I have a plastic Dritz hoop that I quilt on. Do not like the wooden ones. I like a lot of thread brands, and use my needles till they bend.
Kitties in the sewing room....well, I cannot keep them out. No door. ha ha. I like a lot of light, and a comfortable chair with a good back, so that mine does not go bad.
I also like to listen to my favorite singing group, the Monkees, or have the television on. I am not one for total silence.