I always have to move some of my clutter before I start to cut, iron or sew. If I'm sewing, the first thing I do is check my bobbin supply. I usually wind a bobbin or bobbins, depending on how many I might need, before I do anything else. I get my brush out and give the bobbin area a nice clean out before I sew.
Cats are allowed in my sewing area but doggie is stuck in the dining room watching from behind his doggie gate. I can watch TV or listen to the radio. Sometimes I check out sewing videos on line while I'm sewing.