Thimble: either the Roxanne or my fave, one from the thimble lady in Austrilia. Her thimbles are stainless steel and will last forever. They are way way way better than those cheap crummy ones from Joann's. Don't let the price scare you away. They are so worth it and I can practically guarantee that once you try them you will never go back. Your work will look spectacular and you will be able to quilt effortlessly for hours.