Its all about the proper temp.
50F is a minimum. Now most homes are at least that warm. Do not allow the mix to cure below 50.
It is very dusty- so mixing dry ingredients outside is ok.
Then bring in and mix in the water in you basement.
The hard part about inside mixing is clean up.
I usually clean up with a hose outside. But if the temps are in the 30F's that might be tough.
ALso in the house with the heat on - make sure your project is covered - plastic- so that is stays moist. It will need to cure for a few weeks.

LOL

Mike

(spell check! is that new?

Just previewed my message and I hate how GardenWeb is turning some of my words into advertising links!

It's as messy as you are. I teach classes and carry all my equipment and go home clean. I have students that seem to get covered from head to toe just looking at the ingredients.
Wear a dust mask when working with the dry ingredients.
Basement is best during the Winter. Like Mike said, pour and mix your dry ingredients outside then bring inside and slowly incorporate the water. Even then mix slowly so you don't raise dust. Work with something small in the Winter for learning then you'll be ready to blow out something bigger come Spring. You won't miss planting because you can plant up your planter/trough in 1 week.
Regarding cleanup, scrape out any wet leftover mix from your mixing container into/onto a piece of plastic and newspaper and let harden (or make pot feet). Then discard the hardened lump. Then use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe out any remaining residue. Make sure you get it all out or it will harden. To clean your mold, wipe out with crumpled up damp newspaper and discard. Clean your mold as soon as you unmold your piece so nothing sticks to the mold. Billie

I'm in Wisconsin as well & take a hiatus over the winter. It's just too messy & time consuming to have to deal with all the cleaning, carefulness, etc. But now that spring is approaching I'm getting the itch! I would never consider doing it in the kitchen.
Audacitie