zozee

That extra $1000 could be used on a lot of fabric and you'd still have a great machine if you went for the 7700. That's what I keep telling myself because I have my sights set on the 7700 but know how easy it is to just keep wanting more.

You know yourself. Are you easily contented for a good, long while with something significantly upgraded from what you now have, or would you be wishing in a year that you had gone ahead and splurged? I'm curious to follow this thread because I have neither machine, just a little Janome DC 1050 that was a huge upgrade from my mechanical Kenmore. That being said, I'm going to hem jeans this week and I always pull out the Kenmore for that. If I had a 7700 (which I've test driven with 6 layers of denim at the quilt shop) I would use it, no question.

Loves Sewing

Price for the 7700 demo is $2,000 and for the new $3,000. Maybe the new 8900 is worth it in the long run?

pokeygirl

I have the 7700 for almost 2 years now and have no complaints. I bought mine online from SewingMachinesPlus for $2500 brand new and they even threw in the $600 sewing table it fits. I asked them to throw it in. I think I really got a good deal.

dflynn

I paid $2499 for my 8900

madamepurl

Not a good price at all. I only paid around $2K in 2010 when the 7700 came out. I priced every dealer in the surrounding areas and I had a good machine, but I traded it for a Pfaff because I missed real IDT. Those Accufeed feet were so clunky. The regular snap-on feet were wobbly in my opinion.

I would go for the 8900 with the improved Accufeed feet, but that is too much money. Let me just say one of the other things I didn't like about the 7700 was there was not a lot of piercing power. I eventually bought a straight stitch Brother when I wanted to sew heavier things like bags. Oh and I also think the throat plate was improved on the 8900.

Look up used prices for both 7700 and 8900's. These come up for sale often. Prices for gently used 7700 are around $1100 right now online. So figure if you bought it, it would be like driving a car off the lot right now and not being able to get that much for it, if you decide you don't like it.

deltaquilter

I started with the 7700, later upgraded to the 8900. It has a much larger foot pedal, seems to be even quieter than the 7700. The 7700 had an annoying metal stem that came down next to the left side of the needle. 8900 does not have this. Also has a 9mm wide stitch (makes a lovely serpentine stitch). For that price, I would see if the dealer will include the table--it is worth it--love the table.

Kris P

I have a friend who used to work for a Janome dealer. She said they fixed a lot of the 7700's quirks and design problems when they made the 8900. I haven't sewn on either. I have a 6600 and love it, but could always use more throat space.

Loves Sewing

Thanks everyone. You all are the best! I found a slightly used 8900 for $2,100 and decided to get it. I am looking at the janome table for $300 and think that might be a good investment also. I am short and sewing on a table top is getting old. I have fallen in love with quilting at this late stage in my life. I retired 2 years ago and needed another hobby. So far I have made two small and very simple baby quilts for my grandsons. I just finished piecing and quilting a breast cancer themed quilt for a friend. I used the quilt as you go method. Also pieced two bed size quilts for my daughters. These were sent to a long arm quilter.
I really want to become a better quilter and hope my new machine will help. It seems I learn something new with each quilt I make. I am so happy I found this group. I have learned a lot just reading different posts.
i think I need to join a local quilters guild but am a beginner and would probably be intimidated. Again thanks everyone. You helped me immensely.

Belfrybat

I paid $2500.00 for my Janome 8900 brand new, so $2100.00 for a lightly used sounds like a good price. I would love to have the Janome table, but they are way too expensive, so I purchased the Gidget II by Arrow and use the extension table that came with the Janome to fill in the gap. It works pretty well.

Judi in Ohio

I have a Horizon 7700 that I am selling and I'll bet I have less time than a demo on it. $2,000 sounds a little high as I am asking $1500. But of course I am not a dealer, but this machine is so easy to learn. Make sure you are getting the 3 quilting accu feed feet and table with it for that money.