in MN, 99% of household are shoe-less (probably because of all the gunk that comes inside with shoes in the winter) so I am always in socks EXCEPT when I sew. Unfinished basement, machine up against the window, frost on the concrete floor in the winter....have to wear shoes!! It's even chilly down there in the summer (which I love). Besides, I have to pass through the lego zone to get to my sewing area and OUCH those things hurt - and pins aren't too fun either!