It really stinks when you receive an 1099-Misc and you were not expecting to fill out a Schedule C for Self Employment, but that is exactly what an independent contractor is - self employed. And responsible for both side of FICA. Schedule C does allow you to deduct anything money you spent buying supplies, insurance or anything related to the work you were paid for.
There is a fine line between employee and independent contractor. If the employer tells you how to do the job and when then you are an employee. Check out the IRS for more information regarding employee vs independent contractor.
Best Wishes
