I got a Singer. I really don't know the difference between brands, since the only one I've ever used previously was ages ago in home ec.
I really hadn't thought about stitching while I'm away doing things before....I may have to take that into consideration (as if I leave the house a lot other than work). I REALLY hope I don't get too frustrated though, because I want to make my son a quilt. My mom made us all quilts as children and I guess I want to pass that along to my son