Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9400 QCP Sewing Machine

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My first sewing project with my new 9400 QCP: a ‘tutorial’ sewing machine cover
The different-colored squares indicate groupings. For example, the yellow squares shown here are the heirloom stitches.	I don't yet have the correct insert for my Janome universal table, hence the gap around the machine.
I used the fonts to make notes of things I want to remember.	samples of different applique styles

A multi-purpose stitch sampler for the Janome 9400 QCP
I wanted longer stitch samples than what my tutorial cover (above) provided. This two-sided stitch sampler is now a fantastic resource: all my stitches at-a-glance!	The Janome universal table is hospital white, and doesn't fit the room decor. I drape the stitch sampler over the table, and it's a colorful addition to the room.	The stitch sampler can also be used as a table runner (either side).
I sewed velcro on one end, so the stitch sampler can also be used as an office ‘door’.	Here is a close-up of part of the white/gold side. On the colorful side, each different fabric strip shows off a single stitch. I opted for rows of stitches only on the white/gold side, so I could fit all the stitches on the sampler without it being too big. This was also a great project for using up lots of excess fabric pieces and thread.

• Introduction to the Janome 9400 QCP:
  Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9400 QCP Sewing Machine (youtube, 25:56)
  This is the instructional DVD that comes on a CD with the machine.
• Purchasing research/cost:
  I got mine from Cathey's Sewing & Vacuum in Tucson, Arizona, on April 2, 2018.
  I did about 1.5 weeks of research to decide on the best machine for me;
  this model wasn't available on Amazon—only through dealers.
  I got a fantastic deal! I noticed a spring special at janome.com;
  Cathey's gave me an even better price on the machine, and also included the Janome 9400 QCP upgrade kit and the free universal table.
  • sewing machine: $3499.99 (30% off MSRP)
  • 4-year complete protection plan: $599.99
    This is pre-paid complete annual service for four years, plus service/maintenance if anything goes wrong.
    Since this is my first computerized sewing machine, I decided to buy four years of peace-of-mind.
• Monogramming:
  It's really hard to remove the monogramming/alphabet stitches, so check-and-double-check before sewing!
• Pictographs:
  

  Pictographs 26–34 are laundry symbols: #26: hand wash #27: water temperature not above $\,30\,^\circ\text{C}\,$ ($80\,^\circ\text{F}$) #28: water temperature not above $\,40\,^\circ\text{C}\,$ ($105\,^\circ\text{F}$) #29: water temperature not above $\,60\,^\circ\text{C}\,$ ($140\,^\circ\text{F}$) #30: do not wash #31: tumble dry #32: do not tumble dry #33: iron, any temp, steam #34: do not iron

• Stitch Composer:
  To create custom stitches—software comes with the 9400 QCP.
  Click the Help button in the upper right corner for built-in tutorials.
  Stitch Composer Tracing (how to trace around an imported file; youtube, 3:04)
  You create all the points in Stitch Composer first.
  Then, in the point list (automatically created as you click), designate a:
  • start point (where design starts)
  • loop point (where design ends)
  • end point
  Here are pdf tutorials:
  • Getting Started with Stitch Composer
  • A guide to creating a stitch pattern based on a fabric motif
  • Stitch Composer: Loop-de-Loop
• Applique:
  
  • Applique secrets revealed
  • Sew4Home: How to Appliqué like a Pro
  
  To sew clockwise around applique:
  • choose Middle/Right patterns
  • To place the start needle, align:
    • edge of applique
    • right-hand swing of needle
  • turn on FOOT-UP for easy pivots
  • press START
  • press and hold START near corner to slow stitching for precision; release at desired spot
  • press STARTOVER KEY (B) to re-start pattern
  • to end:
    • set max speed slider to a very slow speed
    • press the REVERSE key to lock and stop

Attachments:

• Circular Sewing Attachment:
  
  • for "Easy-Set-Bobbin Models", #202135007
  • how to attach
  • how to stitch circles
• Quilt Binder Set:
  Janome 9mm Quilt Binder Set (Easy Set Bobbin compatible, #202-211-008)
  This is expensive—it was a splurge for me!
  • Thread machine, use matching bobbin thread.
    (You won't have easy access to the bobbin after the binder is attached.)
  • Attach the binder tool and the presser foot that comes with the binder:
    Janome Quilt Binder Introduction, Part 1 (youtube: 0–1:35)
  • Feed 2" bias tape into binder, with wrong side towards you:
    Janome Quilt Binder Introduction, Part 1 (youtube: 1:35–3:10)
  • Feed fabric to be bound into binder; adjust stitch placement:
    Janome Quilt Binder Introduction, Part 1 (youtube: 3:10–end)

Quilting:

• Quilting with rulers:
  Quilting with rulers takes patience and practice.
  Here's a great introduction: using the QR Ruler Foot with the Janome 9400 QCP (YouTube, 8:40).
  
  The supreme slider allows the fabric to move smoothly.
  
  The first two rulers I purchased:
  • HQ Versa tool by Handi Gadgets
  • Handi Quilter Wave F Template; the 0.75" side is much easier to use, for beginners.
  Roll up packing tape on the bottom of the ruler, to keep it secured to the fabric.
  (I've tried purchased ‘ruler stick’ solutions, but the packing tape works best for me.)
  Change the tape as soon as it starts to lose its stick.
  
  Quilting gloves (Fons & Porter and/or Machingers) help reduce hand tension.
  I've had best luck with fingers on both hands spread apart; change hand position about every 3".
  Your left hand (with glove) should be resting on the ruler, as close to the edge as possible, with slight downward pressure.
  
  Bringing up the bobbin thread (youtube, 1:13)
• an excellent quilt binding tutorial