I have a sewing friend who lives just over an hour away and a couple times a year, she comes to visit for a couple days and we sew. It's lots of fun and I end up getting a lot done - it's sort of like a retreat in that I'm forced to focus on sewing. I love it and I enjoy having the company and visiting with my friend. She usually brings her machine and her cutting stuff, but uses my iron and pressing board. It helps that I have plenty of room, too.