I bought this machine a couple of years ago with the desire to be able to do light-duty sewing--garments and embellishments, mostly.  Since then, however, we bought a new house, and I've been making lined window treatments for it.  I have found this machine to do much better with few layers and lighter-weight fabrics.  It often gets bogged down with the thicker drapery fabrics, especially when I'm working with lining and interlining or trims. 

I think it's an excellent value for garment sewing, but it is not intended for heavy-duty projects.  I don't feel disappointed because it works well...