Don't ever feel embarassed using your Singer sewing machine. I have never used anything but Singer brand machines. They have always been excellent machines, and I've always been able to make very nice things on them. Personally I can't imagine spending a small farm down east on a sewing machine. I don't need my machine to do everything but the dishes for me.
Don't worry what others 'think' - if they look down on your Singer, they are name brand snobs.