All posts by Annette

Getting Dirty About Laundry

Saving money, , ,
OK, maybe the title should be “airing my dirty laundry”. Living aboard a sailboat as vagabonds we don’t have a washer.  I only know a few folks who have a washer on board. Yet I love having the laundry done. When it’s just the two of us on passage, well, let’s say we wear clothes longer than we would if we were back in civilization (sound familiar?!). I haven't gone to strictly doing laundry aboard. There are several things about laundry that cause me consternation – where to store it, lugging it to a laundromat, dealing with people in laundromats, and the cost.  I should add that the Captain is usually very helpful with the laundry process, either lugging or helping put clothes away.  Here are some of my thoughts on laundry, Read more [...]

It All Started with…Toast

Because It's My Blog, Interior Projects, Projects, ,
It all started with the Captain’s morning toasted bagel, his usual breakfast.  I have used my Force 10 broiler for his toast since we moved aboard in September 2013 almost daily.  (The Force 10 Gourmet Galley two burner range model #63251 with an electronic (momentary) ignition was installed new June 2013.)  The toasting process started getting longer, then the electric broiler igniter was working sporadically. I could light it with a butane lighter. Then it stopped.  No toast.  Yes, I know I can toast in a dry skillet. Or use a “camp-type” toaster, which we tried – it works ok, but it’s a hot tool sitting atop the stove – not my preference for underway use - although the Captain likes it.  Those were options, but I wanted Read more [...]
Sailrite

Tools of the Trade or What Every Seamless Sailor Wants for the Holidays

Fav things, Saving money, Tools, , , ,
Do you have what you need to get your project started and completed?  Here's a list of the items I use most. (Elves:  does your Seamless Sailor have these tools?!) Tools Hot knife or soldering tool - Essential for finishing the ends of Sunbrella to prohibit raveling.  Don't forget a safe surface to use it on.  See secret trick. Heavy-duty scissors, fabric shears and small thread cutter - Like knives to a chef, scissors are to the Seamless Sailor. Measuring tools, "L" and "T" shaped measuring tools - These measures are great for making patterns.  Also need a short measure for at the sewing machine and metal yard stick. Marking pens - light and dark.  The washable ones work well as do the soapstone.  Get extras. Heavy" T" pins or Read more [...]

Baby Blanket–Crocheting for Fun and for Good

Crafts, Projects
Here’s a fun and productive craft project.  A crocheted baby blanket.  No, we don’t have any surprising news. This just seemed like a manageable project to do aboard the boat.  I selected a fairly simple shell pattern so I wouldn’t have to think too much or remember where I was in the pattern when I picked it up again. The author of the pattern titled it her five day blankee - well - not me.  I picked it up from time to time, so I’m not sure how long it really took me, but it wasn’t any five days.  I started over twice. The second time I got the rhythm of the pattern. I have crocheted basic projects from time to time. It had been awhile since I had picked up Mom’s crochet hooks.  She always had a crocheting project Read more [...]

Scrubbies

Crafts, Saving money, , ,
These everyday kitchen scrubbies are simple to crochet or knit and inexpensive to make.  The key is to use tulle strips about 3” wide. You can find tulle rolls on Amazon, Walmart, and craft stores.          Often the tulle rolls are sold in 6” widths. You can cut the tulle like I did with scissors or cut the roll of tulle the smart way like my friend, Michele, did. She used an electric kitchen knife. Her trick is to cut the strips 1 1/2’' wide and use two different colors. The effect is cute and clever. If you just use one small strip, the scrubbie seems a bit wimpy according to Michelle. Plus mixing two color strips looks very nice. I have just been using a single 3” strip. You can roll the tulle into balls or just leave Read more [...]

Chaps Aren’t Just for Cowboys

Exterior Projects, Projects, , ,
Who wants a set of dinghy chaps? I haven't made chaps but I've collected a few sites that have information on making them.  I made that huge cover shown in Sewing Projects. The cover is a great protector of the hypalon dinghy against sun.  But it is a pain to store when not in use due to its size. Using the dinghy on a regular basis, chaps make sense. You may want to  jump in and go or come home and pull her up for the night.  Chaps may help keep the  dinghy cooler to sit on when it gets hot in the sun.  I am collecting pictures and instructions for chaps.  Here's my list so far. Sailrite free downloadable  instructions Ruth's description Linda's great collection of chaps project photos Good Old Boat article - "Dinghy Chaps Made Read more [...]