Hi all,
I did some research on the web and found out that the vintage Singer Featherweigth sewing machine is much loved by quilters and some references to making doll clothes as well. Looking at pictures on ebay, you can see the stitch length goes up to 30/inch and that the throat plate is very narrow and low profile (since it doesnt have to accomodate fancy stitching like zig zag). I have a bid on one that seems in especially good condition but if I lose it, there are tons of them. Made circa 1930s and early 1960 they are also collectors item for the fancy designs, but I just want one that works well, so dont have to compete with the collectors. I'll let you know if I win and it works well for mini clothes.
Thanks for all the replies to my previous post as well as the super hints on using beading needles and thin thread for hand sewing.