Our 2 cats really like to be around us, whatever we are doing. Our current cats don't care to be right on the sewing machine, but if the table has the leaves opened up, they like to be on there. That's ok with me. I usually put a small baby quilt of theirs up for them to sleep on and that keeps them off the "current" project.
So if you can handle having them in the room with you, then i think, aside from the other suggestions here, my best advice is to make a space for them that is just as comfy as the work you have in progress. It has to have batting and your scent on it. You may be able to make certain areas within the sewing room "off limits" (like the ironing board or rotary mat) so they don't get hurt, by using the water bottle.
For cat lovers, check out youtube's Simon's Cat videos. You have to smile!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s13dLaTIHSg