My AnnieRose does a fantastic job both piecing and FMQ. It is a full size machine, just made of aluminum so it's lighter than a steel machine. 17 pounds isn't very heavy. I can't sew unless my machine is flush with the desk so I had to modify a Sears cabinet for her. I personally wouldn't try to FMQ with a FW, but I don't have one so I may not know what I'm talking about.