A great machine

I've had this machine a couple of years now and I love it. It's a tough machine, I use it A LOT -- almost every day and often with pretty heavy projects. The stitch formation is excellent and tensions are easy to adjust. Tension dials and upper thread paths are exposed so there's no guessing as to whether threads are properly placed. It uses regular sewing machine needles so that's a plus and has differential feed which you absolutely need. The differential feed is used to adjust the machine for sewing specialty fabrics from heavy knits to sheer organza but also with a few minor adjustments you can make the most incredible ruffles in no time at all. With a few simple machine adjustments you can also create rolled hems that are clean and professional. Add fishing line to create the flouncy hems you see on pageant dresses and skating outfits.

I saw it mentioned in the listing that this machine has "automatic threading". That's not the case. But your threading paths are clearly marked and it's not hard to learn. Most times you can simply "tie on" new threads and pull them through, eliminating the need to thread anyway. As optional accessories, Janome offers a couple of collections of specialty feet (not included with the machine) -- these are easy to attach and give you capability to do a wide array of special techniques. You can make and apply professional looking cording for home dec projects, apply beading to hemmed edges or as accent trim, attach elastic to seams (as in make your own bed linens!) and create professionally finished blind hems in one step. These are just a few of the techniques I've tried, there is so much more I haven't even learned yet.

The only thing it doesn't do is coverstitch. It's a totally mechanical machine (not computerized) and it doesn't have the "air threading" offered on some top of the line sergers. But for the money, I think this machine is a real bargain and you won't regret this purchase. I'm enjoying mine!