Marine Canvas Training
about the workshops
Each workshop is limited to 2-3 attendees to allow ample opportunity for a hands-on learning experience. Learn the proven methods developed and taught for many years by Mark and Deb Hood, Marine Canvas Consulting, (previously Hood Canvas Training, LLC), marinecanvasconsulting.com. Yachtsman’s Canvas is an 1,100 square foot residential based workshop which is located about 20 miles outside of historic Philadelphia, PA. Attendees will get to experience an active canvas shop and see how a lower overhead residential shop can be set up and work for a successful canvas business. Workshops are led by Keri Ames, an award winning fabricator and owner of Yachtman’s Canvas.
Basics Workshop
The Basic Workshop is designed for beginners which focuses on the fabrication of a bimini top. Many of the fabrication skills and techniques you will learn can be carried over into other projects.
In this workshop we will fabricate 2 biminis from start from finish.
Topics we will cover are:
- Basic shop set up and tools to get you started
- Types of materials, threads, and needles
- Fabric direction
- Sewing techniques
- Start to finish bimini
- Basics of frame design, frame hardware, and frame setup
- Please note in depth frame design is outside the scope of this workshop
- Patterning
- Pattern development
- Fabrication
- Installation
- Basics of frame design, frame hardware, and frame setup
Each attendee will have access to and gain experience working on their own industrial walking foot sewing machine and go home with a step by step workbook.
Enclosure workshop
The bimini enclosure workshop focuses on fabrication of a bimini top with 5 panel enclosure (3 front windows and 2 side windows). Some experience with an industrial sewing machine or the Basic Workshop is recommended to attend. Many of the fabrication techniques you will learn can be carried over into other projects. This workshop also provides the skills needed to fabricate a modified version of a California Dodger with all removable panels.
Topics we will cover are:
- Types of materials, threads, and needles
- Fabric direction
- Sewing techniques
- Binding techniques
- Start to finish bimini
- Basics of frame design, frame hardware, and frame setup
- Please note in depth frame design is outside the scope of this workshop
- Custom angled visors
- Patterning
- Pattern development
- Fabrication
- Installation
- Basics of frame design, frame hardware, and frame setup
- Enclosure Panels start to finish
- Patterning
- Pattern development
- Panel facing
- Fabrication
- Installation
Each attendee will have access to and gain experience working on their own industrial walking foot sewing machine and go home with a step by step workbook.
Traditional dodger
Learn the ins and outs of fabricating a traditional dodger in this workshop. Experience with an industrial sewing machine and prior marine canvas fabrication and/or workshop experience is required. We will pattern and fabricate a traditional dodger with side windows and discuss the basics of traditional dodger design. Many of the fabrication techniques you will learn can be carried over into other projects.
Topics to be covered are:
- Types of materials, threads, and needles
- Types of fasteners
- Fabric direction
- Sewing techniques
- Start to finish traditional dodger
- Basics of frame design, frame hardware and frame setup
- Please note in depth frame design is outside the scope of this workshop
- Patterning and pattern development
- Side window installation
- Fabrication and Installation
- Basics of frame design, frame hardware and frame setup
Each attendee will have access to and gain experience working on their own industrial walking foot sewing machine and go home with a step by step workbook.
2023-2024 Schedule
New Fall 2024 Schedule coming this spring! Check back for details.
Basic Workshop (9am – 5pm)
October 25, 2023 – October 27, 2023 (Full)
December 7, 2023 – December 9, 2023 (Full)
February 21, 2024 – February 23, 2024 (Full)
Bimini Enclosure Workshop (9am – 5pm)
October 30, 2023 – November 2, 2023 (Full)
December 11, 2023 – December 14, 2023 (Full)
February 26, 2024 – February 29, 2024 (Full)
Traditional Dodger Workshop (9am – 5pm)
November 14, 2023 – November 17, 2023 (Full)
Get in touch
Interested in attending a workshop? Please complete the form below or call 610.209.2195.
Additional dates may be added. Please reach out with any questions or requests to keri@yachtsmanscanvas.com or 610.209.2195.
Lodging and travel
Yachtsman’s Canvas is located a short drive north of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). There are multiple hotels located within a 10 minute drive. Each hotel offers free wifi and a fitness center. Hampton Inn & Suites and Staybridge Suites also offer free parking, complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, and are pet friendly.
payment and cancellation policy
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with balance due upon arrival. Credit cards are not accepted. Workshops are subject to change or cancelled without notice. In the event of a cancellation, all efforts will be made to reschedule the workshop or a full refund will be issued. Attendee cancellations must be received 60-days prior to start of workshop for a full refund. Inside 60-days, a full refund will be issued if your spot can be filled by another attendee.
