Sailmaking

[haiqu]

Just found an excellent series of videos on sailmaking. Should be invaluable for those of us who intend to at least do our own repairs:

The featured sailmaker, Karl Deardorff, runs his own business in California.

Sailmaking: Video Series | eHow

[Auzzee]

Here's an interesting link. A few years ago I bought a sail making sewing machine from these people. They have a wide range of goods and if you look on the 'how-to' drop down menu, you will see lots of projects for the enthusiastic home sewer. I must have saved more than the cost of the machine by now. Here's the link. Sailrite - Fabric, Canvas, and Marine Supplies Since 1969
However, before I bought the sailrite machine, I had a 1927, hand cranked Singer which never failed me and would sew through four thicknesses of virtually any material.

[haiqu]

Yeah, Sailrite seem to have quite a good business judging by the number of links I've found to them. I'd love a proper machine but they run to several grand even used. Still, a good home machine is cheap these days and it won't get a huge amount of use so should last. The only real advantage of the pro machines is the larger arm so you can get the rolled up sail through easier.