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An Explanation Of A Thimble
A thimble is a cap that fits on the finger to guard it when pushing a needle when embroidering or sewing. The word, comes from Middle English, literally means "thumb shield".
The thimble has a an extended recorded history. The oldest existing thimble is Roman, found in the destroyed city of Pompeii. It is bronze. Still, the Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans, are known to have made other metal thimbles. Crude thimbles of leather and bone without doubt also existed because thimbles have been used by every known culture. These thimbles didn't survive the centuries.
Throughout history, 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. Pioneer thimbles had to be sturdy because homespun fabric was coarse and needles were rough and unfinished. 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, material became more finely woven and needlework became more refined. Thimbles became thinner and lighter. These thimbles were commonly made of copper alloy and imported from Germany, a brass-making center. Simultaneously, creative methods of making thimbles were introduced. Thimbles were being made from sheet metal. This new style of 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 centuries Holland became the new seat of thimble production. However, in the late seventeenth century, John Lofting moved thimble making toEngland where the brass industry was by now established. He began to assemble thimbles in a scale unknown before. Then, he moved his assembly plant to Great Marlow, and used water power to double production.
By the early eighteenth century, he was producing two million thimbles each year. But he too succumbed to progress and thimble producing moved to Birmingham, England by 1800. The fabrication of brass also upgraded during this period. A new formula made it more malleable and suitable for a different manufacturing process called "deep drawing" that used less metal. This brought down the cost.
We are all aware that sewing is the prime use of the thimble. But did you know that a insignificantly 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 primarily 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 elaborate design. New series of 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 remarkably established hobby worldwide. Most thimbles are honestly 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 importance. 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 effective tools ever invented, born of necessity.
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