Digital Library Downloads

Welcome to DIGITAL LIBRARY DOWNLOADS

The TCI Library was started in the early years of TCI, a collaboration between Idabelle Forker, then President, and Janet Hawkins.  Wanda Kauffman was appointed the first Librarian and Joanna Shilling followed.  Melissa Yauk was the TCI Librarian for many years.

Within the Digital Library download section, members will find that we have a download-for-a-fee section and also a FREE download section. (All in PDF format)

Members may still request copies or research material from Melissa Yauk,  Bulletin Associate Editor. Articles that can be photocopied will be processed for a nominal fee and will include shipping and handling (at cost), please enquire about this before finalizing your request. 

Click here for a list of Reference Books for Collectors. If you are aware of a book that would be helpful to collectors, please contact Melissa Yauk, Bulletin Associate Editor so that we can update the list.

For Bulletin Back Issues, please navigate to the EDUCATION tab and then click on the dropdown menu titled Bulletin Back Issues. When a new issue of the Bulletin is produced it is filed here. Members are notified via an e-blast.

Loading data to the Digital Library Download section is time-consuming and will be a long process so be patient. We do encourage you to check back often though as we are determined to be able to share what we can with you.

 

Paid version

  • Thimbles of Clay w/Appendix

    Thimbles of Clay by Mary Peckover w/photo illustrations.

  • Isaac Merritt Singer 1811-1875 (Program)

    Isaac Merritt Singer 1811-1875 His Life, Machines and Other Collectibles. A presentation at the TCI 2016 Niagara Falls Convention by Peter Woods of Sydney, Australia.

  • Introduction To Sewing Trade Cards

    Booklet printed and published by Thimble Collectors International, copyright 1988.  Researched by the late Debbie Fuller, this booklet provides insight into the world of Sewing Trade Cards. Content includes: A trade card defined, Evolution of the trade card, Thread trade cards, Sewing machine trade cards, Children and sewing trade cards. Twenty-eight pages with many B&W images.

  • British Commemorative & Souvenir Thimbles

    This booklet was published and printed by Thimble Collectors International, copyright 1987.  The late Dorothy Friend spent a lot of time researching for this booklet and includes the years 1560 – 1987. Another worthwhile research booklet to add to your library.

     

  • American Belleek Porcelain Thimbles

    “American Belleek Porcelain Thimbles and Related Sewing Tools” was authored by Mildred B. Jarvis and published under a grant by TCI. The contents of this booklet cover the development of American Belleek Porcelain.  It is well researched and a very good reference book to have on hand. Thirty-two pages filled with valuable information.

  • Thoughts on Thimbles

    “Thoughts on Thimbles” by Elizabeth Aldridge. Copyright by Thimble Collectors International 1983. Topics include: Development of the thimble, working thimbles, silver and gold thimbles, commemorative and china thimbles, other material, gadget and patent thimbles and more. (Approx. 122 pages)

  • French Thimbles with Waffled Knurling

    “French Thimbles with Waffled Knurling” by Beryl Frank. Copyright 2003 by Thimble Collectors International. This booklet covers the touchmarks, information on how to identify the 1970s reissues from those of the 1900s and includes many illustrations.

  • The Family Simons

    “The Family Simons” authored by John von Hoelle. Twenty-six pages of information about the Simons company.  Thimblers to America for over 130 years.

  • Stern Brothers & Co.

    “The Story of Stern Brothers & Co., and their successors Goldsmith, Stern & Company” authored by John von Hoelle.  Twenty-six pages filled with information about the company.

  • The Story of Ketcham & McDougall

    “The Story of Ketcham & McDougall, Americas Premier Thimble Maker” authored by John von Hoelle. Forty pages of useful information about the company and their products. KMD made some of the most beautiful thimbles.

  • Bilston Painted Enameled Thimbles

    “Bilston Painted Enameled Thimbles” written and published by John von Hoelle. Twenty-six pages, including the history of Bilston Enamels and other useful information about these rare and beautiful thimbles.

  • Benjamin Halstead America’s First Thimble Manufacturer

    “Benjamin Halstead America’s First Thimble Manufacturer” authored and published by John von Hoelle. Twenty-six pages filled with good information about the origin of thimble making in America.

  • Thimble Heritage of Holland

    “De Vingergoed – Thimble Heritage of Holland” by the late Henny Holtzhuizen, Netherlands. An eleven page booklet of very worthwhile research on Dutch thimbles.  Mr. Holtzhuizen presented a program on this subject at the Des, Moines, Iowa convention in 1986.

  • The History of Meissen Porcelain

    “The History of Meissen Porcelain” by Mary Ann Brand was a program presented by Mary Ann Brand at the 1988 Spokane, Washington convention.  This booklet covers the history about the Meissen factory, the manufacturing process and includes Meissen backstamps through the ages.

  • Thimble Notes & Queries (Set)

    “Thimble Notes & Queries” by the late Edwin Holmes. Mr. Holmes was an avid researcher and he shared his findings by creating a subscription newsletter.  The set includes 499 pages of research beginning with No. 1 Winter 1988 and ending with No. 20 Autumn 1993. If you do not have this set to refer to, you are missing out on very worthwhile thimble information.

    Note:  Because this is an extremely large PDF file (348 MB) it will not transfer via email. Please contact tcimemberservices@gmail.com to request a direct link to the set of papers. Payment must be complete prior to contacting TCI for the link.

Free Downloads

  • Free

    NeedleNotes – Coming Soon

    COMING SOON!

    Welcome to “NeedleNotes.” Christina Bertrand started NeedleNotes in 1999 and this publication is no longer available. Christina has graciously agreed to share her research with TCI members. Issues 1- 43 will be available to download for FREE. In these issues, you will find information about the needle makers, needle patents, their marketing techniques, and wares.

  • Free

    Collectors Circle Gazette 1976-1982 (Set)

    “Collectors Circle Gazette” (set) dating from 1976-1982.  Three hundred sixty-nine pages, twenty-five issues. Filled with thimble and needlework tool research and information. Vol. 1 June 1976 to Vol VII, No. 1 Summer 1982.

  • Free

    Thimble Language

    “Thimble Language” was authored by Evelyn DerMarderosian, Jeannine Conner and Marjorie Perkins, members of the Philadelphia Thimble Society. This little booklet is a must have for your reference library as it contains thimble terminology. For example, the anatomy of a thimble, the names of the different decorations found on a thimble band and more.