S/V Passage - Refitting a Classic (& Building Our Skills) Before Cutting the Docklines

On Friday, a coworker loaned me her sewing machine so I could finally start working through all the awesome fabric we bought at Ikea a few weeks ago. Considering that the last time I used a sewing machine was my 7th grade Home Economics class (seriously!) I am REALLY proud of how well my first one turned out!!! Yes, it me HOURS to figure out what I was doing since I basically eyeballed it based on the old ones that fell apart in the washing machine-thus prompting the need for new ones.

Last week, David found the factory brochure promoting the "new" Pearson 365 as a higher standard in luxury. Those factory "specs" photos show the same curtains, cushions, and internal decor as Passage had when we bought her. No wonder everything was gross and falling apart! I'm actually rather impressed they held up as well as they did for as long as they did. But I know Passage is going to look MUCH better when she has new and trendy fabrics furnishing her interior! Once the curtains are finished, we'll head back to Ikea to pick out a coordinating fabric for cushion covers on the settees and berths (couches and beds for the landlubbers who read this).

It's a really great sense of accomplishment to put so much into turning our dream into a reality. Even though it'd be easier and faster to just buy some replacement curtains, it's cheaper but more importantly so rewarding to know that when we head out cruising I'll have a daily reminder of how hard we've worked to make this happen...