I keep way too much next to my machine. My machine sits on an student desk that has 3 drawers on the left. Threads and bobbins in one drawer. Needles, fabric marking pens, snaps, safety pins in another. The third just holds stuff. To the right is my pin cushion, thread snips and my seam ripper (the one I've had forever-maybe 30 years-the cover is broken and I know it isn't very sharp anymore but it fits my hand sew well!!) I also have a few "leader/ender" strips handy. My machine sits under a small window that faces east, the ledge holds a mug for extra scissors, small quilt patterns I don't want to misplace, a small jar for thread snips and another pin cushion with needles for hand sewing. Scrap paper for taking notes and doing simple math when making quilts.
See, I told you there was way too much. I just want it all to be close to me. I like my stuff!!!