TENT - Re: Tent- timeline

[Cherie Nolan]

My lord and my self had to smiled and laugh about this question. Our very first tent we sewed took about a month and a half, sewing it on a regular basis. The funny part is
now we can sew a tent in less then a week to including the poles and set up. You get a lot faster for each one. It seems the first one is the hardest and you always do
things you regret, but learn from. We have sewn so many now we have lose track. But first one will always stay in our minds as oh my god! What was we thinking of. That tent
is now ten years old and is still in great condition. We sold it to a couple and they use it all the time. Just remember in making a tent, to keep it simple. I have had a
lot of people e-mail their designs and you would be surprise how some new tent makers makes it so hard and complicated. Think of smooth seams, and a nice edge. Put thought
into it before cutting it. Get graph paper and draw it out. The materials cost so much so you really want to make sure that it is cut right. If you would like you can
e-mail me your patterns and I can help with ideas. I think the best stitch is the stretch zig-zag that is on most house hold sewing machines. This is a really good stitch
they seems to hold up on bad storms the best. The conso thread at Hancock fabrics is the best you a lot of thread for your money plus it is a heavier weight then other
brands. save your self time and buy a lot of bobbins and wine them all up a head of time. This helps when you run out of thread on your bobbin in the middle of a large
seam. Plus it saves time, trust me you will go though a lot of bobbins. Another thing that saves time is making sure you have help moving the fabric around! Good luck!
Marguerite  
> 
> Next, I have a question for the list at large. How long do most of you
> veteran tentmaker's take from start to finish? I started my pavilion last
> year, after years ( yes I do mean YEARS) of making plans and drawings and
> scale models ad nauseum. I had to put it on hold due to a major case of
> life, including my ex wrecking my car and unforeseen health problems
> culminating in emergency surgery on my part. So now I am healthy and single
> and have March Crown and the rest of the tourney season rapidly approaching.
> What keeps you going? I know I am way behind the curve as far as progress. I
> am having trouble with the concept that it does not have to be spot on
> perfect in order to be a good, solid, functional piece of equipment. I
> *really* started second guessing myself when the canvas shrank so much when
> I pre-washed it. Even though I had figured in extra for the shrinkage and
> extra on top of that!! (Really I did!) I guess I am just in need of a
> cheering section, and people to tell me that I *can* actually do this.
> Comments and war stories most gratefully received,
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Rhieinwylydd
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-- 
Please note the address change on the web site and the personal e-mail!

Spinning Winds Pavilions and Tents: www.spinningwinds.net
Kingdom of Ansteorra's Tent Guild: tentguild at ansteorra.org
Lady Marguerite des Fleur, marguerite at ih2000.net
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