the only thing i had to sew with for years was my grandmothers featherweight. i made pinch pleat draperies, curtains, recovered furniture and various household dec items plus my clothing. when my son was born i bought a necchi because i was making his sweatshirts and pj's ...things i needed a zigzag machine for. recently making terry towel bibs for mil (alzheimers) i couldn't go thru the thick layers with my pfaff. went to my little fw and it just breezed right thru those thick seams. a featherweight is a remarkable little machine with a powerful motor. i think it's really being given a reputation as "cute" and for quilting only. it's great for all kinds of sewing. even if no zigzag ..but i think there's a foot that makes it sew zigzag tho i don't have one.
oh ...and the necchi died after 30 years of heavy sewing ...household, clothing and quilts ...but the little featherweight is still going strong!!