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Same goes for me ... ??
I have the 6600 and love it, haven't seen any reason YET to move to the 7700 or the new 8900 ... ?? My 6600 FMQ's beautifully. I think a lot of people just expect the machine to do FMQ COMPLETELY FOR THEM. It still takes practice !!
I've tried several friends' 7700 machines and couldn't justify spending more $$, there was little difference IMHO, other than the extra lighting and the throat plate ... but on the plus side, with the new models, Janome will keep reducing the price on the 7700 ...
Last edited by TexasGurl; 01-08-2013 at 08:21 AM.
Last edited by TexasGurl; 01-08-2013 at 08:19 AM.
I purchased the Janome 8900 last thursday, 4/25/13. It was $3,995.00 plus extras. The dealer at Sew 'N Save, Jim, spent 2 hours with me as I wanted to go over the machine thoroughly, switching stitch plates, presser feet, using decorative stitches, free motion quilting, and finding the perfect 1/4" seam. He patiently addressed all my inquiries and let me run the machine so that I could learn. I am very comfortable with this machine and love it's lock stitch, thread cutter, and 11" harp space. The decorative stitches are very friendly to use and are 9mm. As my dealer is quite a distance from me, I appreciated greatly, the comprehensive lesson. I have even called with a question already and received immediate response from a technician there. I'm very pleased with Sew 'N Save and the Janome 8900.
I'm eyeing the 8900 right now. Quiltsong - how do you like it so far?
I have a 6600 that I LOVE and it's not even a year old yet but I see some features on the 8900 that I could really use.
Does the 8900 use the same bobbins as the 6600?
I think I might stop by the dealer soon and see if they have one set up I can take for a test drive, and find out what sort of trade in I can get for my 6600.
I had a 7700 and got the 8900. It works much easier in terms of free motion stitching without the eyelashes or tension issues I had with the 7700. The lighting is better,the motor smoother and quieter. They use new feet that don't fit on the other machine,but use the same bobbins. I really enjoy it.
Life may not be the party we planned for,but while we are here we should dance!
I just purchased a Janome 8900 for $2000. Pricing for this machine is all over the place and seems almost ridiculously random. I'm in NY and one dealer wanted $3600 and another wanted $2999. My mother lives in Florida and both she and a friend wanted the 8900. She was quoted $3400 at one dealer and then another was $2000. Needless to say, she bought from the dealer that priced the machine at $2000, and so did I and her friend. He is shipping it to me for free and since it was out-of-state he didn't charge me sales tax. I've got my tracking number and it's scheduled for delivery on Tuesday (purchased it just this past Thursday).
The variable pricing on these machines is just outrageous at this point.
Congratulations! on your new machine.
What needs to be remembered in comparing prices is whether they are equal deals when it comes to the price. Eg. Does each pricing have all the same inclusions re the Janome table, feet, other accessories, lessons, servicing, etc. And of course, it there is a trade being factored in.
Often times, when an apple to apple comparison is made ... they come out pretty close to the same $$$
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Sew many ideas ... just sew little time!!
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The $2000 price was for the machine with its standard accessories (16 feet and the extension table). My mother and her friend also got unlimited free lessons and 10 years parts and labor servicing since they're local. Since I'm in New York the lessons and warranty deal doesn't really apply. It was a great deal.
The prices I was quoted up here didn't include any fancy extras such as the big table or extra feet beyond what comes standard with the machine. I would like to think these things are apple to apple among different dealers but that hasn't been my experience. I think it's more along the lines of they'll take what they can get and you really have to be a savvy shopper to get a fair price.
I'd love to know where in FL you got your machine if you don't mind sending me a private message, Madriver.