my Spa Shop-Articles

A thimble is a cover that fits over the finger to protect it when pushing a needle during darning or sewing. The word, comes from Middle English, literally means "thumb shield".

The thimble has a long recorded history. The oldest existing thimble is Latin, found in the destroyed city of Pompeii. It is bronze. But, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, are known to have made other metal thimbles. Primitive thimbles of bone and leather without doubt also existed because thimbles have been used by every known civilization. These thimbles did not survive the centuries.

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 primarily decorative and collectible rather than merely practical. Pioneer thimbles had to be sturdy because homespun fabric was coarse and needles were rough and crude. It was difficult to push the thread through the material so a strong, thick bronze or iron thimble, called a "skep"�, was required to prevent injury.

By the 15th century, fabric became more finely woven and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thinner and lighter. These thimbles were by and large made of brass and imported from Germany, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, unique methods of making thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were made from sheet metal. The 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 16th and 17th centuries Holland became the new seat of thimble manufacturing. However, in the late 17th century, John Lofting moved thimble production to Islington, England where the brass-working industry was now established. He began to assemble thimbles in a scale unheard of before. Then, he moved his factory to Great Marlow, and used water power to and doubled production.

By the early 18th century, he was producing 2 million thimbles annually. But he too succumbed to progress and thimble producing moved to Birmingham, England by 1800. The composition of brass also upgraded during this period. A new formula made it more malleable and suitable for a different manufacturing method called "deep drawing" � that used less metal. This brought down the cost.

We are all aware that sewing is the primary use of the thimble. But did you know that a a 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 in great measure decorative, collectors interest in modern thimbles has not waned. Thimbles originally created in silver are being reproduced in pewter thanks to new processes, developed in the 1950s that allow more elaborate design. New series of thimbles are being issued to commemorate everything from football teams to Disney characters. Every tourist destination offers memorial thimbles to tourists.

Thimble collecting is an remarkably popular hobby worldwide. Many 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 value. The unpretentious thimble has become a star. Some admire its humble origins and some its new found incarnations. It is still one of the most versatile and sound tools ever invented, born of necessity.

Making 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.

A Guide To Collecting Precious Thimbles For Amusement 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 Some Serious Money From Your Antique Thimbles
If you are a thimble collector or if you have inherited a collection from a family member and you are looking to make some money, thimbles are great items to auction off for big bucks. The most popular selling method for thimbles is auctioning them locally or online auctions.

What Makes A Thimble Collectible?
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?

Information About Antique Coin Evaluation: What Is It Truly Valued?
There are many ways to find out the true value of an antique coin but the most popular way is to receive an an antique coin appraisal, either through a collector or an antique dealer.

Purchasing Most Excellent Old Coin Appraisal Can Be Long Road
Those looking to find the market value of a rare or antique coin, there is one simple rule to remember. Even with the best antique coin appraisal, the item is worth what a coin collector is willing to pay to own it.

LOTR Figures - Learn Tips On How To Start Your Collection Instantly
Collecting Lord of the Rings figures is a pastime that is all the rage, however it is a passion that continues to grow in popularity. There are a number of of different causes for this popularity increase.

The Beginners Guide 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.