Janome Skyline S9 Embroidery Machine Review and Clutch

When I was 16, and told my mom I wanted to sew, she pulled her sewing machine out from its deep dark hiding place and put it in my room. That machine was gifted to her by my Grandma, and even with the best intentions, it was left unused for years. When it was my turn to give it a go, it didn’t have a manual and I blindly learned to use this little machine. I sewed on it for 9 years before deciding I needed to upgrade to a machine that could handle more. When researching new machines, the only requirement I had was that it be a Janome. I had sewn on Singer and Brother but never felt as comfortable as when I sit behind my Janome.

Last year, my boyfriend bought me my current machine, HD 3000 after quite a bit of research. And this past spring, my mom bought me my first serger, a Janome of course. To say Janome is my favorite machine brand is an understatement, and maybe I’m a little biased, but what I’ve gotten from this company, in terms of a reliable piece of equipment, is just incredible.

A few months ago, I was contacted by Janome to test and review one of their new embroidery machines. To be asked to review was just crazy. Here I am, a little sewing blogger- a girl with a Janome in her apartment making bags and garments and I’m fan-girling over the fact that the company even noticed me. This sounded like an amazing opportunity and I had to say yes. So I give to you, my completely honest review of the new Janome Skyline S9.

The Review

When the Skyline S9 arrived, I was overwhelmed. This machine comes with everything you can possibly need to successfully embroider right away (Just add fabric and thread!). I know some machines require you to buy extra hoops or feet, but it’s all in the box! The instruction book is beautiful and it hasn’t left my side since getting the machine. The S9 is also a very solid machine. It has quite a bit of weight but that’s what you want, not some flimsy machine that feels like it’s going to break down.

Of course embroidery on this machine is the main attraction, but because this is an investment piece, the regular sewing portion of this machine has to have some power. I did some experiments regarding it’s general sewing capabilities and I am so impressed. This machine can handle layers and fabric types just as well as my heavy duty machine. I’m going to be completely honest for a sec here, I haven’t use my personal sewing machine in two months. Every single project I’ve sewn has been on this machine. That includes my Anorak, Peplum Top, Rosari Tapestry Skirt, and so many bags for my shop. This also includes an all day sewing marathon of 10 placemats and 10 napkins for a custom order. This machine did not quit.

Switching to embroidery is as easy as pie. Attaching the unit is quick, simple and doesn’t take as much room as I originally thought an embroidery machine would need. The touch screen is clear and large and even comes with a pen (that has its own little holder on the machine!). The “ready to sew” window has all the information you can think of, making the user experience practically fool proof.

There is another feature on this machine that makes it one of a kind. It has wifi capabilities, so you can download embroidery designs from your computer or ipad and send it straight to your machine! There are some apps you can get as well to enrich your sewing. I don’t have an ipad so I wasn’t able to test these out, but the possibilities with this machine are just awesome.

A few details I really love and appreciate about this machine; the thread cutter button is amazing. What’s even better is that after the thread is cut, the presser foot lifts! When I go back to sewing on my personal machine, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be reaching for this button out of habit.  I also love the storage compartment and how neatly it holds feet, bobbins, and other accessories.

The only part of the machine that made me aggravated was the little pop-up when the bobbin was running out of thread. I can’t believe I’m calling that an annoyance since it is such a handy feature, but it would go off when there was still quite a bit of thread left on the bobbin itself. It was simple to press ok and keep sewing, but there would be a constant reminder the bobbin is running out. Again, such a small detail and I appreciated the feature more when doing the embroidery, rather than the sewing, which I believe is the point of having it stop with so much left on it.

 Janome asked me to make a project using the machine and it’s possible I got a little carried away. I have a few projects that I’m spacing out over this week to show you a couple different ways to enjoy the Skyline S9. After playing around with the machine for a few weeks, Janome sent a box of Anna Maria Horner threads, fabrics and stabilizers to make my project.

The Project

Today’s project is an adorable floral clutch. I wanted to think of a fun project to make for a gift, since we have the holidays right around the corner! This clutch is great for that teen or young adult on your list who you just don’t know what to get. This clutch features Anna Maria Horner’s beautiful embroidery art on the front and a fun printed lining with interior pocket!

{My tutorial photos will have different interior fabrics from my final, but illustrate the steps. }

You will need: Embroidery Hoop & Threads, 1/2 yard exterior fabric (I chose Navy Suede to highlight the colorful embroidery), 1/2 yard quilting cotton for interior. 9″ Closed Bottom Zipper.

Cut 2 pieces suede 12.5″ x 9″(exterior)

Cut 2 pieces suede 2.5″ x 1.5″ (zipper tabs)

Cut 2 pieces suede 8″ x 5″ (pocket)

Cut 2 pieces cotton 12.5″ x 9″ (interior)

I interfaced my suede pieces with thick interfacing, and the cotton interior with lightweight interfacing. This makes for a sturdier bag.

• Embroider one of your suede pieces. I chose to use Anna Maria Horner’s large floral for the center and the embroidery lace designs for fabric on the sides.

• Sew your pocket pieces right sides together with a 3/8″ seam allowance, leaving a small opening to turn right side out. After turning, pin to one interior piece, centered and approximately 2.5″ from the top.

• To make zipper tabs: fold one short edge of zipper tab fabric under and top stitch to end of zipper, repeat with the other side. Trim excess fabric to match zipper.

• Now it is time to sew the zipper to the fabric with a 1/4″ seam allowance. You will want to sew in a specific order. On the bottom, a piece of lining fabric right side up. On top of that, your zipper right side up, and on the top is your exterior piece, wrong side up.  Once they are sewn together, top stitch the zipper. Repeat the steps for the other side.

• Unzip the zipper. (This is important!) Pin your pieces together- right side of lining pieces together, right side exterior pieces together. You can push the zipper tabs towards the lining. Sew all around the exterior with a 3/8″ seam allowance leaving a 4″ opening on the bottom of the lining. Turn our bag right side out and push corners out.

• Stitch the lining opening shut and push lining back into your bag. And you are done!

Your bag is ready for gifting, or to carry around yourself!

Other project details:

Suede Fabric from Fabric.com

Lining Fabric and Zipper from JoAnn Fabrics

Embroidery Thread from Anna Maria Horner

Embroidery Art from Anna Maria Horner Designs

Overall, this machine is a winner. I know it is a heavy investment to make in a machine, but working with it for the past few months has assured me it is well worth the price. I am so sad to be sending this back, but I do plan to start saving to get my own.

My dream studio has a large table with my sewing machine, my serger and this embroidery machine all lined up. And a really great rolling chair to go to and from each machine in a snap! A girl can dream!!

Stay tuned for my next project!