I only have about 6 inches and would like at least 12.

I have just enough on my right to hold my tools. On my left I want all I can get to hold and support my quilts. I would love to have 34 on my left.

I have about 12-15 inches on the desk. Holds "stuff" pins snips needles etc. I keep my tea to the right but on the window sill - guess how I figured that one out. I have some space behind me.

Well this is a fun thread. I understand what you are talking about and personally I like the idea of an elongated U shape (the elongated part would be the bottom of the U at least 4') with me on the inside. That way I have room to the right and left. On the right it would be room for my coffee and pin cushion, seam ripper and scissors maybe a small cutting matt and rotary cutter as well as a frame size flannel board on an easel to lay my block out on. Oh don't forget that extra light that no matter what we seem to need. Then to the left an ironing board and extra work room. Yes our the back extra space to hold the bulk of our work then I like a removable support on the left to hold the weight of what I am getting ready to sew or quilt when very working on large items. I look forward to seeing your finished table/work area.

Since I am right handed, I find it helpful to have my snips, pins, markers, coffee cup, etc on the right hand of my machine....

I would always go for as much room as you can get. It seems that there is always a way to fill up the space and then you wonder how you ever got by without as much, IF it doesn't mean sacrificing to the left and to the behind of your machine.

I seem to have a ton of items that are on the right - a bin with seam ripper, screwdriver, marking pens; my large embroidery foot and walking foot (Baby Lock Unity and they are huge electronic feet); pin cushion; all the threads I'm using (i.e. embroidery colors) USB sticks... I like everything close at hand.

I have 20 inches on my right and keep my notions and my serger on that side and I have lots of space on the left and if I pull my table out, I can put up a back part for quilting large quilt. I use all my space and have another table for cutting and then a desk for computer. It is too crowded but that's life. The more room I would have, the more stuff I would get.