About Us

Thimble Collectors International (TCI) celebrated its 42nd Anniversary in 2020. Unfortunately, members were unable to meet at the biennial convention due to the COVID-19 virus. The 2020 convention had to be postponed. We were finally able to reconvene in 2022 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This convention became known as ‘Camp Thimble’ due to the relaxed atmosphere and outdoor-like theme. Members in attendance had a wonderful time and the host group, Nimble Fingers Thimble Club, did a fantastic job of making everyone feel so welcome. Our collector organization includes members from around the world.

It is never too early to make plans to travel to Wisconsin!  The 2024 convention will be held in Brookfield, Wisconsin 11-14 September 2024. Additional details will be forthcoming beginning in January 2023. Members can read all about the 2024 convention in the TCI Bulletin and on the website’s Members Only side. Forms and so forth will be available for download in January 2024.

On 16 January 2021, TCI held its first member ZOOM meeting. A short business meeting was followed by a program titled “The One That Got Away” meaning the entire year of 2020! The program was based on a fish theme. Members in attendance enjoyed visiting with their fellow collectors from around the world.  Our next Zoom will be on 25 March 2023. The Zoom meeting always includes an education program and an auction. The program in March will highlight the unique thimbles of Blas Servin.

NEW!  CONNECT WITH US! Do you have Facebook or Instagram?  Follow Thimble Collectors International on Facebook https://www.facebook.com or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com   Click [here] for the QR codes which you can scan for easy access to TCI Facebook and Instagram.

The HISTORY OF TCI can be viewed here.  This is a history of how thimble and needlework tool collectors joined to share their common interests, first by correspondence and then by meeting in local groups. This led to the formation of TCI. This information was initially written in 1998, but as with any organization, we continue to grow and the history must be expanded upon and updated. TCI holds a convention every two years in different cities around the USA.

The TCI BULLETIN, the organization’s newsletter, is produced four times a year. It is filled with informative articles about needlework tools, thimbles, and other helpful information for the collector. The TCI Bulletin is printed with full-color images and mailed 1st Class Mail in a protective plastic sleeve.

We share with you an excellent program that was presented at a past convention by Charter member, Virginia Weaver.  The program is titled “Fact or Fancy” (Click on the title to view the PDF version of this program.)  All past Bulletin issues are available to read or download on the Members Only side of our website. An A-Z 1978-2022 Index of Bulletin articles can be found by clicking here. All Bulletin back issues can be found on the Members Only side of the website.

 

Left: Fern Ware Pin Disc, circa 1800s. Middle: Thimble Collage. Right: Straw Work Needle Box.
Left: Fern Ware Pin Disc, circa the 1800s. Middle: Thimble Collage. Right: Straw Work Needle Box.

 

The Internet has changed the organization and we have expanded our horizons. The official TCI website continues to grow and in 2010 a MEMBERS ONLY section was introduced. This part of the website is filled with an abundance of information. Research files that include both needlework tools and thimbles, Price Guides, data and image files on Fakes & Reproductions, Hallmarks & Maker’s Marks, historical data about TCI, Club/Group/Society thimbles and enameled pins, TCI thimbles, TCI enameled pins, Meissen, our Charter Members, and their collections, Series Documentation, TCI Rental Programs, a Digital Library, and so much more. As a member of TCI, you benefit from the information shared. We invite you to join TCI today! For more information about TCI, contact Membership.