I haven't read through all the replys, so may be repeating someone else's answer. How about a Sew Ezi table? The machine will sit flush, you will sit in front of your needle, it is portable if you need to take it somewhere, and it folds flat so is easily stored. The cost for the table is $250 (plus shipping) and you can get the insert for different machines.
http://www.seweziusa.com/