Janome/ New Home MemoryCraft 8000
 

I have the opportunity to purchase a New Home (Janome) Memory Craft 8000 embroidery machine for $300. It comes with all the accessories and case. I do not have an embroidery machine and was not even in the market for one but I am wondering if this is a good deal. I am a total novice with regard to embroidery machines but from what I have read you are really limited with this machine with regard to designs. Should I pass on this and keep looking for a more modern machine? I guess the price is what drew me first :)

I have the 9000 which is one model newer than the 8000. The price is decent especially if it comes with a bunch of accessories. But there are several things I'd really ponder. One, it's outdated technology and uses memory cards. If you want to upload new designs from the net or your computer you'd need a card reader device and it's all very tedious and time consuming. Basically, you're stuck using the preloaded designs that are on the cards if you don't have the reader machine. Second and very important, is that the embroidery field is very small. Under 5" and is that something you'll be happy with?

I love my 9000 and still use it for general sewing. It's been a great machine. But, I don't use I for embroidery much if at all anymore because my newer machine has a USB drive and a much larger embroidery field.

Also...I'd still be using my beloved 9000 but you can't get memory cards for it anymore, Janome no longer supports the machine so you can't get it repaired. About 18-20 years is the best you can hope for anymore, because as Candace says, technology changes.

As the others said, the machine is very old and you can no longer get cards for it and doubt if you could use a card reader to emb with. Save you money and get a more updated machine. Possibly you local shop would have a trade in that you could purchase at a good price.

Thanks Ladies...kind of what I was leaning towards :)

You can still buy the memory cards via ebay and used. I have gobs of them!