I ran into this problem a very long time ago when I made my dad a tool belt. I have a Kenmore machine from the 1970s--all mechanical, no computerized--and I was able to sew by turning the balance wheel, or whatever that thing on the right side is called. It was like sewing on one of those old children's machines where the wheel and your arm do all of the work. It was slow, but it worked. I'm not familair with the Janomes, but it would be worth trying out on some folded scraps. Use a heavy duty (like jeans) needle.

Sharon C.

Use a jeans needle and see if you have a jeans foot.I also have a thing i call a hump jumper.It's for when you are starting out on a thick seam and you place it in back and up against the presser foot,so that it makes everything even and you can get up over that hump.Good luck.
Kathi

Hump thing called a "Jean ma Jig".
Kathy G in MI

Hump jumper, jean-a-ma-jig, lots of names. Dukesupnow, the idea is to keep you pressure foot flat. You can do the same thing by folding an index card many times until it is as thick as the fabric spot you need to go through. Put in under the front of the pressure as you start. After you pass the large spot of fabric, move the card to the back of the foot. If you have a good needle and a strong machine you should be able to get through it, if you can keep the foot level.