September 1, 2019
Simplifying employee training and complicated patterning By Broc Wodzien Grand Traverse Canvas Works, in Traverse City, Mich., has had many wonderful employees over the past 30-plus years. Our shop has grown from just my mother, Mary Wodzien, using the skills she learned at her stepfather’s canvas shop, to a staff of 16 employees. Growing and …
By Terri Madden I moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1995 with a degree in textile design and experience in custom fabrication for residential spaces, leather bags and apparel. Fortunately, my brother-in-law had a fledgling canvas business specializing in exterior marine fabrication that desperately needed skilled employees. I was fascinated to learn about materials that …
July 1, 2019
By Terri Madden Recently, Sand Sea and Air welcomed a 134-foot luxury motor yacht built in 1988 to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was designed to cruise in lavish comfort and classic elegance. The large exterior deck cushions below the bridge were located in an ideal space for lounging while cruising, yet over time, some …
By Kathryn J. Maisto, MFC Whether your business is merchandising, servicing or manufacturing in the marine canvas industry, owners of small businesses often share the same primary concerns: how to keep busy in the off-season and how to effectively hire, train and retain quality employees without breaking the bank. But knowing the warning signs of …
Details and quality make the difference. By Dave Elliott, MFC As a founding member of the Australian Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), I’ve spent many years talking to and mentoring other fabricators, as well as doing presentations in the U.S. and Australia for our industry. My general observation is that trimmers and upholsterers lack business knowledge …
May 1, 2019
By Terri Madden A headboard or wall panel is the focal point of a cabin. Selecting its shape, texture and color are essential steps in creating the desired atmosphere of a stateroom or guest quarters. Headboards and wall panels are similar in fabrication and installation; the difference is that headboards are mounted horizontally, and wall …
by Kyle Van Damme, MFC Using a track and keder welt combo to fasten an enclosure to a boat gives your project a sleek and seamless look. It sets your job apart from competitors, is an excellent upsell, and creates a professional and modern appearance. It’s one thing to create a new enclosure on a …
March 1, 2019
When you plan your projects, how much thought do you give to their finished edges? The material you’ve chosen dictates the best cutting tools and types of seams to use for finishing your projects. Visible seams on exterior projects need to be considered carefully to achieve attractive and well-constructed projects that will withstand the elements. …
At Chicago Marine Canvas, our MFA- and IFAI-award-winning canvas and upholstery shop, we have fully integrated digital methods into our canvas work. There are many benefits to implementing a digital measurement and design process, including speed and accuracy. During the past four years that we’ve been measuring and designing in 3-D, we’ve found it works …
January 1, 2019
When you’re re-covering built-in boat furniture, you can never have too many techniques tucked into your upholstery toolbox. Many fabricators use the same techniques every time, while others enjoy adapting and changing things up a bit. During the first half of my career, I patterned built-in boat upholstery either by creating new patterns from steamed …