Janome Skyline S5: Sewing Machine Review

When Janome contacted me a few months ago, asking if I would review their new machine Skyline S5, I couldn’t jump at the opportunity fast enough.  I have been sewing on a budget machine for years now and have been interested in researching new models.  Now, don’t get me wrong… there is absolutely nothing wrong with sewing on an inexpensive machine, but I recommend that people purchase the most machine for their budget.  My budget has recently increased and I have been dying to see what that could afford me and what features it would give me.  I was not disappointed and it is now difficult for me to see my old machine in the same way.

I ripped open the box and found a TON of machine feet and I couldn’t wait to figure out which was which.  The sewing machine comes with an instructional DVD and  a great instructional manual to guide you.  And boy, they give you a ton of feet with this!

On top of everything else, I have to give a major shout out to Michael Miller fabrics for sending me a pile of gorgeous fabrics!  Ainsley has already asked for an art journal (pattern by LBG Studios)!

This machine has SO many stitches.  At first, I thought…. “Who needs this many stitches??”   Then, I started looking at them.  They are genius and I can honestly see myself using almost every single one.  I am not a quilter, so some of them are null and void to me, but the really unique stitches are intriguing and I know I would find a way to use them.   Oh, and I tried the buttonholes and OH MY GOODNESS…. I have struggled with those for years and these were like buttah!  (butter for those that don’t read slang )

I am not normally a sucker for the cutesy stitches, but well….. this machine has me hooked.  I spent probably hours playing with these and I can’t stop.  I mean, I literally can’t stop.  I have seen machines with cute stitches before, but these were just too fun.

A spool of thread?  Bows?????  A house with a tree??  A car?  I mean, stop the cuteness.

So, aside from the cute stitches, this machine is solid.  When I sewed several layers of fabric, I could feel the difference.  It was quiet and steady.  The entire machine is much larger than my regular one and I could literally feel the difference during the sewing process.   It felt so smooth.

The options on this machine are great.  Not only does it have the self cut, it also has the option of auto sewing and the optional knee bar (not shown).  I would never use these options, but I do know of people that love them!

Okay so can we go back to those cute stitches?   I had originally planned to stitch them onto a hem of a skirt, but decided to make some cards.  I am NOT a scrapbooker or a card maker, so this was just for fun. (yes, you can sew onto paper, just make sure you change your needle before switching back to fabric)

I made a cute bow card…. and envelope.  Perfect for a birthday or a thank you?

Then, I made a Christmas style one…. snowflakes, trees, some random red flowers at the bottom.  I think it would be cute with some words in the middle??  The snowflakes are my favorite!

Can you tell who designed this gift tag??  (ahem, Ainsley).   In fact, Ainsley stitched this one up… yes, my 5 year old made this one.  It was super easy, even for her!

Finally, a circle tag with stars and a ribbon embroidered with a swirl.  Maybe good for a baby boy gift?

 

Overall:

This machine retails for $1499.  My regular machine is $200.

I am proof that you don’t need to purchase an expensive machine to be good, in fact, I have sewn on a $200 machine for years, but I would always always recommend that you buy what you can afford.  So if your budget is within this higher range, I would HIGHLY recommend this machine.  In fact, I plan to upgrade to this model shortly (and no, I don’t get it for free!)  There is an incredible difference between the $200 machine and a $1400 machine.

Thanks so much Janome for letting me try this out.  I can’t wait to make it MINE!!!