Category Archives: Because It’s My Blog

A Day at the Androsia Batik Factory

Because It's My Blog, Fav things, ,
I have been wanting to go to Fresh Creek, Andros in the Bahamas to the Androsia Factory to see the Androsia batik process since we started coming to the Bahamas five years ago. Our sailboat's draft didn't allow us to add it to our itinerary. Our new-to-us Kadey Krogen trawler brought us to Andros and the motherland of Androsia fabrics. If you've been to the Bahamas you'll recognize the iconic design of Androsia fabric. I've sewn a few items from this batik material, but I always wanted to know more about this native Bahamian fabric art and experience it for myself. When we were planning this year's trip to the Bahamas we decided to leave Palm Beach and head straight to Andros since we could check in at the Fresh Creek Airport. Read more [...]

Introducing M/V Magnolia and the Good Surprise

Because It's My Blog, , , , , ,

While we enjoyed S/V Magnolia for seven years, we found our new boat in Stuart, FL - a 1997 Kadey Krogen 42 (hull #199).  This boat has good bones, but like S/V Magnolia, it needs some love and a lot of maintenance.  It sat at the dock for three years with little attention. The Captain likes to tackle big projects like refits and manages them well. With a fly bridge and pilothouse travel will be comfortable. Accommodations will be too with a saloon and two staterooms.  The galley is good-sized by boat standards.  She will allow us to add some cruising areas to our plans. So while the maintenance and refit are underway, I'll be sewing a variety of projects to make her our home.  First up...curtains. Fabrics have been negotiated and selected Read more [...]

It All Started with…Toast

Because It's My Blog, Interior Projects, Projects, ,

It all started with the Captain’s morning toasted bagel, his usual breakfast.  I have used my Force 10 broiler for his toast since we moved aboard in September 2013 almost daily.  (The Force 10 Gourmet Galley two burner range model #63251 with an electronic (momentary) ignition was installed new June 2013.)  The toasting process started getting longer, then the electric broiler igniter was working sporadically. I could light it with a butane lighter. Then it stopped.  No toast.  Yes, I know I can toast in a dry skillet. Or use a “camp-type” toaster, which we tried – it works ok, but it’s a hot tool sitting atop the stove – not my preference for underway use - although the Captain likes it.  Those were options, but I wanted Read more [...]