I use a wooden skewer to guide the fabric under the presser foot. if the needle hits the wooden skewer it probably won't break, but if it hits something metal it will break and may cause your machine to have to go to the shop to have a repair job done on it.
I use Elmer's School Glue and Crayola Washable Markers. I have board clamps from Home Depot that I have used to keep my thread stand on the sewing table. I use shelf liner (the rubbery kind) under my foot pedal and under my thread stand.
I have an organizer designed for stamping that I use to hold all my notions - so I just grab it when I go to Bee.
I have 2 yard sticks taped together with blue painters tape to use as a guide when long arm quilting a grid.
I have found that one must have an open mind when it comes to sewing and utilize whatever works.