I've done all my sewing standing up for nearly 3 years now and it's been great for my bad back and hips! I use a pedal and I switch back and forth between which foot is my pedal foot. I use a huge electric adjustable height desk. Can't imagine sitting to sew now, I hardly sit for anything except the movies and driving.
ETA: I've never had an issue with cord length but I'm not super tall.