Fack.up

09/06/2022

Spot the difference!

A tear along the seam often happens when the vinyl has aged and become brittle. Panels, or entire skins, need to be replaced with new material.

08/30/2022

It just needs to be restitched, right? It certainly doesn't look like a big job, does it?

When the fabric is torn like this it needs to be completely replaced. In this case I patterned two panels in a similar silver vinyl (I match as closely as possible but I can never get the same material the manufacturer used!)

There's also a lot more happening under that skin than most folks realize; There are listing tabs, hook & loop (that often needs to be reglued to the foam,) and about a billion staples. If the foam is saturated I make sure it's completely dry before remounting the vinyl. This seat also had a fun challenge of replacing the rivet that held the strap to the base (I used a stainless bolt and nut.) And there's a bit of skill required to match up the topstitching, making sure the old stitching doesn't unravel, make the old and new look seamless, and get it back on the base (like literally a billion staples!)

I take a lot of pride in helping folks get more time and enjoyment out of their items.

08/23/2022

Foam gets compressed over time especially in
the corners. When recovering cushions (or copying old
foam to cut new foam in this case) I use steam to
plump and renew for clean lines and crisp corners.
I also find it incredibly satisfying to do!

08/16/2022

Perfectly good patio furniture made new again with Phifertex Plus

08/09/2022

Updated this dinette seating from a 1994 Regal 272 Commodore - hopefully we'll get to the bolsters next!

06/10/2022

CHCH's coverage of the recommissionimg of Pathfinder

It's Hamilton's 176th birthday today and the Hamilton Harbour is welcoming back a vintage vessel used for training youth to be sailors.

06/09/2022

I was incredibly honoured to attend the recomissioning ceremony of the STV Pathfinder today. It was wonderful to hear the stories of those involved and of Brigs Youth Sail Training itself. I didn't realize what a very special occasion it was going to be!

I'm glad I could do my part of making all 26 bunk mattresses in new foam and vinyl, and contribute to the ongoing history of this ship. I hope they serve the future crews well!

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/hamilton-harbour-celebrates-stv-pathfinder-return-to-sail-training-with-historic-re-commissioning-ceremony-ontario-s-lieutenant-governor-the-hon-elizabeth-dowdeswell-to-attend-854508827.html

I will keep an eye out for more professional media coverage to share because I missed photos of the viceregal salute (Navy) and the smudge and song of Elder Garry Sault (First Nation)

Brigs - TS Playfair

Heddle Shipyards
LG Elizabeth Dowdeswell

08/28/2021

Check out this versatile, compact, innovative, Canadian made home gym. Seating to be produced by yours truly 🤗
http://kck.st/3gEsBZM

07/02/2021

Good as new!
Enclosure window replaced.

06/24/2021

Damn, work takes me to some horrible places sometimes... 😕

06/21/2021

Full interior on a 13' boat isn't so daunting!

03/18/2021

My first full interior March 2016