My first machine, a Singer purchased in 1971, had one foot with it. Like Latrinka, I used it for straight stitching and zig zag (the only two stitches on the machine). Of course, the zig zag becomes a satin stitch with adjustments to the stitch length and width. This was before I started quilting, and I sewed garments and crafts. I started quilting with this machine, but was doing PP. Being self-taught, I didn't know about using a 1/4" seam allowance, so sewed my blocks together using a 1/2" seam allowance. The blocks were sashed, so I had to use a little bit wider outer border, but that one foot worked just fine.
Now I have a Bernina and sometimes still use my satin stitch foot rather than changing back and forth with my 1/4" foot. I just need to remember to reposition my needle so that I can use the side of the foot for piecing.