Sewing Machine Hunting at the Manila Port Area (Pier)
Sewing is something I've been wanting to do since I became a mom. I want to able to sew matching pillowcases, sheets, cloth diapers, drool pads, ternos and even costumes for my son. I know how to hand sew pretty well, and I have tried using a manual sewing machine when I was in high school, so I figured I'd get myself a portable sewing machine for my sewing projects.
I am a member of a cloth diaper sewing group on Facebook and that is where I found out about the sewing machines sold at the pier. Tracy Dizon's port experience helped a ton as I made this my ultimate reference in going to the area and choosing the right sewing machine.
Getting to the Manila Port Area
My husband and I drove to the Manila Port, passing through Intramuros and exiting along Anda circle to get to 13th St. The stalls where the sewing machines are sold are directly in front of The Philippine Star head office. The area can be easily reached by taking a tricycle from Intramuros, or jeepneys from Divisoria.
Upon entering 13th street, we saw stalls and stalls of sewing machines, as well a as side-street filled with washing machines, refridgerators, flat screen and CRT TVs. STALL 1-IJ is one of the first stalls you'll see, and I got my portable sewing machine here.
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| Photo from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/89344113 |
Stall 1-IJ
Madam Zen's store (Stall 1-IJ) is the only stall I can find reviews online, and I was a personal witness as to why that is so. Tracy Dizon, as well as the moms in Cloth Diaper Sewing Pinays recommend her stall because of the excellent service and the range of products you can try out and buy. As with all the stalls along the pier, she sells 2nd hand, refurbished, and Japan surplus sewing machines and almost all of them are of good reputable brands (Singer, Brother, Juki, Jaguar, and Toyota, to name a few). She also sells a variety of sewing machine kinds, from portable ones with foot pedals, portable push-buttons, sergers, and even manual sewing machines.
Madam Zen was in Davao when we went there, and I was attended by his nephew Moca. He was very accommodating, and he gave me a range of machines to choose from (along with their pros and cons). I already decided that I was getting a portable sewing machine with a foot pedal beforehand, and I he gave me around 3 machines to try out.
I spent about an hour trying out the machines just so I could get the "feel" and technique of each. Kuya Moca showed me how to operate each one, how to thread the bobbins, how to thread the needle, how the knobs work, how to change presser foots, how to change the needle, troubleshooting, as well as basic techniques on every single machine. Props to Kuya Moca for his patience!
After a few minutes of haggling, (I got a thousand peso discount) I settled on a Jaguar N-501 because I found it perfect for beginners (like me). The learning curve on operating the machine is low as it has one-step threading, and its dials (knobs) for the stitch type, tension, and stitch length, are very easy to understand.
Kuya Moca assured me that I can always bring back the machine if I had problems with it, or if it needs repair. I can also trade it in if I want to try another model or brand.
Some tips and tricks
Kuya Moca (and Madam Zen) encourages testing the units as much as you want. This is so you can test if all the parts work (remember, these machines are refurbished or 2nd hand) get the feel of each one, and see if it caters to your sewing needs. It's very important to test all the buttons, as well as the stitch kinds and stitch lengths, and experiment with the tension. I've tested one machine that did not run the zigzag stitch if set in high tension, and the other sewing machine didn't have a reverse function.
Almost all of the units sold by Madam Zen are in 110 Volts, and a transformer is needed before you can work the machine. It would help if you have a transformer or an AVR at home, however, they sell transformers for around 350 pesos (you can still haggle). I honestly think this is already a good deal for a transformer as DIY and Ace sell them for around 500 pesos.
They give freebies but only if you ask them. I got different kinds of presser foots, extra bobbins, the tool used in loosening the screw that holds the needle, mini screw drivers, and mini brushes.
Lastly, if you have a phone with mobile data, you can check if there's a manual available online for the unit you're interested in. Newer models in popular brands (singer and brother) have operating manuals uploaded, so that can be a plus in helping you decide what machine to get.
Madam Zen's Contact Details
You may contact Madam Zen here: 0929 814 4106
Cheers!
Hi mommy MJ I am planning to buy sewing machine there and I want to know kung magkano ung bili mo sa sewing machine, anu ung range of pricing nila? And as of now okay pa rin po ba ung sewing machine na nabili niyo? Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteHow much is the price range.
ReplyDeleteHow much is the price range.
ReplyDeletegood evening po. ayon po sa map ng google, permanently closed na ang new port area, saan po lumipat yung mga stalls?
ReplyDeleteThis is impeccable blog for any individual who is searching for points this way. It has got it all, data, advantages and diagram. An immaculate bit of composing. Great job. Best Sewing Machines
ReplyDeleteusually recommend you get the one where you can adjust stitch width and stitch length manually, http://workitmom.com/blogs/member_blog_post/206194
ReplyDeletemagkano po sewing machine?sana nkalagay na para mas madali mag hanap
ReplyDeleteGud P.M.,ask ko lang po kung magkano ang portable sewing machine w/ different stitches?
ReplyDeleteTanong ko lang po kong may mga spare parts din po kayong binibenta like needle plata ng JANOME model-751
ReplyDeleteTanong ko lang po kong may mga spare parts din po kayong binibenta like needle plata ng JANOME model-751
ReplyDeleteMeron pa bang shopping center sa pier ngayon? Dati kasi nakakabili kami ng murang pabango sa pier. Naghahanap kami ngayon.
ReplyDeletePaano po pumunta sa pier biluhan nf second hnd na gmit
ReplyDeletemaam magkano po ba ung hspeed nyo na machines,,like single needle, overlock na 4threads tsaka coverstitch..or hemming,pipping
ReplyDeleteNeed ko po ng sewing machine..ying pwedeng pantahi ng upuan pang jeep.di na kailangan pang zigzag po.basta matibay at maayos gamitin.tnx how much po
ReplyDeleteGusto ko din po bumili, gusto ko matitunan gumawa ng mga trendy na damit para sa anak ko, para makatipid.... how much ang range po
ReplyDeleteNasa magkano po ang mga sewing machines nla?gusto ko bumili ng hi-speed kelangan namin para sa school.kulang kasi gamit namin ng mga bata pag magpracticum na.yong affordable Lang sana.thanks
ReplyDeleteBukas po ba ang store nio ngayung pandemic?Gudto ko sana bumili ng s.mach?thanks.
ReplyDelete