I also have flooring that can be swept. My son bought me 2 commercial mats businesses put where employees stand at registers etc. have them in front of my long arm. Sure saves the legs and back. Would never go back to,carpet

I'm stuck with carpet in my current room (rental) but I had laminate in my last one and it was wonderful.

I enjoyed everyones imput! I am ready to get rid of ALL carpet. Last week I was working in my quilting rm. & dropped a 6" knitting needle. Stepped down to pick it up---ugh it was standing up in the carpet & drove it into the bottom of my foot. Our carpet was new 6 years ago & has had to be restretched & cleanned. Cannot wait to get rid of it. Thank you for sharing.

I'm debating some of those larger mats that you would use under office chairs for that exact reason.

I would definitely switch to a laminate. I like the ease of picking up sewing debris in one fail swoop and not clogging up my vacuum. It makes such a huge difference.

Laminate is a good idea. I sew in my dining room, which has an area rug, and I know exactly what you mean about vacuuming. What a nightmare that is!

A tip for picking up threads in carpet: I use masking tape om the bottom of the swifter mop and stomp them onto the tape. Better than onto the roller on the vac.