Using my Janome 8900 QCP - 10 months later

One of the things that I really wanted this year was a newer, more up-to-date sewing machine.  Since I'm a Janome woman, I knew that I was going to purchase a new Janome.  Originally I was going to purchase the 7700 used or new because it was a step up from the 6600P that I was presently using.  I have no qualms about purchasing a used sewing machine because my Janome 8000 was purchased used and my Janome 6600P was also gifted to me used.

Over time I've figured out what I need in a sewing machine.  I love the top of the line sewing machines with all of the bells and whistles, embroidery modules, loads of stitch patterns, etc.  However, I don't NEED all of that. That is not how I sew. Plus since I haven't traded in a sewing machine, I still have embroidery capabilities with the Janome 8000 - not that I use them much!

Anyway, I headed off to the sewing machine dealer and ended up bringing home the 8900QCP because the dealer gave me a great price for the machine. Now that the machine has been home for 10 months, there are a few things I'm truly thankful for in this machine.

• It is accurate.  Seriously.  It stops on a dime and then turns on that dime.
• The reverse stitching is accurate.  It stitches into the same row of stitching that it started in.
• Quiet...this is the quietest sewing machine that I've ever owned.  Everyone can tell upstairs when I'm operating the serger (that I also love!) but no one can tell when I'm stitching on my sewing machine.
• Love, love, love that I don't have to push the needle from side to side.  The machine has a button that I push on the panel for the far right setting and the far left setting which is exactly 1/4" sewing.

Photo credit:  www.thestitcherymachine.co

• The lighting on this machine is awesome because it's in all the spots that matter.
• The wider opening can fit anything in it.  I know it was done for quilters but being able to get an entire dress, jacket or pair of pants in the opening works so well for me too!
• I absolutely love the cutting function.  I don't use it at the end of every seam but when I'm in some hard to reach place, it's so kewl to be able to use the cutting button.  Not only does it cut the bobbin thread so that I don't have to trim it but the upper thread is cut about an inch long.  Not much to trim there either.
• The manual is easy to read, follow and understand.
• Learning how to monogram was easy when I used the manual and did the process step by step.

This is the first time in over 20 years that I've purchased a new sewing machine. I'm so thrilled that I did because this machine will grow with me into the next decade even though I'm secretly coveting the new Janome Horizon Memory Craft 15000.  

In my mind the next time I purchase a new sewing machine will be when I'm ready to retire.  My 8900QCP will be more than capable to do the job until then!

...as always more later!