Being not quite 4' 11", I have the same issues. I have an adjustable height task chair for sewing. To keep the correct position, I have a platform on the floor for my foot pedal and other foot so my feet don't fall asleep. For cutting and ironing, I have a Big Board on top of the wire drawer storage units. In order to reach that comfortably, a friend gave me a couple of her aerobic "steps" that she never used -- they're long and wide enough that I can move around comfortably, and high enough that my back and neck don't hurt after 10 minutes of ironing.