I totally agree with Michael, that learning to sew is fun, rewarding, and will save you a lot of money, to boot! My story is relative to a freak fire that caused heavy damage to my custom made canvas winter cover on my Grand Banks 32 woodie. The damage was done while the cancas was in storage, so the boat was never in jeopardy. I took a bunch of pictures and sent them to the folks who made the canvas, and asked them for a ball park estimate to reapir it. They said at least $1500, but where the canvas was eleven years old, they said it would be a "best effort", and may cost more once they see it up close. They offered to make me a new cover for $7800. Neither of these options were particularly attractive to me, as the canvas was still is decent shape. So, after MUCH research, I decided to buy the Sailrite 111 machine, which is the heaviest duty machine that they offer. The machine comes complete and ready to go, after about four hours of assembly. They also include an excellent DVD which shows how to assemble, use, and maintain the machine. The Sailrite people are very reponsive to any problems, and they also are suppliers of all manner of canvas, threads, needles, and everything you could possibly need for about any boat project. My total investment was around $1700. Having never sewn a stitch before, I quickly got the hang of it, and after about two weeks of part time work, I was able to repair my canvas to better condition than it was in before the fire. Everyone who has seen it can't believe how "professional" it looks. I am now making cushions, cooler covers, and will soon make a cockpit cover for my GB32. As Michael said, Sailrite has a library of downloadable videos ($5 per download) that will walk you through window relacement, installing zippers, cushion making, etc., etc. There is nothing more satisfying, when someone admires one of your projects and asks "Who made that for you?", and you answer, "I made it myself." As a result of learning to sew, I will double the life of that winter cover. As it develops tears, or seams coming apart, I will just stitch it up! Tom Killoren Holliston, MA Mariah