I've attached two film canisters to the right side of my machine with velcro. They're staggered and don't get in the way. The same idea would work with prescription bottles. They hold seam rippers, small scissors, etc. I've been doing that for years with different machines and great success. I tried the retractable cord thingy too, and didn't like it -- too much resistance on the cord. I much prefer my film canisters.