I have carpet. I bought a child's lawn rake at Lowe's, which I use to rake up all of my "crumbs". It gets everything up that shouldn't go into the vacuum.

For those of you that worry about pins. My DH found the neatest extension type magnet while browsing for new notions for me. He is the bestest quilting buddy I ever had. He will spend hours with me in fabric shops, help rip out mistakes and always give me an honest opinion on my work. AND he is always looking for something new that I don't have or will me have an easier time with my bad back. This magnet is so strong, I sit in my rolling chair and pick up all dropped pins. Got it at Wal-Mart. It has a red and black handle on it, thick for hands that are not so flexible anymore. I keep it close to machines in case I drop scissors, needles, etc. It is wonderful. I have fear of pins in my feet as well.

In the winter it may be to cool not to have a rug on the floor where you live.

My sewing room is also in the basement. I don't have any carpet as it is easier to pick up pins, fabric and batting on the cement. I also use a heater in the winter and keeps the area warm.

I have a rug in my sewing room that I love, but it is a big pain in the neck. My chair runs into it, my little plastic cart with drawers won't open. Unless you love that rug like I love mine, get rid of it. I always had a little old broom and at the end of the day sewing, I swept that area clean.

I would keep the rug, it will make in warmer in the winter.

I have carpet tile in my basement sewing room and love the low pile and warmth it gives. Vacuuming is a pain but my chair moves nicely and stays where I need it.

I have laminate flooring that looks like hardwood, but is much easier to keep clean. Swiffer keeps the threads collected. My sewing chair rolls easily between machines.