I have found that two large plastic, flannel backed table clothes (duct taped together) and held on my wall with Blue Painter tape works as well as anything others have. Cheap, easy and they last a long time. I clean them now and again by ironing a piece of freezer paper on them (still on the wall) and it takes off a bunch of the threads. Many of my friends are now doing the same thing.

I've found flannel works fairly well, needing only an occasional pin (one caveat - my boards lean against the wall so the angle may be helping matters).

I covered two 8x4 insulation boards as others on this site have suggested. I'll have to try out some W&N batting. I am working on an approx. 2x2 applique with dozens of pieces so could test it out on a smaller design board.

I don't have to deal with dog tails but, I have found my male kitten likes to climb to the top of my design board. Gah!

I had to put the second panel facing the other so he's only climbing the back. Not very useful as I can't layout an entire design without someone standing guard. : )

If I resort to using the bed or floor the other cats (we have 6 total) take notice and all come over to sit on whatever I've put down.

Oh well, life in an open loft with curious critters. : )

Jackie,

What a great tip to get the threads off your design wall. I will have to try that next time mine gets linty.

I also love your signature line, I woudl sub in cats and dogs or Kaffe for Scrappy, but chocolate and wine make my heart sing.