Miguel, look at this:
http://www.projectpuppet.com/Page.bok?template=useful-stitches-tutorial

I've been using baseball stitch that is shown there to sew some parts of my puppet (e.g. palms) because that was a bit more comfortable and faster for me than using double gathering one (so called "Henson stitch" that I used for head). while you're using baseball or ladder stitch (both of them shown at the site above) you are able to virtually hide the seams quite well.
they're very easy to use, especially baseball one - try it. and then just pick/pull up the pile from the underneath of the thread by grabbing them with the needle.

when it comes to a sewing machine - do not worry, I've never used it before I started building puppets. I didn't know how to use it, but it's kinda simple. I didn't try any curves so far (OK, I tried with the palms but that was an absolute disaster so I went back to hand-sewing ;P) but sewing a straight line is very easy and much more comfortable and FASTER then sewing by hand. I sewed fake fur for torso by hand but then realized that better would be if sewn with a sewing machine. believe me - very easy and veeeryyyy fast.
I have no workshop too, so we're in the same boat - I do everything on the floor in my living room, I just put an old top left after a cupboard on a carpet and my sewing machine stands on the floor when not in use and on the table when I sew

Wao! We are the same position. I do my job on the floor, and the tools and materials are in a medium plastic box (Just one)

Thanks for the advise, I'm gonna try that!

Thanks Iza!

Miguel!

you've plastic box at least
...I've got carpet and a chair!

you're welcome

shit happens, but do not worry Miguel, we both can manage it ;D
we will build puppets even in spartan conditions

You are right!

And more when people have talent like you have.

ou... thanks Miguel :D

I was somewhat envious of Stiq's puppet building room.  I'm like you guys.  I build where ever I have the space, usually on the floor.  I do have some space to store my tools and fabric and foam away but its not a place I woud want to work in.  Maybe someday, after my kids are all grown I'll be able to move into one of their rooms.  but that's about 10 years down the road at the earliest.

If you live in a house, you can try to build small space for that! (That's what I would do, if I have a House), Even a big apt. (At least those apt. that has good enough space to put new walls) Or (Sometime happens) that the apt. has a big closet; I would used as my workshop

Miguel!