I should have realised I had a problem when I had to tumble dry the fabric for DB's trousers in order to soften it up (I don't want DB to chafe anything delicate ;-) ).
When I cut out DB's trousers the other week, I had huge trouble getting the pins into the fabric, I tried every type of pin I own (a mere 3) and brute force, and in the end gave up, used a minimum of pins and cut carefully.
Since then I've been forced to use a thimble to do some hand basting. although today I used a much finer needle and it went through the fabric much better.
The fabric is a tightly woven 100% cotton and sort of hard - I wish I had realised before I bought it. Ho hum, hopefully they'll soften up in use and wear well - and not chafe DB!
Now I must remember to change the needles in my machines half way through this project just in case.....
Sarah