thanks so much for all your suggestions! keep them coming!
i've asked my sweet, generous, understanding husband if he'd be willing to 'part' with the dining room so i can just make it my 'sewing room'...we don't even eat at the table, anyway!
he said he'd think about it, so i'm hopeful since he didn't discount the idea completely.
it may take a few (or many) months, but i'll try to post pics once we have some progress made!
i don't remember who it was that posted the link to the blog of the lady in NYC and her sewing area, but that was a great link! got my inner cogs clicking, so thanks!
is there any who would be willing to post pics of your own space? even if it's big and you have a whole room, i find pics most inspiring...just curious...