I have a Singer 221 Featherweight, so even a small desk is OK. Also, I place the ironing board at a right angle to the desk and set the same height, which gives me more room, plus your ironing station is right there. I set my cutting mat on the dresser for a cutting station, which forces me to move around a little. Turn on the radio, and quilting nirvana. I hope you find some LQSs to visit. I do envy you going to the mountains. Southeast Texas is flat, flat, flat.