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A Darning Thimble: Where Are They From
A thimble is a cap that fits over the finger to shield it when pushing a needle during darning or sewing. The word, comes from Middle English, literally means "thumb shield".
The thimble has a lengthy history. The oldest existent thimble is Italian, found in the ruins of Pompeii. It is made of bronze. Even so, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, are known to have made other metal thimbles. Primitive thimbles of leather and bone almost certainly also existed because thimbles have been employed by every known culture. These thimbles did not survive.
Through the years, thimbles have evolved in many of ways. Both the materials used and the means of production have changed. Thimbles have gained new uses and become fundamentally decorative and collectible rather than merely practical. Early thimbles had to be sturdy because handmade fabric was coarse and needles were rough and imperfect. It was difficult to push the thread through the fabric so a strong, thick bronze or iron thimble, called a "skep", was required to prevent injury.
By the fifteenth century, cloth became more finely woven and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thinner and lighter. These thimbles were usually made of metal and imported from Nuremberg, a brass-making center. At this time, creative methods of producing thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were first made from sheet metal. These new thimbles also contained decorative motifs. The cap was sometimes separate and attached to the cylinder later. The new thimbles were taller and the top was flatter.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth century Holland became the new center of thimble production. However, in the late 17th century, John Lofting moved thimble manufacturing to Islington, England where the brass-working industry was by now established. He began to produce thimbles in a scale unprecedented before. Later, he moved his manufacturing plant to Great Marlow, and used water power to double production.
By the early 18th century, he was producing about two million thimbles per year. But he too succumbed to progress and thimble producing moved to Birmingham, England by 1800. The fabrication of brass also improved during this period. A completely new formula made it more malleable and suitable for a different manufacturing procedure called "deep drawing" that used less metal. This lowered the cost.
We are all aware that sewing is the fundamental use of the thimble. But did you know that a ever so little larger thimble, usually two ounces, was used to measure spirits? And did you know that 19th century prostitutes used them to tap on their clients windows and Victorian schoolmistresses used them to knock recalcitrant students on the head?
Although they have become predominately decorative, collectors interest in modern thimbles has not decreased. Thimbles originally created in silver are being reproduced in pewter thanks to new processes, developed in the 1950s that allow more detailed design. New thimbles are being issued to commemorate everything from football teams to Disney characters. Every tourist destination offers keepsake thimbles to tourists.
Thimble collecting is an extremely well-known hobby worldwide. A great number of thimbles are fairly priced and easily available. Men, women and children collect them. Some collectors are interested in the history of thimbles while others collect them for their decorative significance. The lowly thimble has become a star. Some admire its beggarly origins and some its new found incarnations. It is still one of the most versatile and effective tools ever invented, born of necessity.
A Darning Thimble: Where Are They From
This article explores the evolution of thimbles beginning with the Etruscans and proceeding to modern times. It discusses the changes to thimble materials and manufacturing processes. It describes the origins of thimbles as a manufactured collectible and the state of thimble collecting today.
Searching For Data About A Gold Thimble Or Articles On Gold Thimbles? This Is The Internet Website For You
In the mid 1800's, gold thimbles, were used by the upper class of society as jewelry, a fashion accessory to be worn at major social events. They were used by both men and women, although the majority of users of gold thimbles were women.
What Are Thimble's Uses?
This article focuses on answering the following questions. What is a thimble? When did thimbles originate? What are their uses? Who collects thimbles? Why are sterling silver thimbles popular with collectors? What makes a sterling silver thimbles collectible? When were the first commemorative sterling silver thimbles issued?
Here's How To Collect Precious Thimbles For Enjoyment And Profit
A very brief history of thimbles, what makes thimble collecting a good beginning hobby, where to find thimbles, what you should know before you begin and how to get this knowledge are tips that may help the new collector who has an interest in thimble collecting.
How To Make A Profit Retailing Collector Thimbles
This article is about selling collectible thimbles. This article will step you through the process of selling thimbles. Some people may not know how to go about selling thimbles on the Internet; this step by step guide will hopefully help you get the most money for your thimbles.
How To Make Money Collecting Sewing Thimbles
Here is an introduction to collecting sewing thimbles with some of the latest ways people have been improving the hobby to make it work for them. The article goes on to suggest different ideas and approaches, some via the Internet, to make money collecting sewing thimbles.
Read What Are The Various Thoughts Of People Who Accumulate Coin
Coin collecting has been around for centuries, initially as amassing wealth and then finally as putting together different kinds of coins for the sake of their value as collectors' items.
Lord Of The Rings Action Figures - How To Determine Their Price
Have you ever wanted to know how to value Lord of the Rings action figures? In order to do so you have to know what you have and what you need. If you are collecting for financial purposes my advice to you would be to really know the market.
A Novices Manual To Collecting Antique Thimbles
An article about the whimsical history of thimbles and some practical ideas on how to collect, preserve and use antique thimbles. This article delves into the world of the thimbles and the characters that have made them unique the collectors that love to collect and share the thimbles interesting history.
Tips For Those Interested In Coin Collecting
Collecting coins is an interesting and possibly lucrative hobby. It has been practiced for many years, mostly in the past by people with the money and time to pursue it.
Learn About Coin Ranking: How To Find Out The Worthiness Of Your Coins
Coin grading is very important because it will help you determine the condition of your coins and their probably value. When it comes to coin collecting, people who know how to spot rare coins that are still in very good condition always have an edge.
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