Yet another update: After viewing more videos, my sweet husband replaced the top of my sewing table. It is now much larger and covered in heavy mil vinyl. The surface is now level w the sewing suface of my machine and the whole thing is nice and heavy. No scooting. I have an open-front walking foot w little measurement guides on it AND I have gloves. Still piecing my last border then on to basting. I mean ironing. All of your information has been so helpful - letting me weigh both options. The jury is still out but Im leaning towards going for it. I think if I end up in trouble I can wah and my husband will help me :). He is so sweet!