I have an ironing table I made with a wooden tv table. I think I found the instructions here??? it has a layer of warm and white then a piece of canvas stapled to it. You spray that with water and let it dry so it shrinks to fit. I love it beside my machine as my room doesn't have enough space for my ironing board close to me. I use the same ironing table for applique. I pin the top of the block to the canvas with straight pins, keeps everything from moving and the bottom part is loose for hand stitching. Don't know if this helps but it works great for me.

I just use a book of the kids. Its an atlas of the world and is the perfect size for this.

I hadn't really thought of using one, but its a great idea Mad. Maybe your DH can make one for me too! :wink:

I use a cookie sheet/jelly roll pan for a lap board. Has a lip all around. I really do want to find a way to put something on the underside, because it is cold when I put it on my lap!

What comes to mind is the soft writing desks that stores sell. I think they have masonite boards inside. And a cushion type backing.

I use one of my large square rulers and throw pillows the highth that I need . nothing on top of the ruler except my work, I do all my hand applique like this.

I bought a lap desk at Hobby Lobby and then hot glued a small cutting mat to it. The size was a perfect fit. It has a clip to one side that is perfect for holding on to a ruler or marking pencil until I need them. I use it for cutting small things, hand piecing, applique, etc. It has a handled so it is really easy to carry with me when I am working on the go.

I have one; it's a thin kidney shaped finished wood.
Got it years ago from an expensive stationary shop catalogue.
Used it for a long time then forgot I had it.

Have been using a large cafeteria tray that I appropriated from my local hospital. Works just fine. Told my son, when I die to return it.

I purchased a board that fits on the arms of your recliner and is rounded so you stomach has room. It is about a foot wide. I have a small lamp that when I sit down I put on it and my applique or what ever Iam working on it. If I need to mark my patterns Ihave a 12 x 18 ironing and cutting board I use. For our car I bought a 3" by 14" piece of foam and used a piece of flannel to cover it, so my pieces doesn't slide and can stick pins in as needed.

You can put raw beans in the bottom pillow part. They are less expensive than beads. I like the idea of having the top a cutting mat. I use to have one that I purchased at a craft fair.