I just went downstairs to measure the space from needle to edge of foam block, it's 12 inches. I can still see well this way. Can't take a picture of myself right now, have to wait for my husband. So far I've only been making baby quilts up to 42 inches square. What I usually do, I start somewhere close to the middle and quilt from left to right and back to left etc. Every couple of inches I roll up the quilt more. I hadn't yet gotten into the habit of quilting the traditional way, so for me it was easy to take on this method, it may not be so for someone who's been quilting the other way for years. But I encourage everyone to give it a try. No more cramped up right shoulder and arm for me!