During long passages or when the wind slacked, sailors would busy themselves repairing sails and sewing other useful items. The same skill set and materials required to maintain traditional sailing vessels are reflected in the traditional sailor's ditty bag or canvas bucket. The classic maritime look comes from using leather, sail canvas and seams hand sewn with the tools of the sailmaker. In this class, you will design, cut and sew (using both hand sewing and machine sewing) your own bag custom fit for your tools or a growler. Students may choose to hand sew their own grommets or incorporate brass-hammered ones, and tailor additional pockets and accessories to match their desired outcome. Students will choose from two projects: a canvas sailor's ditty bag or a sail cloth bag in a similar style. This course is ideal for the contemporary seafarer dreaming of fair winds and warmer weather.

You will need the following tools for this class:

All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

• heavy duty sewing supplies and tools (if you already have them)
• sailor's palm
• leather sewing tools