Category Archives: Fav things

Fabrics Along the Way – Androsia Fabric

Fav things, Interior Projects, , , , ,
I enjoy finding new and unique fabrics during our travels and first wrote a post about "fabrics along the way" here. When we were in the Bahamas last winter I fell in love with the iconic Androsia hand-crafted batik fabrics designed and made exclusively in the Bahamas on the island of Andros.  These cotton fabrics just speak to me saying, "You're in the Bahamas, mon!" and instantly transport you there.  You can buy the fabric by the yard and find many items of clothing and household items made of these colorful fabrics at stores throughout the islands.  I knew I had to have some of this fabric.  I had passed it up on a previous Bahamas cruise.  Now how to choose which fabric and what to make?  Why not pillows to perk up the saloon. Read more [...]

Seamless Sailors Meet Up

Fav things, Seamless Sailors,
Anthony and I had the great pleasure of meeting a fellow Seamless Sailor, Drena, and her husband, JR, from S/V Journey in Cocoa, Florida. We had a delightful happy hour aboard Magnolia and dinghy'ed ashore for a sushi dinner at Thai Thai.  It was great to meet in person after several email exchanges and following each others blogs.  What fun to exchange sailing and sewing stories as we are all relative newbies.  They are making their dream happen with their cat, Leo, aboard their O'Day . Drena is sewing aboard with a Husqvarna Viking machine.  I sewed on these very nice machines in high school Home Ec classes (dating myself again).  She has written some posts about her sewing projects and has moderated a Monkey Fist topic Read more [...]

Bowline Bags – The Details Revealed

Crafts, Fav things, Interior Projects, Saving money, ,
You've seen the beautiful, practical, yet pricey sail bags made by big name designers.  I thought there had to be a way to make similar sail bags for less money using recycle sails.  The Captain wanted several bags for provisioning and carting goods to and from the  boat.  We were weekend sailors until we tossed the dock lines.  So this Seamless Sailor started searching for a used sail to make lots o' bags. The Boat Galley has also written about using good shopping bags for provisioning, too. We used these bags a lot. The first sail came from the Annapolis boat consignment shop, Bacon's.  For a few dollars I got one with which to experiment.  Several ok bags came from that sail with a green Sunbrella sacrificial cover on the leech Read more [...]
swim noodle seat

Swim Noodle Seats

Exterior Projects, Fav things, Projects, ,
Seamless Sailor, Julie Sandler Lambert, sent a note a few months ago with a great idea for a fun project that I couldn't wait to make - a floaty seat using those toy swimming noodles.  She wrote a post on her blog, S/V Second Star, with excellent instructions on how to make a noodle chair.  Simple and easy to make.  She suggested a guest post on Seamless Sailor, so I've added her post here.  Thanks, Julie! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That's Using Your Noodle" By Julie Sandler Lambert - May 2013 In preparation for our upcoming weekend cruise I spent the day getting prepared.  Did I plan out our provisions?  Nope.  Did I replace the secondary bilge pump so that we would Read more [...]
Sailrite LSZ-1

Sewing Notions List

Fav things, Resources, Tools, , , , ,
So, you've got your sewing machine aboard.  Do you have what you need to get your project started and completed?  Wonder what to take on board or if you've forgotten something?  Here's a list of the items I use most. 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 Read more [...]
Sailrite LSZ-1

Sewing Machine for Your Sailboat?

Fav things, Saving money, Tools
I'm hearing from several folks looking to buy heavier sewing machines.  It can be a big investment, yet one that will likely pay for itself*.  A sewing machine is a great tool for the boat.  Like the Porter Cable  multi tool or cordless drill.  I was surprised when my husband  said I'd be sewing for the boat.  Who knew how much canvas was aboard? He was in full agreement with buying a heavier sewing machine.  While a good seamstress or fabricator is a valuable professional to have on speed dial, there are many projects you can do yourself.  So the right tool is worth the investment. Yes, I have a Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 (zigzag). I do like it and use it a lot. It is heavy as it has mainly metal parts (44lbs). It's bit loud, Read more [...]