We have a peninsula (it is attached on one side) and I use all 3 sides -- have done some squaring up the way he shows and when I was making the Spicy Spiral table runner, I would walk around the island to cut both sides. My island is 25x60 so I can put an ironing pad on one side and my 24x30 cutting mat on the corner (I also have a plug under the island for my iron). Since we also eat on the island, I have to be able to put things away quickly, so I tuck the mats and large rulers behind a book case and I have baskets for the rest of what I need. I have a duplicate of stuff in the sewing room so I don't have to haul things (before we moved I had supplies on the main floor and in the sewing room on the ground floor so I had gradually collected two of everything I need). I like the island best for cutting because I can move around.