In 2002 while my friends and I were purchasing our thimbles and ensembles from Tommie Jane we all spoke of my interest of starting a business in the quilter's realm. Boldly I asked TJ would I be able to join her. After the show she did express a need for an apprentice with the finishing of the thimbles. The work was so rewarding I was soon able to assist her at shows and opened my own retail business selling her products at quilt shows, guild meetings, and private appointments. During my training I worked many shows with Tommie Jane and/or Cynthia as well as vending shows TJ recommended me for. This past year I had well over 30 events. My business grew so quickly TJ and I trained my husband, Alan, as well as my sister, Thomasina, (pictured above on the left of me) to assist.
Tommie Jane (TJ) Lane has been creating jewelry of sterling silver and gold for more than three decades. She soon discovered her real talent and love was in working with quilters to provide lasting thimbles with a comfortable fit. Over the years TJ has kept an open ear and mind to create well over 300 styles of thimbles and other fine sewing items. These wonderful products are treasured by quilting icons and artists throughout the world such as: Jenny Beyer, Alex Anderson, Georgia Bonesteel, Brenda Papadakis, Donna Dewberry, etc, etc.!
Cynthia, TJ's daughter learned this craft from TJ while she was quite young. Cynthia's talents and skills with jewelry were put on hold by college, marriage, career, and motherhood. In 2002 she joined her mother in the thimble business part time, and a year later redirected her many skills and talents to focus full time on the thimble business. Cynthia and TJ have trained more assistants in the completion of the products as well as creating a website and vending quilting events across the US.
Here is a picture of one of our favorite quilting teacher and artist, Sherry Leschinsky on the right, with my sister and I wearing our chatelaines. Sherry and I have the distinction of being known as TJ's 'Poster Children'. Please get ready to see more of our 'poster children' and their quilting creations thanks to the fine products of TJ Lane.
