YOu call that a "minimal sewing" LOL!!!!! have not laughed so hard in a long time, and I can use a good laugh so it's fine.
My "minimal" has been my four thread Viking Huskylock serge and my Open arm (with table) Viking 990 that has the blind hem, buttonholer and all kinds of other stitches built in.
And with those two - I've sewed everything from very delicate lace/lingerie (it's remarkably good with slinky/stretchy PIA fabric) to very heavy duty things like replacing a zipper on a large old canvas tent (not the nylon ones like we have now days).
I always wanted to add a curved needle blindhemmer like I used in the Alterations shop and I always wanted a heavy duty steam iron (the kind that had a seperate water source).
For my "sewing" machines, I now have
1. Viking 990 that does just about everything, and I use is EXCEPT when I need a special purpose. It's not the best for FMQ and prefer not to stress the old gal with real heavy stuff anymore.
2. 15" Mid-arm Quilter, on the frame. This machine has no feed dogs so can't really be used for anything else.
3. Embroidery Machine.
4. Four thread Serge,
5. Singer 201 or 15, My husband would pick the 201, I'd pick the 15 if I could only have one, but that is because I like it better for FMQ - but it's a good, narrow feed straight stitch machine.
And because I can - but this is NOT minimal, this is "dream" setup.
6. Zigzag machine - where the bobbin and the needle move side to side as that gives a very nice satin stitch. And I do a lot of applique so having a dedicated satin stitch machine works well for me. So far this is my White 670, and it did a great job on the last project with involved 100 yds of ribbon satin stitched on the fabric (a set of 12 vestments for the Chapel at work).
7. Hemstitcher - because I've always wanted one
8. Blindhemmer (still on my wish list)
My husband is into the heavier stuff, so we also have a shoe repair/cobbler industrial - and for fun, it's treadle.
When I get machines moved out, I think I'll test ones and see if I can find a nice straight stitch machine for quilt piecing. However so far, my Viking feeds the best of anything I've tried, and with the needle side to side setting, I can easily get a 1/4" seam without changing feet.