My handiest tool isn't beside my machine but on the arm of my chair. I have this thing (don't know what to call it) but it has pockets on each end with a pin cushion in the center. It is pinned on the chair arm. I keep my spool of thread in it, along with my thimble and scissors. When I'm quilting and run upon a pin, I take it out and poke it in the cushion on top. GREAT!! I found mine at a yard sale for a quarter. My friend came over an traced a pattern off and made her one. They are neat!