DIY Screens for Pilothouse Doors
Magnolia, a 1997 Kadey Krogen 42, has a raised pilothouse with two side doors. Being averse to biting black flies, I wanted screens before going down the Delaware Bay - a known fly habitat. No one seems to enjoy their visits as they arrive in swarms. I completed the first phase of the screens before we left the Chesapeake Bay bound for the Great Lakes. Reporting no flies aboard to date.
The screen material is cut the actual size I wanted with a two inch binding top and bottom which I made from Sunbrella and a 1" Sunbrella binding on the sides. The material is Phifertex white 54". This is the basic Phifertex which will allow more air flow, but may not keep out any noseeums. For noseeums, I'd spray the mesh with "Shoo-Fly". Primarily Read more [...]
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 
Hatch covers add a nice protective layer to your expensive overhead hatches. They keep out sun or star light and might even help a bit deterring a little leak. Lexan polycarbonate windows are expensive and can be damaged if not cared for. A cover is a good way to help preserve these windows. Unfortunately, we seem to lose one or two covers a season to a bad storm or rotting shock cord. You can make an easy hatch cover in just a few hours.
I remade an old hatch cover previously and wrote about how I did it and resources I used here. This blog is about making a hatch cover from scratch. I've included the sizes I used for our hatches. You can adapt your hatch cover easily based on these sizes and proportions. 
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