Weekly Reflection 1.

Week One

This was out first week at Sperry Sails. After unplanned occurrences required us to begin work on Tuesday we have been extremely busy. Right when we got there we began work. First learning about the loft and its employees. At the loft work is done on the floor, barefoot. We began by learning the importance of double sided tape in sail making. It is used to place the sail where you want it to be while you sew it, and sometimes even holds the material in place permanently. After practice with the double-sided tape we moved onto sewing practice. Ben taught us how to use the machines, gave us some canvas and told us to be creative and practice sewing. Trilbey and I each made attempts at bags. With this practice on the sewing machines we were ready to sew the flags we had spent so long taping. When we were finished sewing all the flags Trilbey and I each had a basic understanding of how to sew a sail. We then moved on to working on actual sails. We began repairing sails for Community boating in New Bedford, MA. Throughout the week I repaired numerous sails and my sewing skills improved dramatically. I can’t even comprehend how much I have learned in the past week. When we arrived I had no idea what to expect. Everyone there is very kinds and welcoming. They are patient and have been helping us learn what is going on. I am really enjoying my time at the sail loft. The practice that I got in this week with tapering and sewing and general knowledge of sail construction will help me prepare to continue my work at Sperry Sails. I look forward to next week when we will continue work at the sail loft and finish studying to the Rhode Island Safe Boating Test. Which Trilbey and I will be taking on May 18th.