For those who had a 7700 and upgraded to 8900
 

Don't know about the 7700, but I have the 8900 and love it. I call it my workhorse. It just keeps on going, quilting, piecing or whatever. I also love the long throat on it too. IMHO you can't go wrong with this machine.

Carol, Doesn't your dealer give you a few lessons when you purchase a machine?

I went from the 6600 to the 7700 to the 8900. I loved the 6600, regretted buying the 7700, and LOVE the 8900. I love the basics - how it sounds, how it reacts, how much space and light I have, how easy it is to use. The major improvement over the 7700 that I appreciate are:
1. You can change the needle plate with just a press of a button instead of screws.
2. Snap on Acufeed feet - standard, 1/4 inch, stitch in the ditch
3. 9mm stitch width
4. More alphabet options.
I do piecing, free motion quilting, stitch in the ditch, and machine applique. I can make the changes on this machine quickly to go from one to the other. I have had no problems with the tension for free motion quilting - even with metallics and monofilaments. The stitches I use for applique lay flat and tight. I have used the fine Bottom Line threads to the coarser/heavier quilting threads and the automatic tension seems to adapt.

Hope this helps.

Luana gave a great description of the improvements of the 8900. I just traded in my 7700 and I am so glad that I did! My first thought while sewing on the 8900 was that she purrs!

I just traded mine in as well and agree with Luana. I love it!

This is vey helpful. Thank you.

I've upgraded from 6600 to 7700,now to 8900. I think it's a big improvement in terms of FMQing without eyelashes and the necessity for "quilting words". I like the improved lighting,smooth and quiet operation,ease of use of quilting foot,the options for needle position,the improved 1/4 inch foot. It is a real work horse.
Since I got it,I have breezed through a variety of projects,including easily quilting a queen size quilt.

Hi Carol - I loved my 7700, but upgraded to the 8900 to get the better (taller - 9mm) lettering for projects with kids. The downside if you have had the 7700 is that your extra AccuFeed presser feet (1/4", SID, Open Toe) don't fit the new 9mm machine. If you use those (I really do) you have to buy all new ones to fit the new style and wider, AcuFeed on the 8900. Just an unanticipated expense for me. I do love the easier 1/4" seams on the 8900, and everything else I've tried is at least as good as the 7700. I love that I can use the magnifier for my tired eyes, and the remote foot-powered thread cutter makes me feel so efficient. (Those were anticipated extra expenses!)
Tecla in Kingston, WA

I recently "test drove" the 8900, it was wonderful. I loved everything about it, except the cost. I couldn't buy it at that time, but can't get it out of my mind. One thing that had me worried was all the new learning I would have to do. That seemed too hard. Another good thing was the shop offered unlimited lessons for lifetime. That seemed like a good thing. The 9mm stitch width seemed like a good thing. This shop (my favorite) seems to know that I'm dying to get this machine, this week they are offering no interest financing for 36 months. Very tempting.
Sue