Thimble as an object of gathering

A thimble is a cap that is put on a finger to protect it when it pushes the needle when sewing.

The thimble has a long history. The oldest existing specimen is a Roman bronze thimble found in the ruins of Pompeii. Primitive thimbles of bone and skin, probably also existing, were used by all known cultures. Unfortunately, these thimbles have not survived.

During the time thimbles evolved in several ways. Both materials used and the means of their production have changed a lot. Thimbles got a new use and became primarily decorative and collectibles, and not just practical sewing accessories.
At the beginning, the thimbles were strong, because the homespun cloth was rough, the needles were rough and imperfect. It was very difficult to push the thread through the tissue with force, and to prevent injuries, it required a thick bronze or iron thimble, which was called a "hive" or "basket". Each was molded from metal into a mold. The dimples on the surface of these early thimbles were made by hand and were uneven. These primitive, small objects were domed and did not have edging. Some had a hole at the top to hold them in the casting process.

In the XV century, the fabric became more delicate, and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thinner. They, as a rule, were made of brass and brought from Nuremberg. At the same time, new methods of manufacturing thimbles that were made of sheet metal were invented. New thimbles began to contain decorative design. The top was separate and joined the cylinder later. These new products were higher, and the top was more flat.

Another type of thimbles, called the "sewing ring" or "tailor thimble", also appeared at this time. It was a small thimble with a missing top. This type is used when the needle moves through the tissue with the side of the finger, not the top.

Over time, a simple, utilitarian thimble began to "dress" in jewelry and precious metals and lead a secret life as a gift. Wealthy women were engaged in needlework together, so it was natural for Elizabeth I to receive a pearl encrusted with a thimble as a gift.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Holland became the new center for the production of thimbles. However, at the end of the 17th century John Loftin moved his production to Islington (England), where the copper smelting industry had already been established by that time. He began to produce thimbles in a previously unprecedented scale. Later, he moved his plant to Great Marlow and used the power of water to double production. By the beginning of the XVIII century he produces 2 million thimbles annually. But he too succumbed to the progress of the thimble and decided to move to 1800 in Birmingham, England.

Over time, the composition of brass improved. The new formula made it more flexible and suitable for another manufacturing process, called "deep drawing", which uses less metal. This reduced the cost of production.

In the 16th century, manufacturers began to produce thimbles from silver and other precious metals. Due to the fact that the silver thimble is softer, and that the needle is pushed through the fabric, the top was reinforced with iron. This rare collection type of thimbles is called "Dorcas".

Thimbles were also made from porcelain from companies such as Spode and Wedgewood. And although they were more of a decorative souvenir than a solid instrument, they were still used for sewing on silk.

The dawn of the Victorian era marks the beginning of collecting thimbles. The roads became better, and people began to travel. The World Exhibition, held in Hyde Park in London, attracted large crowds of visitors. To commemorate this event, a commemorative thimble was issued. The concept of memorable thimbles captured collectors. At the same time, with the help of advertising, thimbles became popular among the population.

In Victorian times, the silver thimble became a very suitable gift, especially for a woman from a man. Victorian women wore breast chains as a kind of device called "the hostess of the house", to which sewing tools, such as small scissors and a needle, could be attached. Thimbles were encased in decorative covers that could also be attached to this chain. Sometimes the case from the thimble was removed, and the thimble could be used as a bell.

We all perfectly understand that sewing is the main purpose of a thimble. But did you know that small thimbles, usually up to two ounces, were used to measure perfume? And did you know that in the 19th century prostitutes used them to attract customers by knocking at their windows? And the Victorian schoolteachers used them to beat disobedient pupils on the head?

Today thimbles are still used in quilting, French hand sewing and other types of decorative needlework. When manual sewing became less common, the practical use of thimbles decreased. Thimbles have largely turned into decorative trinkets. But this circumstance does not contribute to the reduction of those interested in modern thimble collectors. Thimbles, originally created in silver, are reproduced from tin thanks to new processes developed in the 1950s, which allow obtaining more accurate copies of antique samples. New series of thimbles are released in memory of everything, from the victories of football teams and ending with the characters of Disney. Each tourist shop offers souvenir thimbles for tourists. Many, probably, do not even know how to use them.

Collecting thimbles is an extremely popular hobby in the world. Many products are sold at reasonable prices and are easily accessible. Men, women and children collect them. Some collectors are interested in the history of thimbles, while others collect them as decorative. Collector's clubs exist everywhere. The Internet has now brought together collectors around the world. Collecting also spawned a boom in the production of related products, such as shelving, cabinets and domes.

Unassuming thimble became a star. Some are admired for his humble origins, some are his new-found incarnation. This is one of the most universal and practical tools ever invented by a man when necessary.