Janome Horizon 8900
 

I want a machine that is larger than my 13yr old Janome 4800 and having thought long and hard I have arrived at the Janome Horizon 8900. What experience have you had with this machine, particularly any niggles? It will be my forever machine I guess, so I am nervous of making any mistakes.

Also, there is a 'Special Edition' out there. Does anyone know if this has extra bells and whistles or fewer perhaps?

i think the main difference between the regular 8900 and the special addition are the optional items included as a bonus package. the SE has a blue face plate instead of the standard silver.

there are some decent prices online for the SE. it also seems easier to find than a "plain" 8900. the optional accessories included would all come in very handy.

i absolutely love my 8900. i've had it for years.

i do recommend you buy the 1/4" foot for the acufeed.
i never have to switch between acufeed and standard foot adapter.
i use acufeed for everything.

I have the SE 8900 and have never looked back. My prior machine was the 3160, and I too was just looking for the larger harp space/machine. I love my machine, and have found no "niggles" with it, sews great everytime I turn it on.

There are 2 versions of the 8900.

The light blue SE has the quick-set bobbin needle plate, 3 hole/position straight-stitch needle plate which makes 1/4" piecing easier, a new buttonhole foot, and I think a different spool holder.

The new straight-stitch plate is Not backwards-compatible with the older 8900.

My Elna has the same needle plates and piecing stitches and I Love it for piecing.

(note - early on there was a red-faced 8900 that was either called a Special Edition or a Limited Edition. That's the one that's just cosmetically different from the standard 8900. The light blue one is an improved version)

I love my 8900QCP. Get the blue dot bobbin case for free motion work.

I have the 8200--same throat space, not as many options, and a touch pad vs. a jog dial. I love it, and far less money.

I have the 8900 silver face, zero problems, all good. I bought it as a gift for myself after surviving some terrible things. I wish I'd thought it through better, I no longer care to do all the fancy experimental things I did 20 years ago, and could have been perfectly satisfied with the 8200 and less than a million stitches ;)

Caveat, there are no forever machines today, technology changes and eventually the software will no longer be supported and chips/motherboards will not be available. These machines are all destined for the landfill.

I have the 8900 red face SE 8900 QCP. Love it as well, but like KalamaQuilts, I would have been perfectly satisfied with the 8200 as I rarely use any of the gazillion stitches. I mainly bought it because of the 11 inch harp and have not regretted it once. Plus it was on sale :p Great machine in my opinion.

Thank you all so much for your input here. Especially the info about the needle plate on the blue machine mkc. I have a couple of options; new, reconditioned at 65% retail price from a very reputable supplier with 2yrs warranty or one on eBay with a pay now price of 50% of retail price.

I'm very nervous about the one on eBay although the seller has messaged me with an honest history, she is the second owner. The round plastic 'target' foot is damaged; looks like the needle has hit it.

The dealer has a few of the basic 8900s so thankfully I knew the needle plate could not be retro fitted. I am now on a waiting list for a blue 8900.

In four weeks, I'm off to the Festival of Quilts at Birmingham and there will be new 8900s to play with............. will I be tempted? Watch this space. :o

Fair point, I must have been having a 'feeling old' day. If there has to be a choice between me or a machine being long-lived I guess I would rather it were me.

I was just using my 8900qcp yesterday to make a tote bag for my DH, using a canvas fabric, and I was thinking how great it handled that heavy job, and everything else I've ever asked it to do. Had mine since 2014. Same as Patrice, I almost never take off the acufeed.

Love my 8900, great for FMQ

8900, had two for three years...in different locations. My daughter needed a machine for a class we were taking together.....I had to say goodbye to one of my 8900's.....I just purchased her a new 6600 for her birthday....now I don't think she will like it, since she has my 8900. Don't know what to do. Love 8900 for free motion. The day I purchased it, took it out of the box, read the setting s for FMQ...did not change the factory needle or the bobbin case....started FMQ with no problems, no loops, smooth as glass. Love it!

I started with the 4800 and upgraded every 3 years or so. My dealer will give you full value to upgrade to a newer machine. I had the 8200 and really liked it. I now have the 9400 and love it. The lighting is so much better than the previous machines it is is worth the upgrade. If you don't need all the extra stitches, I would say look at the 8200.

My "plain" 8900 came with both needle plates, both of which are quick-set. (no stupid screws to fiddle with. :thumbup: )
i haven't done button holes in decades, so haven't paid any attention to those feet.
i had to buy my spool holder separately, so if the SE comes with one, that's part of the special accessory package.

The dealer, on whose list for a reconditioned one I was, phoned this morning. My head was almost in the 'let's buy a new machine from The Festival of Quilts at Birmingham' mode so I wondered what deal I was going to be offered for a reconditioned one. The head honcho was calling me to say that he had three new, latest model, 8900 Special Editions that he was letting go for 25% off. Allegedly for their cash flow this month; would I be interested? I knew that the Acufeed 1/4" is an extra, so I casually asked if it came with that and he said 'no' but he'd throw one in for me.

Well, I confess I already had my card out in front of me. The deal is done and it arrives tomorrow............ and tomorrow is .............................. my birthday!! Karma or what?

Thank you all for your input.

That is awesome, congratulations. Definitely seems meant to be. Happy Birthday!

I have had several Janome sewing machines and my 6500 was a lemon. Three bobbin cases replaced, issues with thread cutter, needle threader, etc. The final straw was when I took it to the dealer for service and I was told Janome no longer made parts for the 6500. It seems parts are only available for 20 years from the date of first issue. Be very careful when you buy a new Janome and if that model is 5 or 6 years old you will only be able to buy parts for 14-15 years. I have a Janome 11000 for machine embroidery and it needs service. I just pray it is nothing serious because I won't be able to get repair parts and I have a quilt about 60% finished on my 11000.

what fun bobbinalong! I'm sure you'll have many years of pleasurable stitching.

Yes, the SE has a different straight stitch plate (and different, quick-set bobbin area - kind of hard to describe that one). Those are the main differences between the two and you can't simply use the SE plates on the non SE machine.

(ETA - I have to check, but I think there might be a 3rd needle plate with the SE as well)

And............ another phone call just now. "As it's your birthday, I'm also sending the Janome ruler foot that we'd discussed" Thank you, thank you, Drummond's of Edinburgh.

Everyone sings their praises, I know, but I have just had first hand experience of outstanding customer service.

(Note my new signature :thumbup:)

Excellent! Good for you and enjoy!

Well, a very, very happy birthday to you! I'm really excited for you. I just know you'll love all the features--even if you only play with some of them one time:) .