. This company however has just lost a couple of sales. Not much in their daily running of things I'm sure but there is no need for ignorance.

Anyone else know who sells the TJ Lane thimbles who can help with the size and have the courtesy to actually treat me as a customer?

[Teri L.]

I'm going to encourage you to go with the Thimble Lady Thimbles. Seriously, I have one of their cheapy plastic ones that I love and if I were doing more hand quilting I'd purchase one or two of the metal ones.

Teri

[Teri L.]

Hi Teri, I have looked on her website today, thanks for the prompt, and I have watched her amazing videos. I did see her on TQS too.

Tthe only thing I have with her thimble is that it looks great just for quilting. I use a thimble for lots including piecing and bead work and I can't see how it would work as efficiently then.

Thank you for the thought though and perhaps I'll try one one day just for the quilting jobs.