Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Sewing Machine Review Janome Memory Craft 6000

A  couple of weeks ago SewMamaSew requested sewing machine reviews from bloggers.   I've seen machine reviews posted on many websites, but this request was different.   The request was for sewing machine reviews for any make or model regardless of age.   So here goes, I'm reviewing my circa 1985 Janome Memory Craft 6000. 

It's an oldie but a goodie, and it's served me well over the years, I bought it new and I paid around $1500.00 . So, in terms of todays dollars it would be $3260.00 based on the Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator.   In it's day, this model was the top of the line, and the first generation of the computerized home sewing machine models.   Today, it would hardly compare with the top of the line machine.

This machine has been a real workhorse for me.   It's sewn everything from the finest of silk to leather and jeans.  It's seen a miles of thread and many needles through the years.   Although I don't sew as much as I used to, during the first 15 years of it's life it was operating for at least an hour a day 6 to 7 days a week.   It has only seen the repair shop a few times for a tune up.  Now having said that I'm a stickler for quality needles, quality thread and regular cleaning of the machine.

It features basic and utility stitches, buttonholer and some "embroidery" stitching.   Novelty stitches include an airplane, alligator, penguin, parrot, butterfly, umbrella, numbers and 26 letters of the alphabet in script and block.  The numbers 0-9 are also included.   The size of these designs is quite limited when compared to today's machines, and programming is quite the exercise in a patience as each design is associated with a numeric value that needs to be entered followed by the M button, so to write SUE you would have to punch in 58M 60M 44M. 

There is a wide variety of utility stiches which I have used over the years.  The buttonhole quality is good and you can easily make a corded button hole using the button hole foot.  One unique feature of this machine is it's overclock stitch and foot.  Before I purchased a serger, I used this stitch a lot to finish seams.  It doesn't cut the seam like an serger, but it does a good job of simulating an over lock stitch (considering it only has two threads to work with).

The machine comes with lots of feet that are neatly stored in the top of the machine, each foot has it's own special slot.  I'm sure that saved me from losing them over the years, I still have all the original feet.  The zipper foot is a bit unusual, but does the trick.  The regular foot has a neat feature on it that allows you to sew over "fabric bumps" quite easily.   Hemming jeans is a breeze with this machine.  Over the years I've purchased a number of specialty feet from various suppliers and an ruffler attachment works well on this machine.

If someone is in the market for a machine and can find a well cared for Janome Memory Craft 6000, I'd recommend it.  Definitely take it for a test drive, as machines of this vintage can vary greatly in condition.

I'm considering an upgrade to a new machine in the next year or so. Mostly to take advantage of the computerized embroidery capabilities in today's machines.   Will I ditch the old work horse, absolutely not, I know it well and we've become good friends over the years.

Christiana


35 comments:

  1. I think Janomes are just a wonderful brand of sewing machines, so I'm not surprised that your machine has served you so well! But then again I could be biased since I am a Janome girl myself!

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  2. I bought my about 9 months ago, and use it all the time. I am probably the 3rd. owner of this machine and I really love it. Just found out that I will have to have the motor replaced and I will because this machine will do almost everything that the newer ones can do.

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  3. This sewing machine was recently given to me by my mother who received it from her cousin who got is from someone else so you can see it's been passed around quite freely and I love it. It's in prefect working condition and still has all it's original feet. This really is a quality machine that sews through just about anything. I'm so happy it landed in my hands and this is where it will stay.

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  4. I have the same machine and bought mine new too! I have purchased just about every optional foot for her and she still sews like a dream and has NEVER been serviced. I didn't find out until I started quilting recently that it has "infinite" needle positions. This is one great machine!

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  5. Just a PS- I was considering "upgrading" too (Horizon 8900) but decided not to bother. I did buy an upgraded needle plate for it which is nice as it has the little button for opening the bobbin case. Oh, and the needle thread still works great too!

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  6. I have one of the very first Memory Craft 6000 machine to enter the country and love using it. I now own four of the same machines as I do so much sewing. They have had some minor servicing, but the motor and computer part have always worked well. I have not found any modern machine that can do the same type of "hard work" that this model does. I sew dance costumes professionally, and after sewing fine netting and lycra, the same machine has to repair horse rugs and chainsaw work pants. I have heaps of the assessories, from pleating to quilting foot. The poor machine(s) have to cope with it all.
    Kerry

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  7. have a MC 6000 and never been in for repairs. It has tons of miles on it as I've always had a sewing business since 1995. I wouldn't trade it for a new one... well not just yet...

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  10. help, the foot assembly came off and I have no idea how to re-attach, can anyone help, or post a photo of theirs?
    send e-mail to brianpdickert@gmail.com

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  11. I bought my Janome MC6000 in 1983, started a sewing and mending business, then moved onto sewing uniforms for a small private school. This machine was my work horse (along with my Baby Lock serger). I could sew button holes on 10 blouses in very little time using the memory button hole stitch. And then easily sew on the 50 or 60 buttons by removing the snap off foot. And. Yes, I loved the variable stitch width. I took good care of it and only had it serviced twice. The machine would come back from the repairman with a note that said...."Great machine!" I finally passed on the machine to a young eager student. Thank you for sharing your story. It was good to reminisce. I loved that machine.

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  12. i've just found one in a good will thriftshop. I didn't realize what type of machine it was but i bought it despite the fact it didn't have the pedal.(it was $20) i'm hoping all is well with it but for the price i can't really go wrong.

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  13. Has anyone had a problem with foot control not working when achine appears to be on and lights are on? tried new foot control and did not correct problem. Thanks

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  14. Has anyone had a problem with foot control not working when achine appears to be on and lights are on? tried new foot control and did not correct problem. Thanks

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  15. I have had my Janome M6000 since brand new and I have not sewn for a while and it does not work. Does anyone know of a good service person. I am reluctant to get rid o it as it has given me no trouble whatsoever.

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    Replies
    1. Call Jim Davidson in Santa Ana, CA @ (714) 547-0743. He is the WIZARD of sewing machines of all made; been repairing sewing machine for many years and his service is VERY reasonable. Good luck.

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  16. I received my Memory Craft Janome 6000 for FREE from a friend. Her mother recently passed and she did not have any use for it. I had no idea what kind of machine it was. All I could tell was that it was old and was very heavy. i call it the Dinosour because it is Big!! I want to get it looked at to see if it can be of use to me. It turns on, lights come on, but the foot pedal does not seem to work. Does anyone have a recommendation for repair in the Fresno, CA area?

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  17. I bought my MC6000 in 1985. It has been serviced twice since that time. I never have had a problem. I love the machine thought about upgrading but couldn't part with it.

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  18. I purchased my New Home 6000 in the mid-80's and sewed a trillion miles on it. Just before Christmas 2014, it died (the belt broke and my service center can't find a replacement.) Because I needed a machine and didn't want to pay today's price for a comparable machine, I bought a base model Janome. It is like driving a Model A after driving a Cadillac! Awful. Does anyone know anyone who has a New Home 6000 Memory Craft that is willing to sell?

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    1. I might... mine is practically brand new! Bought in 89 but have sewn very little as I work 60 hours a week at my job! If you are still looking, please reply to my post and leave a number and I will call you ASAP! Thanks Ingrid

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  19. I am so excited to read your review. I just inherited my Grandma's New Home. :) They are moving and condensing and she is getting a lighter weight newer one so she gets to see me enjoy her New Home. I am so beyond excited and can't wait to get some sewing done.

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  20. Thank you for posting such a great article! I found your website perfect for my needs. It contains wonderful and helpful posts. Keep up the good work!
    janome sewing machine reviews

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  21. I purchased mine in 1986 and it has been wonderful so faithful but today it stopped. The repair people say no spare parts available and I'm lost. I feel like part of me is missing, but after reading comments I'm off to the Op shop. Maybe I will be lucky. Thanks for the site.

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    Replies
    1. Art and Jenny's Repair
      805-643-8536
      Info@artandjennys.com
      2124 E. Thompson Blvd
      Ventura CA 93001
      Art and his son, Brian, do excellent service and repairs. They are experts about the MC6000. Trust them!

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  22. I have a New Home Memory Craft 6000 but it is in need of repair. My mother bought it brand new a few years before she passed away in 1993. She loved this machine but she became ill not long after she purchased it. It has not been used since and I would like to sew using this machine. When I turn it on it lights up but it will not do anything else. I appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you!

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  23. I gave my 6000 to my daughter many years ago. She has used it well but recently it has died. The janome dealer said it needs a new motor. From what I understand I can not purchase a new one anymore. So I wonder if anyone could give me a suggestion on a compatable replacement motor. I desperately want to fix this machine. It is such a workhorse and knowing she uses all types of mediums in her sewing and art I can't find a comparable machine. Please help.

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    Replies
    1. Sewingpartsonline.com
      You can buy a brand new motor for $49.00. They ship quickly and have an online chat window for questions.

      Delete
  24. I have the same machine and bought mine new too! I have purchased just about every optional foot for her and she still sews like a dream and has NEVER been serviced. I didn't find out until I started quilting recently that it has "infinite" needle positions. This is one great machine! click here

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  25. I recently inherited my mom's New Home Memory Craft 6000 & wonder if anyone has the instruction manual they would be willing to share with me as well as any ideas on where I can buy the power cord/foot pedal ?? Also where I cam get it serviced in WI? Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED! Text or call 608-487-4070 Thank you. Jeana

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous - here is a link for a free pdf manual from the Janome site - I've saved it to my pc and great to remind myself what some of the feet do. Just wish I could work out the needle threader, after 30 years!!
      http://janome.com/siteassets/support/manuals/retired/computer/inst-book-mc6000-en-new.pdf

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  26. I bought mine from new 30 years ago and it's been serviced once. I mislaid my manual when I moved house 20 years ago but managed to find a pdf manual for free. I'd seen sites selling them in pdf format so was very happy to get one for free. I dropped the accessory box and broke one of the plastic hinges on the lid - I have been looking on-line for a replacement, which is how I came across your post about the lovely MC6000. Lots of replies read and lovely to know how many fans there are out there :)

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  27. Try parts online. It's the same machine as the Janome MC6000

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  28. May I say I recently aquired a memorycraft 6000 and I have a Janome Skyline 7 I think for the age of the machine its comparable as far as stitches go...

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  29. Venetia Bought my 6000 Memory Ceaft when it was featured at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition in London in the early 1980's, when it won The Blue Ribbon Award. It has been a fantastic and reliable machine and easy to operate. I bought it after seeing it featured on a lunch time television news magazine programme. I know it is heavy but that is an advantage, as it does not go walk about on the table, when sewing. So, if you see one for sale - go for it.

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  30. Bought mine new in 1986. It has always been a real workhorse and my pride and Joy....Sadly , this past week the handwheel froze up and I can hear it and see it trying to operate the shuttle race that operates the bobbin....my hubby says the brushes in the motor are finally worn out. I'm condidering buying a new motor from Sewingpartsonline.com. They have it in stock for $49.00 I sure hope this berings it back to life!

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