I started this discussion and love the passion. Last night I tried to hem jeans on my Janome Gem it would not sew through the thickness. I have a 35 yr old Kenmore and it will sew through anything. It needs cams to do special stitching but I have made the decision to keep it for heavy work and purchase a used Janome one step up from what I have because I don't have any decorative stitching which I will us in my camper and to take to classes. I already have a buyer for the Janome I have. The reason I am going to get a Gem Platinum is that all the accessories I have will fit that one as well.
Thank you for all your help