Bobbinalong

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?

patricej

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.

Quiltah Mama

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.

mkc

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)

francie yuhas

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

zozee

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.

KalamaQuilts

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.

ekuw

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 Great machine in my opinion.

Bobbinalong

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.

Bobbinalong

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.