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  1. #1
    Senior Member bdpalace's Avatar
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    Obstructionists to my DIY groove

    Long time reader, first time fabric buyer (at least that was my intent)

    So I strolled into JoAnn's fabric store in search for some nylon to make my first hammock. Since I've voraciously scoured this forum for all the good DIY info, I felt that I was more than educated enough to drop some fabric terms to get what I needed.However, I quickly found out I was way in over my head and severly outgunned as soon as I opened my mouth.

    I asked what I thought to be a pretty inoccuous question, "Do you all have any 1.7 or 1.9 oz nylon?" and was rewarded with a glazed look from a very young employee and a slight chuckle from an older damsel. Her reply was somewhat curt and she appeared to be offended by my question, "1.7 or 1.9, huh? :chuckle: What are you trying to make?"

    Once I said I was making a hammock, it was on like Donkey Kong! They kept telling me that I needed duck cloth or some other canvas material and told me that nylon would never hold. I explained that this was intended to be a lightweight hammock for backpacking and synthetics are preferable over cotton. Nope, nope, nope...they wouldn't hear of it.

    Once I realized that this was going nowhere and not wanting to singe the ear hairs off this lady with some well practiced vulgarity,I politely asked how to tell the weight of the nylon they had in the store...they had no clue! They fumbled with the bolts of fabric, reading codes and whatnot (I was doing the same, but have not been taught the translation of fabric Sanskrit) and I was no nearer my goal than had I gone to the field next to my house and conversed with the cows.

    So here's my question. As a guy that feels like last year's Easter egg in tall weeds when entering a fabric store, what's the one sentance I can say to get me outta there with enough quality fabric to make a double layer hammock? I'm not at all above going Rain Man on this and just repeating said phrase over and over until someone brings me the goods, but I've got to be sure that what I'm asking for is going work.

    Can someone help a brother out?

    Thanks!
    Last edited by bdpalace; 09-29-2009 at 20:43.
    Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand - Robert Hunter

  2. #2
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    well, 1.1oz/yd is usually 30d (denier) and 1.7 and 1.9 are usually 70d. they're probably labeled this way. you want uncoated (breathable) as well,you should be able to figure that part out once it's in your hands

    ordering from www.questoutfitters.com or www.owfinc.com will probably give you a better selection and fabric weights are usually listed as well.

  3. #3
    Dutch's Avatar
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    They seem to understand ripstop nylon and I find that the sign over the bolts are labeled outdoor fabric. Also look for flag material. If you think that is bad go to Walmart.
    Peace Dutch
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  4. #4
    Senior Member Scratch's Avatar
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    I can't help you out, but I sure enjoyed reading about your fabric store visit. It was hilarious.

    I think you should try another store, so we can read episode 2.
    Dan
    W7DDM

  5. #5
    Member Wendigo's Avatar
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    I'm feeling your pain buddy....About an hour before dark tonight I jumped on my bicycle and rode the 3 or so miles to the nearest walmart just to find out that they stopped selling fabrics 2 months ago when they started a remodel and they won't sell them anymore...the nearest walmart selling any kind of material is 30 miles away now. Then I rode across the street to a little strip mall of dollar stores and big lots....I asked a group of ladies and one gentleman about ripstop nylon and all I got was 'take some nylons and rip em'. Yeah I feel your pain.

  6. #6
    Senior Member pgibson's Avatar
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    LOL, don't you love the level of customer service at most retail stores these days. "yes I would like to buy a pencil" "pens are on isle 3" "But I wanted a pencil" "pens are better" "what?" Call OWF, you will talk to somebody that knows what you are talking about. From all I have seen at the local JoAnns looks and feels like uncoated 1.9, 1.1 is more sheer than the 1.9. But at the local one any way the price is a lot more than OWF (like close to double)
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  7. #7
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    OMG!!!

    That is exactly the experience I had! I can't believe they got fired from here in Canada and are now working in the US! That is funny!

    *** had to take a break ..... laughing too hard ***

    Now that I have made a couple hammocks, I still can't tell 1.1/1.7/1.9 or 15oz ..... just that I am pretty sure it will work and that the people at the fabric stores circle around waiting for unsuspecting victims like you and I.

    I just wish they would come into work and ask me the difference between a power transformer and a phase shifter is ..... then who would be laughing!

    P.S. - Like Hike4WD ..... I would love to hear about episode 2.
    I do not wish to be disturbed - but I can't help it!

  8. #8
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    The "sport nylon" ripstop at JoAnns is def 1.9 uncoated. It works. The key to shopping at JoAnns is never buy anything without a 50% off coupon. I've also seen some 48" widths of 1.1 in the clearance section

    I occasionally go in and pick up a few yards of whatever when I'm in rush. The nice ladies always ask me what I'm making as they cut the yardage. I just look them in the eye and say "prom dress." It's easier than explaining camping hammocks (you'd have to begin by explaining that "camping" doesn't include an RV)

  9. #9
    Senior Member bdpalace's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by seuss View Post
    I just look them in the eye and say "prom dress."
    Hmmmm...prom dress that converts to a hammock. You might be on to something. Just think of all the money saved on post prom hotel rooms. Not to mention the unbelievable "hangover"! Bwahahaha
    Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand - Robert Hunter

  10. #10
    Senior Member Hooch's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bdpalace View Post
    .......I asked what I thought to be a pretty inoccuous question, "Do you all have any 1.7 or 1.9 oz nylon?" and was rewarded with a glazed look from a very young employee and a slight chuckle from an older damsel. Her reply was somewhat curt and she appeared to be offended by my question, "1.7 or 1.9, huh? :chuckle: What are you trying to make?"

    Once I said I was making a hammock, it was on like Donkey Kong! They kept telling me that I needed duck cloth or some other canvas material and told me that nylon would never hold. I explained that this was intended to be a lightweight hammock for backpacking and synthetics are preferable over cotton. Nope, nope, nope...they wouldn't hear of it.......
    This is why, as a rule, I hate people. What a bunch of idiots.
    "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

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