![\"Project-Atticus-Collage\"](\"https:\/\/www.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/project-atticus-collage.jpg\")
They started on their video series right away, before they even had their vessel. In the first four of their video episodes, you can watch them search for and purchase the boat that will become Atticus.<\/p>\n
Their boat was a diamond in the rough and needed a lot of work to make her the perfect home for Jordan and Desiree\u2019s world expedition. They are currently deep into a complete refit of Atticus.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s taken longer and is more difficult than we expected,\u201d Desiree said of the refit.<\/p>\n
The pair has been working on their boat nearly full-time for two years now, doing all the work themselves. They decided to DIY originally to save money, but have found that it has added benefits.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Doing the work ourselves] also makes us more capable sailors and boat owners. The feeling caught and now we do everything for the boat ourselves,\u201d Desiree said. \u201cIt\u2019s cool to have the empowerment to do things that people think you can\u2019t do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Projects on their list included making curtains for their cabin, as well as sewing new settee and v-berth cushions. While looking for v-berth cushions online, Desiree found Sailrite\u2019s How to Make V-Berth Cushions<\/a><\/strong><\/span> Video and decided to try her hand at sewing. She got an Ultrafeed Sewing Machine, Sunbrella fabric and set to work on her first project\u2014curtains.<\/p>\n \u201cI was super anxious for sewing and I was intimidated by the machine at first,\u201d Desiree admits.<\/p>\n But after her first project, Desiree started to feel differently about her machine.<\/p>\n \u201cI used to enjoy the prepping more, but now I enjoy the sewing more,\u201d she said, describing sewing now as being almost a tranquil, zen-like feeling.<\/p>\n After completing her curtains and new settee cushions for their saloon, Desiree is now working on the v-berth cushions, which is purposely saved for her third project because she knew they\u2019d be tricky. After that, she\u2019d like to make a sail, a sail cover and an awning for their cockpit.<\/p>\n While doing her canvaswork Desiree has learned that \u201cthere is a lot of finesse in sewing\u201d but she loves the pride that comes from completing her projects.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s cool that I really only know the bare minimum about sewing but I can make functional lifestyle projects,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She has also been really pleased with her Ultrafeed Sewing Machine.<\/p>\n \u201cI love it,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s like having a MacBook Pro. It\u2019s reliable and strong. My favorite part is the Sailrite videos. I can take it right out of the box without having to call anyone for help.\u201d<\/p>\n Desiree advises other new sewers to find a mentor, an individual or a group, to ask questions of during the process. She found a lot of help from Sailrite and the Facebook groups \u201cThe Sailrite Users Group\u201d and \u201cSewing On Boats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet a seam ripper,\u201d she added, laughing. \u201cDon\u2019t be intimidated to do things over again to get them right. Also gorge on Sailrite videos.\u201d<\/p>\n After two years working on their refit, Jordan and Desiree have put their hearts and souls into their boat and at time things have been really challenging.<\/p>\n \u201cThe emotional cost of cruising\u2014the time you never get back\u2014that\u2019s the hardest part,\u201d Desiree said. \u201cWhen we\u2019re just working and working and not sailing and not living a beautiful dream.\u201d<\/p>\n Desiree thinks that throughout their refit they have learned valuable skills both about their boat and about life that will help them on their adventure. They\u2019ve had to take odd jobs and learn how to sustain their dream financially (neither is independently wealthy) but Desiree now feels that they will be able to make money anywhere they go to maintain their lifestyle.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s made us more self-reliant and more resourceful. We\u2019re also better at managing expectations,\u201d she said of their refit. \u201cIt\u2019s made us more humble about learning and that to learn, you have to fail.\u201d<\/p>\n All in all both Jordan and Desiree feel that their DIY efforts have been well worth it.<\/p>\n \u201cJordan and I have been talking a lot about the pros and cons of DIY,\u201d Desiree said. \u201cWe realized that even though sometimes you spend the same amount of money, we are the kind of people who like to know how to do things for ourselves. The amount of happiness it brings is worth knowing.\u201d<\/p>\n And it\u2019s that same love of knowledge that lead them to this adventure in the first place. That drive to see things for themselves and to truly \u201cknow their world.\u201d<\/p>\n You can follow along with Jordan and Desiree through their video updates and their blog posts. Visit their website, ProjectAtticus.com<\/a> to see and learn more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sailrite is your one-stop DIY shop! We are a passionate crew of do-it-yourselfers who strive to equip you with the supplies and how-to knowledge you need to tackle your next project. Do you want to learn upholstery, leatherwork, canvaswork, hobby sewing, bag making or more? We have the fabric, tools, hardware, sewing machines and notions you need to master any DIY. And even if you’ve never sewn before, our tutorials and how-to videos are designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike.<\/span><\/p>\n Start your DIY journey today: www.sailrite.com<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Who We Are<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n