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Tuesday 31 January 2012

Dear Lola,

You may have figured out by now that we are hopefully, sort of, perhaps, we just have to wait on a few more people, fingers crossed... may. be. moving. house.

But don't you worry because rest assured you & your room are coming along too, which has got me seriously thinking of what I'd like to change in your room. I LOVE change... not big, life-altering change, just little change, like re-decorating rooms & moving furniture about.

Your room is currently bursting with colour & action, predominately bold, punch you out colours. Entering your room reminds me of lifting up a heavy, dusty circus tent flap to find the whole circus, plus one cheeky monkey inside.

I'm hoping to create a somewhat more delicate space, introducing more vintage fabrics, but still keeping within that fun, happy, sunny days, bohemian feel.

This little reading nook/tent caught my eye, and I'm hoping to replicate it, with Papas help of course!


the A-frame tent tutorial

Drawn pattern for reference:
a-frame pattern
Materials for the A-frame:
4- 1'' x 2'' x 48'' whitewood moulding
1- 3/4'' x 48'' poplar dowel
drill with a 3/4'' spade bit
measuring tape
pencil (marker)
(I was going to use the twine to make sure the mouldings stayed in place, but I no longer needed to because the hole already had such a tight grip on the dowel).
the A-frame tent tutorial
1. From the top of each of the 4 mouldings, measure and mark 6'' down with your pencil.
the A-frame tent tutorial
2. With your drill and 3/4'' spade bit, drill a hole at your mark. Try to center the hole on your moulding.
the A-frame tent tutorial
the A-frame tent tutorial
3. Place 2 mouldings on top of each other, make sure the holes are lined up.
the A-frame tent tutorial
4. Push dowel through the holes of the two mouldings. The hole should have a pretty tight grip and keep the dowel in place.
the A-frame tent tutorial
5. Repeat step 4 and put together the other side with the two remaining mouldings.
the A-frame tent tutorial
Materials for tent cover:
- fabric large enough to cover frame (approx. 46'' x 85.5'' un-hemmed; 44'' x 83.5'' hemmed)
- coordinating thread
- elastic
- scissors
the A-frame tent tutorial
1. Hem the perimeter of the rectangular fabric using a straight stitch with a 1/2'' hem. Desired size of the cover is 44'' x 83.5''.
the A-frame tent tutorial
2. Cut 4- 5'' inch elastic strips.
the A-frame tent tutorial
3. Fold elastic over and pin in place at each corner of the tent cover.
the A-frame tent tutorial
4. Sew elastic onto the corner of the tent cover. Repeat with the remaining 3 corners.
the A-frame tent tutorial
the A-frame tent tutorial
5. Drape cover over the A-frame and loop elastic to the bottom of wooden tent leg.
the A-frame tent tutorial
6. Arrange and straighten fabric cover. Then, spread frame to desired height and width of tent opening. Call your kids over and enjoy!!!
the A-frame tent tutorial
This tent can easily be taken apart and stored, since there are no screws or nails involved. In addition, the tent cover is easy enough to recreate in different patterns.
I'll be sure to let you know how we come along! Plus stay tuned for more crazy ideas mama has up her sleeve.
Your mama

3 comments:

  1. Oooh! I like! I want to do a teepee in the same sort of style for Hamish - I just need to find the right cowboys and indians-style fabric...
    So cute! Can't wait to see the finished product!

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  2. This is such an awesome tent! A lady named Tammi that I follow made one for her little boy and it looks so simple! I want to make a teepee or tent for Carys' 2nd Birthday....I should start now because I'm hopeless when it comes to sewing anything big :). How exciting about your move!!!

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  3. Girls! Would love to see photos of your finished products too! I was actually thinking a tee-pee style tent might even be better for Lola's room - considering the size of the room, a tee-pee tent would take up less space I think. I saw a simple tee-pee style tent that just had gorgeous lace/crochet tableclothes draped over the top and layers of silk and other interesting materials - might have to give it a go also! I guess the good thing about the above tent is that it can taken apart easily and stored, and may be more sturdy.It would also be a lovely thing to set up outside on a nice sunny day.

    Amy - A Cowboy & Indian print tee-pee sounds AWESOME!
    Sarah - Making one for a birthday party would really motivate you to do it, and the kids would love it! It would make a very special present for the birthday gal xx

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