Thought about the ironing board - read about that on here - but I'm pretty close to the wall - my back to the wall with just a bit behind me. If I use the ironing board I have to move it to get away from the sewing machine. THe stool fits so easily under the table I thought that would work. But .. haven't quilted anything in this setup - just added borders to a large lap size and that's already better. When I go to quilt something I may pull that ironing board out anyway, even if it's close quarters.