Janome machines

[Mary]

I must say that I've been using this brand for over 20 years. I've had several of them and have given some as presents to friends and family who needed to sew but were going to get a cheap sewing machine that wouldn't stand up to wear and tear.

My workhorse machine for the last several years has been the Janome 6500; it's the one that has made dolls, clothes, wedding dresses, stage curtains, and all kinds of school costumes and church passion play costumes.
Additionally, for traveling, I had a Janome Gem 760. It has been sewn to the point I used it up. I'm looking for another one or something similar. It is a 3/4-sized machine and is suitable for carrying to sewing events—quilting classes, sewing costumes at school, or backstage at the civic center.

I had a 2212, but it was given to a friend who was going to buy a cheap machine and didn't have the money for a good one. I've had a few others as well.

(P.S. Janome makes some of the other brands. One that I know is the Kenomre machines that Sears had; if the serial number starts with 385, it was created by Janome.

 

[sewcreativeme163]

Absolutely! Janome machines have a solid reputation for being durable and dependable. If you're looking for something portable, I'd suggest the 2212 or the HD3000 since they're lightweight and easy to transport. The Elna eXplore 160 is another excellent choice, which is also made by Janome and maintains that same compact size and high quality. Great post!

 

[RougeBud]

That's an incredible track record with Janome! Since you've relied on them for everything from dolls to stage curtains, do you think your next machine should focus more on portability for travel or heavy-duty versatility like your 6500?

 

[sw33tspot]

I must say that I've been using this brand for over 20 years. I've had several of them and have given some as presents to friends and family who needed to sew but were going to get a cheap sewing machine that wouldn't stand up to wear and tear.

My workhorse machine for the last several years has been the Janome 6500; it's the one that has made dolls, clothes, wedding dresses, stage curtains, and all kinds of school costumes and church passion play costumes.
Additionally, for traveling, I had a Janome Gem 760. It has been sewn to the point I used it up. I'm looking for another one or something similar. It is a 3/4-sized machine and is suitable for carrying to sewing events—quilting classes, sewing costumes at school, or backstage at the civic center.

I had a 2212, but it was given to a friend who was going to buy a cheap machine and didn't have the money for a good one. I've had a few others as well.

(P.S. Janome makes some of the other brands. One that I know is the Kenomre machines that Sears had; if the serial number starts with 385, it was created by Janome.

oh yeah, it's an absolute legend of a machine. It's built like a tank and can handle anything you throw at it.
It's not a surprise that you've used it for so many different projects over the years. That's what a good workhorse is all about.
but, you should check the Janome 6700P, it's a similar modern replacement, you know... when the time comes

 

[sewingsorceress]

That's a great set of machines. The 6500 is truly reliable, and the 6700P looks like a good step up.

 

[Midori_Uzuki]

That 6500 is a beast, I've seen people run them nonstop for decades. If you loved the Gem 760, you might want to hunt down a Janome Jem Gold 2 or Jem Platinum 760 on eBay or estate sales... they pop up every so often. They're not in production anymore, but quilters still swear by them for portability.

 

[Mary]

I've had the Gem gold and the 720. They were travel machines. I wish they made the 760 again.