Goodness me, what a neat idea! On my way to give it a try.

My setup is this way due to the size of the room. Actually it is part of the bedroom. I have a six foot table with the sewing machine on the right, the cutting mat in the middle and the iron on the left end. The ironing board is a miniature that stands next to the television. I just put it on the cutting mat when I need it.

One thing....this house is so old that I have to turn off the air conditioning before I turn on the iron, so I have to get up also. Anyone remember "Green Acres"?

I have my ironing board set up to the left of my machine, so all I have to so is swivel around in my chair to do the pressing. On the right I have a table to do the pinning and trimming on. It is set in a U-shape. Very comfortable.

My oslo iron is in the next room, but I have a craft iron (those 4" little guys) beside me on a 24" square covered board, that is covered with a pillow case. I stretch out my chain stitched pieces and press quickly to the darkside. I also am a glue baster for some perfect seam/point matches and the pillowcase protects my iron board/surface from getting yucky. but when the block/row is done.....off to the serious steam press and starch, then block and trim.

Got a chuckle out of this. Green Acres, too funny!

I have a travel iron and use the June Taylor thing on my cutting table which I have to move to cut anything over about 15." Not the ideal setup. I really like the tray table idea. I think I'll be on the lookout for one. I've always thought it was a good idea to get up and move too but this is not working for me. Thanks for all the tips. You gals are great!

Tried to have the iron beside me, but couldn't get used to it. I'd rather just get up and down to use the regular ironing board I guess.

Watson