I use my kitchen counter to cut out fabric and also it is great for my handcrank (I converted a Singer 99 to a handcrank) for piecing. The counter is the right height and when I put mat on it, it is perfectly protected. I can either sit at one of the stools or stand. The handcrank is perfect for the counter because it is almost the quietest thing in the house and I can be next to the family room with the hubby and it does such a nice job of piecing.