I use the window sill behind my machine for an odd assortment of cups, mugs, glasses, tins and a couple of those mesh organizers with magnets on the side so they clump together, they hold scissors, pens, marking pencils, machine needles, small rulers, wooden presser, seam ripper, and small knitting needle I use for turning corners. Most everything stands like a pencil cup and its always where I can find it. I use one of those sand filled pincushions sold at Joanns with the little pouch that hangs off the table for scraps and threads.