For a while now I’ve been trawling the web and going through sewing books trying to decide whether I should get a serger/overlock machine or not. I think it’s clear that nobody really needs a serger, but that they’re really great to have. After some thought, my considerations were as follows:
- Do I seriously like to sew? And the answer is I really really do! So that was a check!
- What type of fabric do I like to work with? Knits or woven fabric? Since I’m so pregnant right now, I only sew with knits, and I need the stretchy seams that a serger does so well. Currently I’m using a stretch stitch since the zigzags don’t work well for me, the ends of knit fabric tend to curl up which results in some jams and a lot of work for my seam ripper.
- My need for speed! Of all the stages of sewing clothes, I dislike hemming the most. First, my new clothes are almost ready to wear expect for all the darned raw edges so I’m extra impatient at this point! And with my projects now, I have to fold under, measure, press the hem over again to enclose the raw edges, baste, then topstitch. I always hand baste since pressing doesn’t hold down slippery jersey well enough if you just press or pin it down.
Long story short, I figured that no I don’t need a serger, but yes I definitely want one!!!
Anyway, early last month I decided to go ahead and order the Brother 1034D serger on Amazon and have my relatives in the US ship it to me. I chose this since it has the best reviews and is reasonably priced at 229 USD (I didn’t have to pay for the shipping though, lucky me). I will share more about the serger and how it’s working for me once I get started playing with it. My husband and I are picking it up today and I’m just so excited! I’m almost done with my new project, a maternity top using Butterick 5196, and if I’m confident enough I will try to use the serger to finish my seams although I’m a bit hesitant to use it right away for that without a little practice first since the top is coming along so nicely.
On sergers/overlock machines here in Manila, I’ve only seen one type available for sale on the Brother Philippines website here. The model is the M3034D and it’s retailing for 19,995 Php. I really hope sewing as a hobby gets more popular in Manila so that we will have better access to sewing machines, tools, and fabric really soon. 🙂
Part Time Homemaker 
Good on ya! I’m thinking of getting one too!
Hi! Really glad I stumbled upon your blog 🙂 I’m planning to have one of these shipped from the US as well, but I’m worried about power compatibility. Is yours working alright here in Manila? Did you have to use an adaptor or something?
Hi Cez I use an AVR. You can buy it in any hardware or electronics shop. I got mine in True Value in Park Square and have never had any problems with it. Just make sure to label the cord so nobody plugs it in a 220v socket by mistake!
Hi there!i’m so happy i came across ur blog.i was searching for some reviews about the brother 3034d or the other one which is the coverlock.And i was thinking as well to buy it in the US but my concern is about the warranty.Did u ever encounter some problems with it?
No problems yet! =)
New on your blog! 🙂 Thanks to Google which directed me to yours while searching for electric pleating in Manila. Also, saw this post on m1034d in Amazon, I also thought of buying this but was worried of the voltage compatibility in Philippines.. So I might buy m3034d, BrotherPh has a trade-in promo with great discounts on sewing machines this Feb! 🙂
Well, you can read review on UseMyReviews as well.