Molesworth wrote:

I noticed a small rip in the dodger, so, rather than give it to a
company to repair, thought 'Hey, I can do that'.

Nothing is as simple as it seems, however.

First, the sewing machine had to be mastered, oiled, prepared.

Then the rudiments of sewing learnt.

Early in our marriage, Bob was restoring a 1932 Plymouth. He wanted
to reupholster it. So he rented a sewing machine because we didn't
have one. The rental place had a fit when they learned that he was
taking it aboard a ship, but I guess he talked them into it, and on
that cruise he taught himself to sew and did the upholstery.

He's bought himself a machine like the SailRite, and just lately he's
been repairing the side curtains for the bimini. If he wants the
sails repaired though, he goes up to the Amish guy who makes truck
tarps, and pays for a half hour or so on his industrial machine which
is pneumatic (they don't have electricity). Now THAT'S a machine.

The Dodger was an easy repair (straight line stitching), but then I saw
the winch covers are wind/sun worn and needed replacing.

Those are not so easy as they are 'round'!

But I love a challenge, specially one that requires accuracy and an
element of engineering.

Took two days but I now have a matched pair of winch covers.

Now to try sail bags!

--
Molesworth