Wow...10 posts on a thread about my tarp design, and I'm just now getting in on it!
As I stress in my directions, this should NOT be a first-timer project. Mostly because the design is pretty exacting and unforgiving - screwing up in some places will pretty much negate the advantages that the design has in the first place.
If you've got experienced help, you'll probably be OK. If you're doing most of the sewing, however, I'd get some simpler stuff under your belt first. I'd recommend, for example, making a hammock to get used to long hems and making snakeskins or stuff sacks to get used to sil.
Definitely work slowly, and pin whenever you're not feeling completely comfortable. It takes longer to pin, but it'll cost you more than time if your tarp fails!
"Physics is the only true science. All else is stamp collecting." - J. J. Thompson
i hear the concern from some of you about pinning the ridge line, but i believe it was ed speer that told me "your sewing machine needle is going to make a lot more holes than the pins. but you're going to seam seal it anyway so pinning is a good thing".
I too will something make and joy in it's making
Do you seam seal the edges lined with gg?
Yosemite Sam: Are you trying to make me look a fool?
Bugs: You don't need me to make you look like a fool.
Yosemite Sam: Yer deerrrnnn right I don't!
Seam sealing the corner patches is more for reinforcement than waterproofing IMO.
Is that too much to ask? Girls with frikkin' lasers on their heads?
The hanger formly known as "hammock engineer".
HC4U, you're right, starting some smaller or simpler projects at first would probably be a good idea, especially in light of the advice that I'm getting from all the other do-it-yourselfers. Maybe a hammock, skins or a couple stuff sacks would be a good idea.
Ed Speer is bringing me 9 yards of black 1.1 silnylon to Hot Springs, so I'll have some material then. Should I get more or is that enough for now? What do you think?
"If you play a Nicleback song backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. Even worse, if you play it forward, you'll hear Nickleback." - Dave Grohl
If I want to do a good hammock and skins, what is a good source for patterns and materials?
"If you play a Nicleback song backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. Even worse, if you play it forward, you'll hear Nickleback." - Dave Grohl
If you line up for project right when you are cutting it out, that is more than enough for a 12' ridgeline, I think it can be done with 8 or less if you plan right. But I always order at least a yard more than what I think is needed. most times I lose 6 inches on the ends just to make a flat side.
That and large scraps of sil are great for other spur of the moment diy ideas. Funny how fast the machine will come out when an idea geting in my head.
Is that too much to ask? Girls with frikkin' lasers on their heads?
The hanger formly known as "hammock engineer".
Check this out for skins. http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/DIY.htm
I added I think 2" to both dimensions. Theirs fits, but was a pain for me to shove my hammock and quilt in each time. IMHO
Jeff has some things about this on his site.
For hammocks I just hem a piece of fabric 10' long by the width of the fabric. I like them wide, some people cut the width down. Them you just double row the edges.
BTW, you will end up on the ground with a ripped hammock if you do not hem them first. Trust me I learned this the hard way.
If it helps I do a lot of planning and calculating on some things, but in the end just go for it and figure it out as I go. Drives my Grandma crazy. She needs exact plans before she even starts something.
Is that too much to ask? Girls with frikkin' lasers on their heads?
The hanger formly known as "hammock engineer".
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