I am working on a sewing room too. Lighting has been the topic of the past two days and this topic sounds like I wrote it. My room is downstairs, 12' x 12' without factoring in the closet and has one small window. I was looking at light fixtures just yesterday. My husband thinks we should put one in that is just like you described ....4, 4' bulbs with a cover....we have one in the kitchen like that and it is bright. I didn't know there were other bulbs for less shadows...Thanks for all the info!
Have I mentioned I love this Message board? :-)