Thimbles!

I got home today after a much-longer-than-usual commute (final baseball game of the season in the stadium near where I work; shuttle stuck in traffic).  Yesterday, it was a "suspicious package."  I just need to give up on getting home & concentrate on the journey (or think of it as extra reading time).

Anyway, I got home & a new issue of Saudi Aramco World was waiting.  I do love this magazine, which comes out every other month and is free.  Sure, it's propaganda, trying to show the positive side of the Arab/Muslim world, focusing on history, the arts, and society.  I know that, but it doesn't mean the articles aren't beautifully illustrated, well-researched and always educational.  And do you really need to read about another mortar-bomb attack or protests over cartoons?  I spend the day at work researching topics like Hamas & its tactics since the Arab Spring, so no, when I get home, I'm happy to read about art or culture or history, especially as it's a part of the world the Roommate & I spent a lot of time in.

Photographs by William Isbister

Which is a very meandering way to say that an article in the latest issue is about a thimble collection!  Cool, huh?   Check out Little Thimble Big Journey for some great history & wonderful photos.  Written & photographed by William Isbister, who lived in Saudi Arabia for 11 years and obviously had the sense to collect an almost perfect souvenir.  Why perfect?  Small, used by individuals, not mass-produced, and a variety of styles & decorations means they look great on display.  And of course as textile collectors, I love the sewing connection.

Some things I learned: Crusaders brought thimbles from the Levant when they returned to Europe. The first thimbles were more like rings that fit over the first joint on the finger.  Thimbles used to have a little loop that could be attached to a chain.  Those are the first few facts that stuck!  Read the article to find out more...

Photograph by William Isbister

Now, this photo is quite interesting.  First of all, it's a man sewing in the Middle East.  Second, he's using a ring-like thimble.  And he's using a tension hook attached to his toe to sew.  I've seen these toe loops used in Oman, but for weaving (working the heddles).  I can't quite figure out how it would help you sew?  

Any ideas/comments?  Let me know...