Category Archives: Saving money

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 [...]
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 [...]

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 [...]

Wind Scoop 2.0 – Blowing in the Wind

Exterior Projects, Projects, Saving money, , , , , , ,
"The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind"*...so if we scoop up lots of air we'll have all the answers to life's questions? Or we'll just have happy husbands who like to nap under a big breeze at anchor?  I'll be glad when I have found the perfect wind scoop (WS) design. I've made two wind scoops with different designs.  Sure I could have bought a kit or copied a design from a book.  Or heaven forbid - bought one**.  (There are several styles on the market that you've probably seen deployed, but they can be pricey.)  But noooo I have an engineer for a husband.  He draws plans on napkins at dock bars and says "here make this".  (The more wine, the more complex the design.)  So why have I made two different designs if he 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 [...]

Burgees – Do You Have a House Flag?

Exterior Projects, Fav things, Projects, Saving money, , , , ,
Update September 2015:   The original house flag described in this blog post lasted three years.  A bright new one represents Magnolia and its crew now.             Also known as an owners private signal, it's fun to have a burgee to represent you when you are aboard and in command.  The flag goes with you.  It can be representative of your name, your boat, a hobby.  And burgees are fairly easy to make.  You do need the right materials and a design.  What symbol or design would be fun, easy to make and see from atop the flag halyard?  What colors do you want (not too many)?  What size and shape? A pennant or swallowtail or rectangle would be traditional for a house flag and Read more [...]