I had an old Janome which I loved, but when I got the chance to treat myself, I got the Juki FZL 600, which is the machine I use for piecing and quilting it also has a load of decorative stitches and I think it's amazing. I also bought a Husqvarna Ruby Royale which I'm still getting used to. If you don't need the bells and whistles on the 8900 which are different to the Juki, get the Juki. It does have start stop, needle down, automatic cutter, knee lifter as well as I think it's 260 stitches, I have no criticism of this machine. I've also seen silk jersey to make a couple of tops and pants and it stitched beautifully on a difficult fabric to work with.