Let’s talk about the Janome Skyline Series, including the Skyline S5, Skyline S6, Skyline S7 and Skyline 9.
Have you ever gone shopping for a car and realized that one model comes in 2-4 variations and as you go up models the price goes and the more bells and whistles you get? It’s pretty similar with sewing machines too.
The Skyline S5 is the basic model of the series that jumps right into that dreamy machine level that offers almost all the “big machine” features, but not quite. All 4 models have the same “bells and whistles” from the previous model, but we are going to increase in price and features as we go up the line. I like to think of these features as more ‘flavoring’ to my machine and things get “spicier” as we go up.
The Skyline S5 is the only one that has the touch panel where as the other models have that LCD screen. All models include Speed Control, thread cutter, Auto Thread Tension, Free Arm, Start/Stop Button, and an Adjustable Knee Lift. Add the generous work space of 8.25” providing room for larger quilting and home décor projects. Another fantastic feature is the memorized Needle Up/Down. The Janome Skyline S5 has a mid line price level and it’s the first of the series.
Now, lets add a little sprinkle of more flavor with the Skyline S6. This machine gives you everything the S5 offers plus the AcuFeed Flex; fabric feeders on the top and bottom like a mirror image of the regular feed dogs. This allows you to apply pressure evenly which allows for both layers of fabric or material to be moved together at the same rate. I always struggled with creating straight seams on my own but with the AcuFeed Flex, I found it really useful in helping me guide the fabric to produce straight seams!
Princess level, here we go! The Skyline S7, has all the features of the S5 and S6, but it’s upgrades to a color LCD Touch Screen, a more advanced needle threader, the ability to combine stitches, and the Auto Presser Foot Lift (every time you stop stitching, the needle goes down into the fabric and the presser foot automatically lifts up by pressing a button on the display screen). These additional features, will make a world of difference in your workflow by allowing you to create quickly and effortlessly.
Now, let’s talk about the Janome Skyline 9; a machine that can do it all and offers the most “seasonings” to the bunch; Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery! This is the top of the Skyline series. The S9 is a workhorse that simplifies the sewing room with ONE machine vs having both a sewing machine and an embroidery machine. She is ideal for that sewist that needs versatility with one machine and perhaps only has space in the sewing room for one-table-one machine.
The Skyline 9 has WIFI! Yes, it does. You can skip the USB’s and the cords and download embroidery designs from an iPad or computer straight to the sewing machine. You can even monitor projects from your iPad from another room in your home while using the free Janome AcuMonitor app. That’s pretty spicy!
Overall, the Janome Skyline series machines are great machines with a great price point. You can’t go wrong!