Over the past couple of months, I have been making new settee cushions for our Gemini 3200. Given my limited sewing experience, I have been taking my time making the new cushions. I want to do a really good job, because this is our home.Before starting this project, I did a lot of research on making cushions and the different materials to use. Sailrite's website has been an invaluable resource to me. This website not only has all of the material, sewing aids, and notions, but also terrific "how to" videos. When I purchased everything to make the cushions from Sailrite, I also purchased their "Make Your Own Cushion" dvd. This dvd is definitely worth its $19.95 price. I have completed 4 of the 6 settee cushions and have referenced the video each time.
All of the materials used to make the cushions were purchased from Sailrite, except the foam. Foam is very expensive and even more expensive to ship. After a lot of thought, we decided to purchase the foam at our local JoAnn's store. It did not hurt that I came across a couple of 5o% and 40% off coupons. For the material we chose Naugahyde Universal, which is a durable outdoor marine grade material. The reasoning behind picking it was that if it can hold up to the outdoor marine enviornment, then it should do fantastic inside.
The plan is to finish the cushions this week. After I finish the last cushion and place it in the boat, I will post before and after pictures of the settee renovation.
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Sorry to be the barer of bad news, but seems like Naugahyde Universal is made of Vinyl, one of those pretty toxic - yet wildly overused - materials. You can read up on Vinyl's nastiness here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.grist.org/article/pvc1/
Indoor air quality is extremely important, especially in such a confined space as a boat and with children running around. I'd stay away from Vinyl compounds. Other materials might be less durable, but your health is worth it!
I've been following your blog for some time and it's been extremely useful. I will be moving on a 1987 35.5' hunter with my girlfriend in August and taking lots of inspiration from you guys. Thanks for sharing your adventures!!
@Tazzie: Thank you so very much for the concern and link. You are absolutely right about indoor air quality in the confined space, it must be good.
ReplyDeleteI will do a bit more research as the studies I did find which seemed to be fairly conclusive (as it relates to the human body) were mainly tied 2 areas: 1) childrens' toys wherein kids were sucking on toys made of PVC and 2) using PVC made IV bags and the concern about leaching from the bag into the fluid.
I did see that a few automakers have elected to not put vinyl in their cars ... mainly Japanese.
This all seems primarily tied to vinyl made with diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and DEHP is used to soften the material.
Another study I did find, but had conflicting results sections by 2 different groups, is in the area of outgassing (this is where the air quality comes in), and that there is an initial out gassing concern when new vinyl is put in, most especially in flooring material. I can't tell .
For completeness, there seems to be a a whole environmental issue with vinyl as it breaks down in landfills.
Tazzie, this is very important information. Thank you again for raising it up. People need to be informed and your commentary helps raise awareness on another issue of boating that isn't often thought about.
We are thrilled that in some way we've provided some inspiration for you guys. Your thought provoking commentary adds to this mass of knowledge. Thank you. Fair winds! We will see you out on the water.
Thanks for sharing this info about the Sailrite's cushion cd. I'll be getting that myself now. I had wanted to start on the cushions in our salon before the baby got here, but now at 36 weeks I'm not too sure that's going to happen. May just spend the next couple of weeks doing more reading and getting to know my Sairite. Can't wait to see how it turns out for you!
ReplyDelete@Red Charlotte: Since this was my first start-to-finish project using Beulah, it could have turned into a big mess. But I just kept referring to the different sections of the dvd, when I had a question or I wasn't exactly sure about the next step. I think the cushions turned out great. I will be posting pictures, soon.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the baby!! You're having a girl, correct? I am so excited for you! All babies are a wonderful gift.