Thank you! I don't have a Janome dealer anywhere near me, so have to rely on gathered knowledge to find what I want and then request the item from the dealer. For example, at a quilting retreat last week I discovered there is a cone holder for the Janome 8900 that includes a different thread path thing-a-ma-jig that fits into the second spool pin hole. I wondered why the thread kept jumping out of the slot when using a cone stand. Now I know why. I'm off to order both the cone holder and blue bobbin case, now I know how to describe what I want.
Any other option for the 8900 you think I might need? I did get the 1/4" accufeed foot and find it very helpful.
As to "wasting money", I figure if I've spend upwards of $2,000. on the machine, I'm willing to spend another $50 - 60. to get it working the best way possible.