"Wally" wrote in message

| I didn't think he'd mentioned use of a sewing awl.

Yes he did ....

For the outhaul reinforcement I used heavy, waxed thread (twine)
and the fine Automatic Awl that comes from C.S. Osborne and
Company, Harrison, N.J.

It's an excellent product.. I use one myself.

http://www.csosborne.com/no413.htm

CM