I too have had a lot of frustration trying to find a way to keep all my go-to gadgets where I can find them when I need them. I finally found a solution that I am quite happy with.
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I made a cover for a wooden TV tray with lots of pockets all the way around. I made a pocket long enough for cutting tools, and some narrow enough for things like seam rippers. I backed it with ironing board fabric and trimmed an old cutting mat down so I can cut and/or press without getting up. Because the table is so lightweight, it is so easy to move it (and all my beloved gizmos) around in case I'm working in another area, like when I'm doing FMQ at the dining room table, or if I decide to do some pressing/trimming in front of the TV.
As you can probably see in the photo, it is also the perfect size for those times I need my serger.