How do I love thee, Janome Jem?
 

I know there are lots of Jem lovers on this board. What I'm confused about is that there seems to be several different small Janome models which would work for a class/travel machine - some are cheaper than the Jem. What does the Jem have that the others don't have?

It is a very reliable machine. Doesn't seem to have very many problems. I used to have a Jem and it was a workhorse. The only reason I replaced it was I wanted a machine that sewed a little faster and had the thread cutter. I went with the 3160. It is about the same weight, just a little larger. I love it.

I like the Jem since it is lightweight but was very disappointed it doesn't have a handle. If I were to do it all over again, I'd probably get a larger lightweight machine with a handle. It's a pain to carry to classes without one. I have no issues with the speed or not having a thread cutter -- I just want a handle!

I had a 720 and a 760 and to be honest, I went with them because they were lightweight, had a good reputation, and I got a screamin' deal. I would have considered other models if I could have gotten the same deal. I eventually sold the 720 but kept the 760 because it has more stitches. I take it to classes and have taken it on an airplane several times.