My main sewing machine is a family heirloom--a Singer from the 30's in a wood cabinet. Betsy can sew forward and reverse, she's solid metal and indestructable! I'd never part with her...but I do get to wishing for a sturdy, portable machine with loads of embroidery stitches so I could do more machine applique. Has anyone done any recent comparisons between brands? What do you love or dread when you sit down at your own sewing machines?