I use the top of the hottub for sorting and cutting and pressing, so if I want to use it, I have to clean up when I'm done. And with chronic pain and fibromyalgia, believe me, I WANT TO USE IT!! LOL. I am veryyyyy good about keeping the floor free of strings, scraps and pins, but my sewing table is piled with projects, tools and fabrics. I have just a big enough area cleared as I need to sew the current project. I currently have 3 projects going at the same time and all piled on corners of the sewing table in case I feel like working on them. Oops, make that 4! LOL, I started sample blocks for the new turned 4 square last nite.