I purchased a Janome 7700 in November after having sewn on Bernina's for 30 years. I would have gone for the 8900 if I could have afforded it. The lighting is wonderful, and you do just pretty much thread and go. Was an easy learning curve. I just did my first FMQ and some specialty stitches on my first twin size quilt and it is beautiful. Machine is heavy, well built and quiet. Stitches are even. I had some breaking thread along the way but it was because I needed a different needle and I needed to clean out the lint. The wonderful ladies here gave me all kinds of helpful advice which worked! I would definitely buy a Janome again. I did a lot of research and asking questions before purchasing. Went to the dealer and spent an hour trying it out.