I have a small, shallow oval wicker basket that sits at the right side of my machine. It hold my 6" ruler, seam ripper, awl, small scissors, and a pin cushion. Everything I use while sewing is contained but totally handy. I carry it to the sofa or out to the patio when doing handwork. Because I do take it away from the machine at times, I have a small open plastic box in the basket for a thread catcher.
I like the basket because it keeps everything handy but nothing falls on the floor or gets pushed out of the way, and it's easy to pick up and carry to another spot when needed. I have a similar arrangement for taking to classes or in the car, but it's a plastic box with a lid that I an close.