At anchor and doing projects

 We have been anchored in Carolina Beach since we arrived Wednesday night.  This is a good anchorage with close access to groceries, hardware stores, and cheap eats (McDonalds).   We headed into town, to pick up some groceries.   Only .6 miles each way - Not bad.

Interesting mural on side of restaurant

Lightly loaded walking back from groceries

Lots of Pelicans in the area

The next day was project day.  We had started modifying the salon cushions, cutting the backs down. As usual the boat looks trashed mid project.

The project mess

After completion, looks much better, lowered backs on the cushions about 5" each.  Also added snaps to hold the backs to wall.  

Looking better  - sorry, no good before and after shots.

One thing we got in the mail while at the dock Sojourn (Duane and Karen) so graciously offered for us to use, was a new sewing machine.  The old one, a Husqvarna Viking, was a great machine, and did some pretty heavy duty work, but wasn't up to doing a dodger.   We looked at hiring the dodger done, but the lead time was long, and it would cost upwards of $3000.   We finally bit the bullet and ordered the Sailrite sewing machine.  $1,595 with accessories - OUCH.      We did the cushions with the old machine, and then got the new one set up, and tried a couple of quick projects.

New and old machine (old on left)

1/2 hour project, quick cover for winch

New bag for holding clothespins

The machine did well, and I also used it to repair a lightweight nylon flag, just to make sure it could handle the light jobs as well.   Know anyone you wants a slightly used Husqvarna machine?

Did some cleaning and organizing to find where to store the new machine, and took a nice walk on the beach.

Headed to the beach

Windy day, but warm

Always good to head home.   Charm is in the distance 

Tomorrow we will take the bus to the big city of Wilmington, NC, to go to a JoAnn fabric store to pick up supplies.