Thimble Collection
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Thimbles were originally produced to protect the fingers of those who participated in needlework. With modern day technology such as sewing machines and with thinner fabrics and highly polished needles thimbles have become practically unnecessary. |
Thimbles
People still continue to buy thimbles; however, instead of using them for sewing they collect them and place them on display. These thimbles are being displayed in custom built cabinets in people’s homes and businesses. The modern thimbles are not made to even be used. These thimbles are made from china, wood, plastic, coal, crotched wood, precious metals and glass.
Thimble collectors have been known to call themselves digitabulists. Digitabulists can be found all across the world, in every country and in every state. The practice of collecting thimbles began in the 1800’s when they were also being used to measure drinks. “Women of the night” used thimbles to announce their presence by tapping on the window of the gentleman they were meeting.
Thimble collecting was a relatively inexpensive hobby and became popular with all class levels of society. Collectors choose the thimbles they collect by specific categories. For example, many collectors choose thimbles that are made by one specific producer; others buy thimbles from different cities, states and even countries that they are visiting. There is a thimble designed to suit every collectors dream: animals, flowers, ships, houses, maps, birds, trains and cars.
There are thimbles being produced to pay homage to
childhood fairy tale characters. Betty Boop,
For the Commemorative collector, there is a galore in store. Every major event in the history of the world can be found depicted on these tiny works of art. Thimbles are such collectors items that they come with their own accessories. Needles, pins, thread, pincushions, thread holders, tape measures and even embroidery scissors can be purchased to match your thimble. One can not however go without a thimble holder, which is being produced in even more ornate designs.