Sewing Machine Adultery: Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900 Review

 

Alright.  The time has come.  I tried the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900 a few weekends ago.  I immediately came home and wrote down my impressions, but took a pause before finalizing this post because I really wanted to think about what I thought of the machine so I can give an honest impression.  I am going to put my questions in pink, if you know the answer do tell!

First, let's be real here, I am not paid to review machines nor do I have any affiliation with any sewing machine manufacturer or shop.  There is a reason why the first piece of advice anyone gives you when machine shopping is go try them yourself.  Because, no matter this is only my opinion, and please, what the hell do I know anyway?

Secondly, keep in mind that I sew on a 15 year old sewing machine.  Now some of you may be thinking that in the scheme of things that really isn't that old.  True.  There are older machines.  I've sewn on lots of older machines and I learned to sew on industrial machines as a textile major in college.  However, when I bought my Bernina Activa 130 it was one of the few computerized machines available.  It was unique, a pioneer if you will, into the world of computerized sewing.  From my point of view I've always considered my machine to be cutting edge - until I recently realized that duh it isn't anymore!  That was such a shock and you can read about my impressions on that here.

Third, and most importantly, I am looking for insight here.  It is not my intention to offend.  I'm used to my Bernina after 15 years of using it.  So if you are a Janome lover and I mention something that I am on the fence about or am flat out negative towards please feel free to educate me!  That is the whole purpose behind Sewing Machine Adultery.  I encourage anyone reading this post later to peruse the comments and see what people add to my thoughts.

My husband and I drove out to Super-Stitch to peruse the Janomes.  I have to say that this was a huge bonus as it was only 30 minutes away.  Unlike most of the other places that sell machines in my area I could actually go there and take classes easily without feeling like I've spent a lot of time on travel. When you purchase a machine there they throw in all the awesome classes, maintenance, and what I like to think of as *tutoring* or a get to know your machine course too.  The owners and staff were incredibly nice and, I shit you not, it was the first time that I walked into a local fabric shop where I didn't feel judged, sneered at, or the cold shoulder.  Granted, I was there with husband and infant in tow so maybe they took me more seriously than if I were a youngish looking woman entering the store alone.  Nevertheless, it made me feel so welcome and right off the bat that alone made me really really really love to buy a machine from these people.  {Ann if you are reading this I completely mean that!}

I didn't fool around.  As soon as I was approached I said exactly what I was looking for, the 8900.  We discussed what I currently sew on, what type of sewing I do, I explained that I'd been a Bernina lover for 15 years and that I would be trying an industrial machine (Juki TL-2010Q) the following weekend.  After asking where I'd like to begin (6600?  8200?) I said let's go right for the 8900 - go big or go home right?

Holy Crap!  Let's be clear for those of you who do not know me.  I am a gadget geek, I want the latest & greatest updated version of whatever thingamabob there is, the more buttons it has the better, the larger the manual is to figure out all the random "who would ever need that feature anyway" the happier I am.  I am that kind of technology nerd.  I learned DOS as a child, took word processing in high school, have almost every version of an MP3 that has existed, and until parenthood I have always been the owner of whatever new cellular phone/camera/computer currently in vogue.  Believe me, if I had the budget, my technology itch would be scratched as much as financially feasible.

For me to say that at first I felt completely overwhelmed by all the STUFF, well damn, that is saying something.  Keep in mind that this is also because I am catching up.  I mean, my machine is b-a-s-i-c.  A $100 sewing machine at Walmart has more features than my machine these days.  At first I couldn't get my mind wrapped around pushing a button and sewing - my foot instinctually kept moving but it was completely useless.  What???  Where am I Star Trek?  (Yes, I am a Trekkie, shutup.)  I had this really weird disconnected feeling.  A bit uncomfortable but not so far as being discomfort.  More of a, *I could definitely get used to this* kind of uncomfortable.  Like driving my mom's BMW with its purring engine, fancy key fob, heated seats, and bluetooth phone system.  The feeling that I know I really shouldn't like it too much, because bam, before I know it I would be in love!  [When we last drove the BMW the Mr. translated the sounds of the car.  For instance, the perfectly toned BMW "Ding" = "Life is good, you are driving a BMW."]

Pros

• The throat space!  The glorious 11" of space!  I felt like I was driving a car it was so wide.
• Number of stitches
• Specifically, some cool quilting stitches I'd love to try
• I'd love to utilize the handmade stitch
• I'd love to use the serpentine stitch
• I'd love to figure out uses for every quilting stitch just for the hell of it

• Alphabets - 3 and yes I really want an alphabet feature!
• Start/Stop Button
• I loved that you could hold down the button a little longer to get a slow start/stop
• Let's be real, I felt spoiled by the start/stop, how cool.  Weird at first but fun.
• Auto Thread Cutter!!!  
• Every time I used this I couldn't help but giggle!  It worked well too - it was effortless and all I had to do was move the fabric once it was finished cutting.  Delicious.  Must have this.
• Auto Thread Cutter by Foot Pedal.  
• As someone who is used to using her foot pedal for everything (Bernina Activa 130 has its up/down needle mechanism via foot pedal) I loved this because I like using my feet.  
• Knee lift - how have I lived without this for so long?  And at 5'2" it was just right.  No straining.
• Straight stitch plate = straight stitch  
• Yup, so even if at 2am I am so out of it that I want to do a zig zag but forget to change the plate it doesn't matter, the machine won't let you do anything but a straight stitch with that plate on.  Wow.  Sleepless mothers everywhere rejoice!
• Taking the plate on and off was so simple at just the press of a button.  That doesn't read impressively but after using that feature to switch plates it really was totally easy and I loved it.
• AcuFeed
• This was my first experience with a built in dual feed system.  I know Pfaff, Baby Lock and Bernina have their own variations on this but I've never tried them.  What is the difference? AcuFeed is also detachable - I guess that wasn't always the case so that is a nice option.
• I had no idea that the AcuFeed system worked with different kind of feet!  I thought it was just like a walking foot and that was that.  I mean, true, I have no idea when I would need the other types of AcuFeed feet but there must be a reason for them otherwise why else would that be a big deal?
• As Ann pointed out, using the narrow AcuFeed foot is perfect for sewing quilted fabrics to zippers.  And, having a quilted bag with a zipper that I had just recently sewn with me I knew exactly what she was talking about!
• Ridiculous number of included feet
• Bernina?  Not so many feet included as a standard.  I was shocked by how many feet I was being shown.  I have no idea what I'd use them all for!
• Free motion foot was adjustable so you could turn a screw and get a different height on the foot depending on the thickness of your fabric.  No, not adjusting the presser foot pressure, I am talking about the height of the foot itself.  Very cool.
• Buttons, I know it sounds silly but I like all the gadgety buttons.
• It really purred instead of sounding like a jet engine.  
• I can't say it was silent, but what machine is.  It just sounded like a nice hum.
• Threading was very straightforward, bobbin winding - straightforward

• Beautiful sewing
• The straight stitching was beautiful.  Perfectly straight line.  You couldn't tell top from bottom thread once you took the fabric and turned it over.
• I tried some free motion quilting and loved the space for it, it just felt fun on this machine
• Loved the serpentine quilt stitch
• No awful vibrating.  It felt very solid.
• The speed control.  Very cool.
• Place for storage of feet.
• Clear extension table included.
• Needle threader
• Liked how you pushed down and didn't have to hold it down like some other machines
• It worked once I knew where to put the thread and how to work it!
• Uh, did I mention the throat space?  ;)

Undecideds/Cons?  
I can't really call these cons so much as things I need to decide on a personal level whether I could live with them.  A lot of this comes down to being a Bernina owner (not insinuating that Bernina = better just saying I have habits that come with a Bernina machine) and deciding what I need in a machine.  Also, there is a lot of fact versus myth out there about machine features and some of these things are areas I need to research more. I'd love feedback if you have opinions/advice!

• Computerized.  
• Fact/Myth?: There is the argument that a non-computerized machine lasts better and is less fussy.  
• Fact/Myth?: Straight stitch industrial machine is better for free motion quilting.
• Fact/Myth?: 9mm stitch variable can be problematic for long-term straight stitch performance?  
• Plastic bobbin.  
• Fact/Myth?: Metal bobbins are better.  Lots of machines have plastic though so I am not sure if that is true.  I've also heard that metal against metal (like Bernina) is problematic and therefore plastic is better?  Who decides these things anyway.
• Exacting stop.
• After spending the morning with the Janome I came home and sewed a whole quilt top with my Bernina, showing her that I really do love her dearly.  I noticed that my 15 year old computerized machine just stops a whole lot faster by my heel pressing down on the foot pedal than reaching up to hit the start/stop on the Janome...is that just me knowing how to use her better?  Maybe.  Definitely something I need to do more research on.  If you know the answer do tell!
• At the shop I was told "you probably still use your hand wheel on your machine" and yes, I totally do.  Especially when I want an exact spot for the needle to start.  So I never thought about it until later - can I NOT use a hand wheel on this machine?  Because, I like being able to do that.
• Ankles & Feet.
• I am not sure how to say this without pissing some people off - so again, I am not trying to piss you off I am trying to identify what I am unsure about when it comes to this very expensive, would be a life-long commitment, sewing machine.  The feet on this machine seem...wobbly?  That isn't the right word but I guess I mean less than solid.  The feet attach to the ankles of the presser foot mechanism.  In a way it is cool because you can pretty easily attach/detach them to whatever appropriate ankle you are using.  For instance, if you are using the AcuFeed feature then there is an ankle for those feet.  There is a separate ankle for non-AcuFeed feet.  (At least this is how I understood it, again, so much of my time in front of the machine was me trying to keep from drooling on it after using the thread cutter!  If I am mistaken please let me know!  For those of you reading I will edit if this is incorrect.)  While the snap on feet seems cool and easy the owners themselves even fumbled a little at placing them on the ankles.  I know Janome is not the only manufacturer with this feature, and again, not criticizing just comparing...but my Bernina's feet are freaking solid.  I mean, they would dent the wall if I threw them (uh, not that I know that from experience...clearing throat...).  The Bernina's feet are a single ankle/foot piece.  And they are so goddamn easy to put on!  Yes, true, I am used to that after 15 years so maybe some of you Janome folk can tell me how you feel about your feet...am I just not used to this?  Do you get used to it?
• Price tag.  
• $4000 machine.  
• Whew that is a hell of a lot of diapers and groceries for a family with 3 little girls.

Bottom line?  Do I love this machine.  Yes.  Absolutely.  Without a doubt.  Would I use all of the stitches?  Hmmmm...knowing me I would find reasons to use them all just because they are pretty damn cool and I could get creative figuring out projects just to utilize the stitch options.  But, do I need them to sew what I sew?  No.    

For me these questions remain, and in this order:

1. Do I want a computerized machine?
2. Are all the extras worth the time and money it will take to save $4000 for a sewing machine?
3. What do I NEED?  i.e. What kind of sewing am I really going to do? (I know that is Sewing Machine 101 when you look for a sewing machine but my needs keep changing.  I don't just quilt, I don't just make clothes, I don't just do home dec - I do a little of everything!  So what, I need an everything machine?)
4. If I am going to spend $4000.00 on a sewing machine is this The One?  
5. What other sewing machines should I try in that price range?  (Baby Lock Crescendo, Bernina 7 Series, Viking, Pfaff???)

Whew this has been a long post, and given how awesome my Janome Horizon MC8900 experience was it should be.  I was all bouncy and bubbly after trying the machine out - just ask the Mr. he can attest to that!  Thanks again to Super Stitch - I spent a whole Saturday morning there and was offered an incredible deal on an 8900 that had just been traded in with all the bells & whistles.  It was seriously too good to be true - and believe me I did a lot of long sighing in the car ride home - but I am still saving my pennies and in the meantime researching my options.  Anyone in my area interested in a Janome should go visit Super Stitch.  To learn more about the Janome Horizon MC8900 and its specs go to the Janome website and peruse YouTube there are some great videos out there...

The next installment of Sewing Machine Adultery will be my review of the Juki TL-2010Q.

- rebecca lynne