Aeromarine canvas covers

[Hal Truhn]

First attempt at sewing and canvas work. Since this was a new endeavor for me. I was skeptical on purchasing sunbrella at 38.00 a yard. I had some canvas from when I used to work in the power plants and an old Singer sewing machine that my mother in law passed down to my wife and I. It sat in our living room as a piece of furniture for over 30 years. After dusting off the 1948 clasic singer and watching some tutorials on getting it running again I figured I would give it a try and I'm glade I did. The machine works perfectly. I really like sewing after all its fabrication with thread. I am a retired welding fabricator and even though I can't do that type of work any more sewing was therapeutic. After completing all the sewing and yes I agree with Steven J. Installing the grassing straps is also my least favorite. I than Rite dyed the natural canvas brown and water proofed using paraffin/mineral oil mixture that again I got off youtube. It was was quite the process and would like to thank Steven J Sanford for his canvas work posts that gave me the how to insite.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Hal~

Fine work all around! I'm wondering it that vintage Singer has reverse? My Dad used to borrow a similar machine from a gunning partner. "Reverse" was accomplished by turning the flywheel backwards - by hand.

I will be making some canvas for my first Tom Pryor/Aeromarine vessel later this Spring. Thanks for the inspiration!

BTW: Instead of Sunbrella, I have been using 1000-denier Cordura - in "Coyote" color. Much less money and easier to work with. This is the duck's-eye-view....



Covckpit cover...



All the best,

SJS

 

[Hal Truhn]

Hello Steve, yes the singer machine has reverse its the model 15-91 direct drive. I had no idea what I had until I did some research. Apparently it's one of the best single stitch machines ever made. Goes through eight layers of canvas effortlessly. I know those photos of your boat all to well. Studied every inch of them. Originally I tied the cockpit cover like yours than decided to use bungee cord instead, I felt its quicker and easier especially with cold hands. The boat has its original fiberglass cover but wanted to leave the hard cover at home when at the dock. Thanks for the tip on the Cordura my future plans are to make a new dodger and covers out of a camo grass pattern. Now that I have a bit more experience.