i usually have a tv show I've seen a million times, like NCIS or Law & Order, while I long arm--if it's an hour show it helps me keep track of time so that I don't overdo and actually take a break.
When I'm upstairs in sewing room I'll just have quiet, listen to audio books or radio, or just hear the tv from downstairs, usually tuned to Royals baseball or in winter, KU basketball (DH controlling the remote)