I think we all understand the desire for a sewing space that is a bonus little nook close to other people for company, and s large area where we can spread it all out, make a mess, get away by ourselves, and get lost in creating. Does anyone else want or need the space that you're wanting to carve out for sewing? I can tell you I have a fairly big sewing room/guest room (12x15) with natural night and I love it. I used to have a tiny craft room under the stairs of our basement and the lighting was all artificial. It wasn't so good for my mood but it kept craft clutter away from the visible living areas of the main level. gave that up to a son who likes it as a gaming room. If you have it to spare, and no one is against it, I say enjoy it. You'll be far more relaxed and productive if the room is inviting.

I would definitely use the second area. My sewing room is not in the basement, it is just down the hall from the family room but I do my hand sewing usually in the TV room when my family is home. And I can understand that going down to the sewing room late in the evening doesn't sound like a big deal but it feels like it at the end of the day.

I used to work off a cardtable that was wobbly. When I was done for the time, I put everything into the large clear containers with the table behind it. throw a work board on top then a cover on top of that then a floral arrangement. ALso had a lamp. Had a tool box with my shears and notions. If I had a lot of sewing to do my son would let me use his desk and I could shut the door. Especially if the guys wanted to watch a special show. Now I can shut the door and walk away.

When I lived up north I had my sewing machine in guest bedroom. Wasn't much into quilting then. When I had my 3rd baby (oops) I moved to the basement. The lighting was horrible, but I managed. Since moving to FL, we are on our 3rd house....downsized. In my last sewing room I had a double fluorescent ceiling light over my machines. It was the best lighting I ever had. Going to get another for new sewing room. Not too expensive either

As we age our eyes "grow dim". So I would surely invest in some killer lights for the basement, or move to the well lit area. Perhaps your reluctance to go to the basement is a subtle way your body is saying it wants more light. Marcia

totally agree!

Karen, if it is the lighting that detours you from being in your basement, I would definitely try to improve it somehow. Natural light is always best but I'm sure you can find something with all the new lighting options there are.

I have been known to have two machines set up in different places if I am working on more than one project.

For more light in your basement you can get the LED shop lights. They are wonderful!! Home Depot and lowes has them and also Sam's club. I've got three in my basement sewing room.

Sounds like you know what's not appealing with your current space: lighting. There are lots of options there. Even for the short run put the new, brighter LEDs in the can lighting. They give lots of light for a little energy cost.

As far as the second place to sew, I would never see my wife if she just went into "her" room to sew. She would live there, she sews so much. I've encouraged her and she has set up a smaller station in the family room. Now we can talk about projects, she can show me her progress and we can even watch a TV show together. We just share the process more this way.

We both work and really don't get that much time together, so we have fun with it when we can. Many times, I'll be on the chat rooms reading and sharing what everyone else is saying with her while she sews. She doesn't get on the forums but likes to her about all of the latest hottest from everyone.

I'm getting off track a little, but the main thing is to do what best works for your lifestyle in your house. Who cares what others think of where you sew.

I have my long arm in the basement with my design wall. Right now we are exploring other options for lighting as ours really is terrible down there. I took an extra bedroom and made it my main quilting room. It has two good windows for light. I would definitely put a second sewing machine anywhere you think you might use it. Keep on quilting is my motto.