The Artful Sailor

The Artful Sailor READY ABOUT! (short tack)
The Artful Sailor is a Whole Earth Nautical Supply that promotes and perpet Ditty bags of that design soon appeared all over the world.

(long tack)
The Artful Sailor is a Whole Earth Nautical Supply that evolved from the sailing, sailmaking and nautical writing career of Emiliano Marino and was founded by Pamela-Sue Alvarado. Beginning with Marino's 19th century, New England, family seafaring history and his childhood sailing experiences, his sail related evolution progressed to a sailmaking apprenticeship in 1974, in San Diego, CA. Over the course of time, Marino went on to establish-or be party to the establishment of-several sail lofts and write a pamphlet entitled The Sailmaker's Dozen. Of global impact was a two-part article he wrote in 1979-80 for Woodenboat Magazine (Issues #31, #32), A Ditty Bag Apprenticeship. It was a hands-on fundamental course in traditional sailmaking techniques. They are still seen and made today. A similar bent was pursued through a how-to, question and answer column entitled The Sail Doctor that Marino wrote for Small Craft Journal Magazine in the late 1980's. That, in turn, led to the writing and 1995 publication of the authoritative and now widely known sailmaking treatise, The Sailmaker's Apprentice: A Guide For the Self-Reliant Sailor. The book, now in print for over 20 years, features a reprise of A Ditty Bag Apprenticeship and is intended to preserve traditional sailmaking skills. Soon thereafter, Marino revived The Sail Doctor; but in Small Craft Advisor magazine, published in Port Townsend, WA. In 2016, The Sail Doctor was re-entitled The Artful Sailor and provided with a new logo. In an easygoing way, the popular column expounds on all aspects of rigging, working and maintaining small sailing craft. With the new logo and its associated T-shirt came the inspiration for Alvarado to establish The Artful Sailor as the Whole Earth Nautical Supply it is today. The Artful Sailor is located in Port Townsend, WA, a Victorian seaport with thriving maritime trades and a large sailing community.

Salty Sue says . . .“Another successful workshop completed! It was a great day of stitchin’. Behold three handsewn apron...
03/08/2026

Salty Sue says . . .

“Another successful workshop completed! It was a great day of stitchin’. Behold three handsewn aprons using traditional palm ‘n’ needle techniques. Good on them! Our next workshop is in two weeks. There is still one space available for the Sewing Machine Workshop on March 21st. Visit: theartfulsailor.com/on-the-horizon for details and to register.”

Salty Sue says . . .“Another Palm ‘n’ Needle Handsewing Workshop is underway at The Artful Sailor. We have been providin...
03/07/2026

Salty Sue says . . .
“Another Palm ‘n’ Needle Handsewing Workshop is underway at The Artful Sailor. We have been providing instruction on traditional handsewing every Spring and Fall for the past nine years. These three workshoppers will go home with a traditionally handsewn apron thereby learning many of the skills that go into making and repairing sails. It’s a full day of stitchin’ fun!”

Salty Sue says . . .“Nick Mann of Whalesong Signs has a new helper! He and his son, George, stopped by yesterday to take...
03/05/2026

Salty Sue says . . .

“Nick Mann of Whalesong Signs has a new helper! He and his son, George, stopped by yesterday to take our sign to his shop for some gold leaf maintenance and oiling. This beautiful sign which was hand-carved by Nick, was installed four years ago on our five year anniversary. It is a true work of art and certainly worth its weight in gold. Nick is a talented artist and we highly recommend him.”

A riding sail system is an almost indispensable piece of comfort and survival gear aboard any boat that is moored or anc...
03/04/2026

A riding sail system is an almost indispensable piece of comfort and survival gear aboard any boat that is moored or anchored out for any length of time. Read The Artful Sailor’s latest blog about riding sails. Go to: theartfulsailor.com/tidings

02/26/2026
The Blanket of LoveEmiliano says . . .“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we never know who’s gonna walk into th...
02/26/2026

The Blanket of Love

Emiliano says . . .

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we never know who’s gonna walk into the sail loft with an unusual project! But, I’m a real sucker for the emotional projects and the ones that present a challenge.

Such was the case recently when a client brought in a blanket she was making as a gift for her daughter.

About 5’ x 5’, it was two sided and to one side was appliqued a well-used, pinstriped work shirt that had belonged to the recipient’s father. The idea was: with the outstretched shirt arms, the daughter could simultaneously cover herself while imagining a hug from her beloved father! Pure love and heart!

I don’t know what ya call the material chosen for the front and back of the blanket, some kind of fluffy synthetic that when cut separated into a blizzard of minute fluffettes. Green and white plaid on the shirt side and blue leopard spots on the other side. The shirt was partially sewn to the plaid and the front and back sewn together for about a foot along one edge.

We had the shirt to restitch, the overall blanket to unpick and cut out then sew the front and back together inside. Turned right side out, the end open was sewn closed and the blanket tacked like a quilt to stabilize the front and back.

Sounds simple, and looked simple when finished; but it took hours, and three different sewing machines before we got one that would work with the thickness and material that didn’t lend itself at all to double sided tape and was unhappy with staples. When ya staple fluff, the staple just disappears!

In the end, it turned out pretty well, as you can see; and the client was over the moon with joy, relief and gratitude. We also got the job done in plenty of time to prepare for the gift giving. The heart on the pocket was our own idea, stuck on temporarily as a surprise and in appreciation of all the love and care behind the blanket of love.

Another successful outcome here at “Sews-All Sailmakers”. But don’t tell anyone we told ya!” Read the full blog at: theartfulsailor.com/tidings

There are still spots available. Go to: theartfulsailor.com for details and to register.
02/14/2026

There are still spots available. Go to: theartfulsailor.com for details and to register.

First Saturday ArtWalk Feb. 7thCome visit The Artful Sailor and Chums, both of us down at the Point Hudson Marina, durin...
02/07/2026

First Saturday ArtWalk Feb. 7th

Come visit The Artful Sailor and Chums, both of us down at the Point Hudson Marina, during the First Saturday ArtWalk. Stop by tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 7th between 5-8:00 pm. Start downtown then wend your way down Washington St. to The Artful Sailor, finish up at Chums, over by the pavilion, or start your tour at Chums, proceed to The Artful Sailor and from there, range on down Water Street. You’ll find functional, useful and creative treasures made by local artisans. Either way, it’ll be the best ArtWalk you ever took!

First Saturday ArtWalkThe Artful Sailor and Chums, both of us down at the Point Hudson Marina, will be part of the First...
02/04/2026

First Saturday ArtWalk

The Artful Sailor and Chums, both of us down at the Point Hudson Marina, will be part of the First Saturday ArtWalk. Stop by this Saturday, Feb. 7th between 5-8:00 pm. Start downtown then wend your way down Washington St. to The Artful Sailor, finish up with a hot drink and treats at Chums, over by the pavilion, or start your tour at Chums, proceed to The Artful Sailor and from there, range on down Water Street. You’ll find functional, useful and creative treasures made by local artisans. Either way, it’ll be the best ArtWalk you ever took!

Holy Zig Zag!Salty Sue says . . .“The Artful Sailor’s Spring Sewing Machine Workshop is coming up on Saturday, March 21s...
01/16/2026

Holy Zig Zag!
Salty Sue says . . .
“The Artful Sailor’s Spring Sewing Machine Workshop is coming up on Saturday, March 21st! Bring in your vintage machine for a tune up and a fun, full day experience learning machine maintenance, sewing skills and how to make your own duffel bag.
For registration and more details go to: www.theartfulsailor.com .”

Address

410 Washington Street (by The Skate Park)
Port Townsend, WA
98368

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13603448120

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