I felt that way myself recently when I finally brought home the fabulous new Janome Memory Craft 6700P. https://www.janome.com/en/products/machines/mc6700p/

While you reach for a knife or the scissors (not your good fabric scissors, of course!) to open the carton of your new machine, stop for a minute to think about the box itself and how the machine is packaged. You’ll thank yourself later for not rushing and for keeping everything in tact. Always save the box if you can. You never know when it might come in handy.

It’s amazing to me just how well thought-out and executed the packaging is to all Janome machines, regardless price points; from entry level all the way up to top-of-the-line. Each machine has custom molded Styrofoam inserts around which the machine rests snuggly and securely.

All the parts and pieces like the power cord, foot pedal; the all important instruction manual, and all those glorious presser feet (the Janome MC 6700P comes with 17!) are neatly tucked in every nook and cranny around the machine in their own plastic bag. Everything is neat and easily identified. As the saying goes, “a place for everything and everything in its place.” I think the clever engineers at Janome may have come up with that, lol!

There are basically two ways Janome machines are packaged: insert, or top loading and clamshell.  The most common is Top Loading, like on the fabulous Top-of-the-Line Horizon Memory Craft 15000 Quilt Maker.

A custom-fitted Styrofoam insert is placed in the bottom of the box to securely cushion the machine. The insert matches the angled profile of the large LCD touchscreen on the front of the machine. In the above photo it’s on the left, but when sitting in front of the Horizon Memory Craft 15000 Quilt Maker it’s on the right. There’s even a little arrow imprinted in the centre of the Styrofoam bottom as another clue to indicate the front. Janome thinks of everything!

Once the machine is set in the box, another fitted Styrofoam insert will go over the top and down along the sides to further protect and firmly hold the machine in place. I must point out that the machine in the photo below is my own personal MC 15000, so I’d added the little strips of black Velcro to the top for my own purpose.  A brand new Janome Horizon Memory Craft 15000 Quilt Maker fresh out of the box will NOT have those. lol!

Note the built-in and reinforced handles on each side of the box. Sew easy to carry!

The other type of packaging for machines is referred to as Clamshell, because, as the name suggests, two halves of the molded Styrofoam inserts wrap around and encase the machine. The Janome Memory Craft 6700P is the perfect example of this. It is indeed like a treasured pearl inside. Can you tell I love this machine!?

It is easier to unbox these machines with them laying on their side, especially one as hefty as the Janome Memory Craft 6700P. This is indeed a formidable, professional machine, which is one reason why it is packaged with the clamshell inserts; they offer sturdy support.

Though most of us are trying to eliminate extra clutter in our homes, it really is wise to save the box and custom molded Styrofoam inserts for your machine. Perhaps you’ll attend a retreat or a class at some distance away? You can transport your machine safely with peace of mind that it will arrive intact, no matter how arduous the journey may be.

Or, perhaps you’d like to upgrade and would like to trade-in your current machine? Though it likely won’t affect the bottom line, having the original box and inserts will be of great peace of mind to the potential new owner. They’ll feel better knowing everything was saved and looked after and that they can take it home safely and securely without worry.

As well, how fun for them to also share in that joy of opening that box at home and taking out their new “toy” to play with. I love how Janome continually brings us that joy!

What joy will YOU create today with your “toys”? I’m off to play with my new Janome Memory Craft 6700P!