Category Archives: Crafts

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 [...]

Bowline Bags – the details (Updated June 2016)

Crafts, Fav things, Projects, Uncategorized, ,
My friend asked me to make her a Bowline Bag and she'd pay me for it.  Whaaaat? After being flattered and stunned, I agreed with a few conditions.  I couldn't guarantee a delivery time since we were underway and I wanted to sew at a dock and that would be a few weeks.  I needed to acquire some better sail cloth.  She agreed. I've made about 15 bags.  Each one gets better, but I still am not very efficient making them aboard with somewhat limited space.  Nevertheless, I try to improve the instructions in hope that the next one will be even better. (If you are one of my friends with an early version, I'm sorry.) Bowline Bags Finished unlined bag 18" h x 20" w x 6" base depth with design on front Materials: --Large Read more [...]

Apron On Board?

Crafts, Projects, , , , ,
Aprons bring up thoughts of grandmothers, home economists, and Thanksgiving for me.  My friends know that I am not a great cook though I am a home economist.  I "assemble" ok though.  The Captain is probably the better cook on board. He does great grill and grill bread.   So when I made a simple apron out of recycled sail cloth not too long ago, I got a funny look. "When was the last time you wore an apron?"  Well, it was probably back on land when I made chocolate truffles for a Chocolate Valentines Day Party.  I didn't have one on board anyway.  Maybe now that I have one, I'll wear one. Sail Cloth Apron This is a very easy project taking about 1-2 hours. Materials: --Sail cloth or other fabric with some weight --Binding - 5-8 yards Read more [...]

Easy-to-Make Sail Bag Purse

Crafts, Fav things, Projects, Saving money, , , ,
I decided to make a new purse. I miss a little variety in my wardrobe now that we live aboard full time.  I don't have the selection of purses that I had when we had a home with walk-in closets for storage and where leather wouldn't mold. I liked the purse I had made before, but it was showing wear and tear and was a tad bit small.  So whip up another.  But how about a new design?  How about a changeable handle at least for variety?  Easy enough. The shoulder strap snaps on the hooks in the grommets.  This basic design can be adapted to many sizes and styles.  We are only limited by our ideas! Sail Bag Shoulder Purse with Changeable Straps Instructions Time:  Estimate 3 hours (planning/cutting/marking Read more [...]

Sail Bags

Crafts, Projects, , , , , , ,
I entered these bags in the Sailrite Project Photo Contest.  The winner is determined by votes on their website by August 17, 2015.  Would you vote for my bags!? http://www.sailrite.com/Contest --------------------------------   It's been awhile since I've made any Bowline Bags.  So I thought I'd update my bags.  After surviving a "creative disaster zone" while sewing on the boat, a recycled sail  backpack and small cross body bag appeared. These are pretty simple bags.  I designed pockets out of Phifertex for my phone and pens across the back panel of the backpack. And I added a key fob to hold our rental car keys.  (Now that the condo and cars are sold, we have very few keys!)  Ladderlock buckles allow for adjustments Read more [...]