I taped a measuring tape to the front edge of my cutting table - great time saver. And I use a long handled tongs which I never used for barbecuing to pick up things on the floor that I can't reach. I have a magnet taped to one side of it so I can nab pins and needles from the floor easily also. I also have a Craftsman took cabinet next to my machine and use one drawer for thread, one for needles, pins, buttons, misc. stuff, one for embroidery stabilizer, etc. I can lock it and I put a folded bath towel on top so I can press quilt blocks, etc. on it while I'm sewing.