I happened upon a really cool gadget that is perfect for those of us with homemade or commercial (the old Chounard or current Exped) "Expedition" sewing kits in our survival or backpacking kits. One problem is that there's no thimble. Thimbles are bulky and a PITA to pack in a compact sewing kit. So, they are left out. Was out with my wife at a sewing store recently (Halloween costume time) and came across a "coin thimble." It is a really incredible little tool and it packs flat. See images below. Note that it is available in three sizes (not all sources carry all three sizes). The Medium just barely fits my index finger, comfortable on the others.

Sources all over Web at http://www.google.com/search?q=clover+coin+thimble and under $10, or check in your local sewing/cloth store.