skyline 5 janome machine
 

Does anyone have the skyline 5 Janome sewing machine and what do you think of it? is it indeed sturdy as noted and easy to use? Looking to upgrade to a middle priced machine that is great for piecing and quilting. Looked at it a dealer and read about it on the internet, but I am still interested what you on the board think of that machine.
Thanks for your input

I have one and I love it. It is indeed a good sturdy machine ... no vibrating even at high speeds ... but not so heavy you can't pick it up off the table. Stitch quality is excellent, the thread cutter works and is quiet, needle threader is easy to learn and use. Being able to pop off the stitch plate is really nicer than I imagined ... so much easier to use than unscrewing the plate ... and I'm much better now about cleaning the bobbin case. My only complaint is and I say this about every Janome I've owned ..is that I think the default stitch for the 1/4 inch is very healthy. But thankfully, with the new straight stitch plate (it has 3 holes) you can move the needle over to the right as far as you want. Try the included "O" foot for piecing ... it's nice but I really like the clear view foot better. It does have the little metal guide but you can unscrew it .. which I did. It's just personal preference. I purchased this used at extremely good price so I'd have a machine for sew days and quilt retreats .. my other machine is an 8900 ... but had I tried this machine out in the store new ... mmm...I might have bought it instead ... and I like my 8900 ... it's just not as straightforward to use. Hope this helps,
Sherrie

Thank you Sherrie this helps a lot.

check out the memory craft 6600P before you settle for the skyline S5.

When I was actively looking for an upgrade to my entry-level computerized Janome, I tried the Skyline at my niece's. She only makes children's garments purses, and accessories. Not quilts.

I fell in love with everything on the Skyline EXCEPT the throat space. Granted, it was more than I had, but not enough to justify the price, for me. I knew I would ultimately want the 11" throat. I was tired of wrangling fabric through small throat space. It was taking the joy out of the quilting stage for me. So I bought the 8200. I don't hear many people talk about 82 (the 89 seems more popular) but I scored a BETTER deal that the Skyline price because mine was a "re-box" with the same warranty, dealer service, etc. In other words, if throat space is high on your wants list, go for the 11"--don't settle for less. You'll thank yourself.

i second that. :)

Thank you all for your advice. Wow a tough decision indeed!

I also have the 8200, and I love it.

I recently purchased the s7. I don't know how many features are similar to both machine. But I was AMAZED to find that when I chose the quilt set of stitches, the P 1/4" stitch was truly a scant 1/4" using the provided 1/4" foot. A first!!

get the largest harp space you can afford

I'm just going to say this .. looking at your post asking for recommendations on a mid price machine... the difference in harp space left to right from a 6600 to the skyline is 3/4" inch. The 6600 is billed at 9" and the skyline is 8 1/4 ". The north to south space is exactly the same. Yes the 8200/8900 have more harp space at 11" but the north/south space is the same. I don't, for my budget, consider these 11" machines to be mid priced machines. BUT all of these models are wonderful and all have good qualities... if they offer what you want. And that's what it really comes down to ... what can you afford, what do you personally sew, what features are important to you. It's no fun to buy a machine that has less features than you wanted ... and it's no fun to buy a machine you're making payments on while you are eating bologna every night. All of the models folks have mentioned ... the 6600, the 8200/8900, the skyline series are awesome machines.. but they each have very different price points and features. There are TONS of quilts that have been pieced and quilted on machines that have very small harps and few features. Buy what you like and can afford :)
Sherrie

Thank you again everyone, Sherriequilts60 in particular, I appreciate the time you took to write out such complete responses. I am indeed looking to purchase a new machine that allows me to do more than just quilts. So a mid priced mid throat will have to be it for me. Thanks again for all of your responses.