There are sewing desks that turn into credenzas when you want to hide the sewing machine and keep it away from wee fingers. Put up cheap shelving for stash and what about a drop down cutting and ironing board out from under the shelving. Plus space high enough for cutters and pins. One other thing: Go to the local auto shop and get a magnet on a 3 foot stick( in Canada about $15) that is used to pick up nuts and bolts in garages but works on like a dream on pins, needles and probably metal toys. Use it every evening.