Window screens

Here's another preparation project  - window shades for our boat. The boat has large windows around the boat which gives terrific visibility and great light down below but can be hot in summer (see the red outline which is how the screens will be fitted). There is one set of windows on each side of the boat.

As we're planning a trip to the tropics, we thought window shades would be a good idea. So I bought some vinyl black (not blue as it appears in the photo) mesh fabric from Sailrite called Phifertex, which has a number of outdoor uses and provides 70% sunshade but still gives a good view.

I wanted to make them in 2 pieces only, one for each side of the boat, to make them easy to take off and on. So I made a paper pattern and sewed 3 pieces together so it could accommodate the curve of the windows towards the front of the boat. Plus the window sizing wasn't uniform which didn't help.

I ran some black vinyl tape around the edges for strength and finished the edges with black marine grade bias binding. Black snaps were added which will be attached to adhesive sockets on the boat (which means no drilling - hooray).

Front snap

Rear snap

It doesn't look too lovely right now but it will definitely do the job and I'll post a photo once they have been fitted.

Boat cockpit cushions - done!

To make the cockpit more comfy at anchor, I've finished a set of cushions for the seats. For the technically minded, they have been made from Sunbrella marine grade canvas with 'leatherette' piping and zips at the back of the cushions. The foam is dry cell foam to allow water to drain away quickly with a layer of closed cell foam for comfort. There was some wrestling required to get the foam into the covers but this give the cushions a fuller look.

All materials were sourced from Sailrite in the US, who have a amazing range of materials for canvas projects and sail work. Fulfilment and delivery is very speedy. The also have a great DVD which made this project much easier.

I must say the result is pretty good for a beginner boat cushion maker...

As we were installing cushions and other things, we watched the Wednesday Twilight Races - this is the view - very dramatic.

A bunch of canvas and other boat sewing bits

Uh oh! Received a tonne of fabric and other sewing bits yesterday from Sailrite for optimistic canvas sewing projects for the boat. Will be making...

• cockpit cushions
• sun screen for the wrap around windows
• lee cloths for the cockpit

Right now feel like a little overwhelmed but once I start cutting fabric it should be all OK....I think. 

Lastly can't say enough about Sailrite, it's customer support and delivery time. The order was placed online to the USA on 19 Jan and arrived on 24 Jan. Australian retailers take note...