Great space! Think I'll use one of your ideas for future remodeling at my place -- using a kitchen counter/cabinet -- must be a wonderful height for cutting. Also like the knotty pine; if it "grows" on you, put up quilts!!! Wish I could -- my sewing room is 10'x10', top floor of a Cape Cod so only half walls.
One last thought... how's the humidity in your basement? Mine is dry but, at times, it benefits from a dehumidifier. Over time, a kind of mildewy film can appear on metal parts.
Enjoy you new space!!