miriam, this MW is no wimp - it was made in Japan by Juki with a 1 amp motor just like a 15 has. My 1950s MW has 1.2 amp motor and while my precious Elna that had sewn through layers of belt leather and dozens of jean hems has only .75 amps. The Wards machine will sew jeans, I'm sure.
My daughter has first refusal on it for my grandson who sews, but it's a lot of machine for a 9 year old. I can see him with the 128.