I have been sewing/quilting for the past ~18 months on a brother machine, I purchased of amazon for $150.
It is a great lightweight machine (very portable) and a great machine to learn on, as I was 18 months ago. However, I have been struggling on it recently because:
- It is having trouble going over seams and I have to lift the foot slightly to keep it moving (probably need the foot pressure adjusted)
- The stitches are a little irregular.
- Lastly but the most important point….it has a little harp space. I have been pulling my quilts through that tiny space.
So, I had made the decision that I will look at another machine. My biggest criteria was enough harp space that I can easily quilt without slipped stitches or moved stitches from yanking it through that space. Luckily, I was going to Sew Down and I was excited about using one of the supplied machines to see what sewing/quilting was like on another machine. In the FMQ and Paper Piecing classes they provided Janome 8900 QCP.
I liked it so much, and the fact there was a 60% discount/ no sales tax/free shipping…just made it so appealing….that this came home with me this week…..
I have been sewing yesterday on it, trying to finish up my Carolyn Friedlander Aerial Quilt. My favorite features so far:
- The hidden thread and the storage compartments for all the components.
- The wonderful large pedal
- The cool automatic thread cutter feature.
- The evenness and smoothness of the stitches
We are definitely going to be “Besties” for life 🙂
Linking up with Molli Sparkles for Sunday Stash (see button on the right).
Factotum of Arts 
Very nice… I’ve been toying with getting a more performant machine (I have a 60 year old Viking), but I have sentimental attachment to my oldie. I’ll probably just jump in one day… I feel like I’d be letting go of an old friend! 🙂
Congratulations on the new machine!
Yay! This is so exciting!!! Congrats on your beautiful new machine! 🙂
I like my Janome 3018, it’s done thousands of miles of faithful sewing, but like you, I struggle with small throat space. To the extent that I’ve actually started hand quilting a lot more. One day, one day…. Beautiful machine, enjoy!
It’s beautiful! I went from my mom’s old Janome to the 6300, which has a 9″ throat and love all the same features you mentioned–plus: on/off switch, knee lifter, needle threader, separate bobbin motor. I so wanted the Horizon–I REALLY miss having a free arm!! Someday…someday…
Wahoo! Congrats on such a wonderful purchase. Happy quilting!
Yay you, enjoy your new machine.
Hah, I can totally identify with a machine upgrade. It’s a life changing event. 🙂 congratulations!
I just love everything about this!!! So happy for you.
Very nice! Our machines are sisters (I have the Elna version of this one). I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m sure you’ll love yours too!
Looks awesome! I bet it’s like night and day going from your previous machine to this one!
Looks awesome! Fun times ahead:)
I love my Janome 7500 and the throat space will be a life changer. My favorite feature is the thread cutter. I used to scoff at that and say I was perfectly capable of cutting the thread but once you get used to it, you never want to go back.
Well that was definitely too good a deal to pass up! Congrats on your new bestie 🙂
I have a Brother too, and I have the same issues you are having. I went and got a new sewing machine too (still on layaway) but I can’t wait! Congrats on your new friend!!!
Enjoy your new toy!
Oh what I wouldn’t give for a better sewing machine!!! Enjoy yours, it looks wonderful.
Congratulations! What a great upgrade!
That harp space is fantastic! Congrats!
That is an impressive Sunday Stash alright! Jealous of that huge harp, Michelle. And I agree with Cindy – I have a little built in thread cutter on my Janome (that I didn’t even know was on it for a year! lol). Now that I’m used to using it, I can’t imagine going back to scissors : P
I have a brother’s and love it. I bought it last fall. I only paid $200 for mine. It has the block letters for labeling. It also has the quilting table area that has the little feet. It was their quilting model. I have an older one with less features that I bought 5 years ago and my grand daughter is sewing on that one now. You are going to just love it.