I was very lucky to get a sewing machine "desk" from mom. The machine is affixed to a shelf that tilts down and machine hangs nearly upside down when not in use. There is a wooden inlay piece that fits into the hole when the machine is upside down. I put a desk blotter on top of this. It takes less than a minute to set the machine up or put away. Only need to un-thread the spool on top.