right beside your machine? I read the post about tools you consider essential and it went along with what I was thinking last night as I sewed. When I sit down to sew I have to have a few things right there with me. My seam ripper, small scissors, my small pliers (to pull threads) and a small flashlight to help me thread the needle. Once I have those things I'm good to go! Oh and coffee off to the side doesn't hurt if its not night time when i'm sewing!