Janome Continental M7 Sewing & Quilting Machine

I had been looking for an M7 as a surprise present for my wife. I had done lots of research prior to deciding on this model as it had so many innovative and intuitive features that would allow her to expand on what she has done so far. She is very creative and is an active member of a couple of local sewing groups. It is a large machine but this was for her sewing room. Adjustable LED lighting illuminates the workspace really well. The large throat space and included extension table mean that room to work is truly exceptional for a "domestic" sewing machine. The 7 inch touch screen is bright and clear, offering a degree background colour preference, screen saver timing, sleep and auto shut down settings. The dual spool holders easily accept various sized spools and needle/ bobbin treading are easy to follow and a brilliant, reliable needle threader helps greatly. The bobbin winder is really quiet and a joy to use. Stitch settings will take practice to get used to and become second nature, but that is because of the impressive quantity and variety that this machine offers. It's a monumental step up from the 8050XL and any new machine requires some get-to know-you time! The available Accuspark App will help greatly with this with use and is pretty intuitive and really well put together for a free app. The QR code in the bottom RHS of the machine screen has worked every time. We've only had the machine a couple of weeks, but in use so far, the quality of the stitching is truly first class. The brushless DC motor has lots of controlled power and, so far, is smooth and effortless on some free motion quilting with 5 layers of fabric. The 7 piece "box" feed dogs work really well. The separate Accufeed Flex plus motor can be engaged if required and is truly excellent. Adjustments to upper and lower feed ratios can be made if the fabrics require it. The HP "High Performance" needle plate and HP foot allow exceptional straight stitch speed up to 1300 spm and quality easily as good as her PROSEW industrial straight stitch machine. The ability to change between the three included needle plates is truly innovative and easy to do. The machine screen will "grey" out the stitches and functions not compatible with the needle plate fitted. We're really pleased with the M7 and the excellent service from GUR. It comes with a standard 2 year warranty, which we have extended to 5 years through Janome UK for an additional £60 fee. The Janome design team and engineers have really done well to pack so many features into a "domestic" machine. I'd say that the only negative points would be the price and it's size if space was an important consideration. It's still 5*'s from me though and thank you again GUR for your excellent customer service. Much appreciated.