Tag Archives: repairs

Sailrite LSZ-1

Sewing Notions List

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 [...]

Five Tips Every Seamless Sailor Should Know About Canvas On Her Boat!

Originally appeared as a guest post for Women and Cruising Blog - October 18, 2012 Anyone else have canvas on her boat? Yes?! I do.  Lots of it. Big and small.  Canvas is important protective covering for your boat. It saves you money and time by protecting teak from the sun, keeping dirt out of your winches and instruments, and keeping you cool at anchor. Can you guess how many different canvas items you have on board? Quick without looking.  I counted 20+ unique items with some items having multiples in use at any given time on our Morgan sailboat, Magnolia.  That doesn't count functional and decorative fabrics below.  And I have plans to add more canvas on my growing sewing projects list! How many unique canvas items can you Read more [...]

Repair or Remake?

There are so many "creative opportunities" for canvas on the boat.  The question -- can you repair an item to extend the life or is it time to remake and start over?  That question came up recently over aging hatch covers.  Hatch covers are a relatively easy sewing project (see my post on hatch covers).  I've seen many different styles, some with fancy top-stitching or cut outs for hinges for example.  But really you can make fairly simple hatch covers that will serve the purpose of protecting your hatch lenses.   We seem to lose one or two a season during a big storm.  I've started cutting out an extra one when I'm remaking one so I have a jump on the next one. Right now I'm two hatch covers short.  Those jumped to the top of the Read more [...]