I'm going to strongly suggest you take a look at the Janome 8200. I just bought it after saving up for it --my dream machine. My dealer actually prefers it over the 8900 because there's no jog dial that you have to turn . With the 8200 it's just two buttons to get your desired stitch--mode and stitch # Easy peasy. And it's a-MAY-zing for FMQ. Smooth, quiet, wow. And the thread cutter--oh my, how did I ever live without one? LOL
It's got the knee lift, a ton of stitches,easy to c hange feet, bobbin winder w/o unthreading the machine. NO tension issues (but then again, it's brand new, but very few tension issues reported compared to other brands. Best part is that 11" inch harp space, though. Be still my heart .No wrangling and wrestling. Oh, and the machine is so quiet AND it never eats my little pieces on the upstart. Great lighting.
As for the price, normally the 8200 runs around $1999. I called my dealer a few days before my birthday (big 5-0) and asked what she could do. She called Janome and asked if they had any repacks (maybe used at a quilt show or something). Snagged that puppy for just $1399. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it. The 8900 looks like a great machine too (I test drove it ) but too much machine for me and not worth the extra $2500. And I didn't like that jog dial as it added steps and wasn't the easiest to read. The Janome 8200 is very easy on these not-so-young eyes.
I'd ask if they have one in stock to try. It's a fantastic machine. Makes beautiful stitches.
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