Tuesday, July 3, 2012

summer fort


I was inspired by this a-frame tent, found via pinterest, to make a little summer fort/nook for Alfredo. I am also really inspired by all the pvc-pipe frame projects out there...we are seriously going to make that water sprinkler that you ride your bike through!

Okay, but back to the tent...


I had the idea that I wanted to make a patchwork "quilt" using fabric I had on hand, including some special fabric that I've been saving.



I'm not really so good with the sewing machine (it kind of hates me) so I only worked on it about an hour a day for about a week. I cut squares/strips of varying widths and then sewed them together to make a "quilt" that was about 5' x 8'. You could save yourself a lot of time by just using an old sheet. 


But isn't it bright and colorful?


I used a big needle threaded with baker's twine to make loops to attach the quilt to the pvc framework. For the framework, I used 1/2" pipe. The length of the framework is made with 3 pipes cut to 4'. The A part of the frame is made with 4 pipes cut to 3' (2 pipes each side). I used elbow connectors (4 total) to attach the base to those pipes. And I used 2 3-way elbow connectors to attach the top brace. Does that make sense? It was a lot easier than I'm making it sound. Oh, and best part of all...get yourself a handy pvc pipe cutting tool and you don't even need to fire up the saw. Easy peesy lemon squeezy.


I've been saving this lion fabric (above) and this Eric Carle fabric (below) for something for Alfredo. I think this is the perfect project. (And you should just hear him in there singing "Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?")


I'm thinking we might take it with us to the lake...it'll make the perfect shady play tent for outside too!

13 comments:

jenny b harris said...

Love it! Great fun colors!

marie said...

This is perfect! A sheet might be easier but not nearly as colorful and fun!!

Debby said...

It looks just like you. I love it. So does Alfredo. Have fun on your trip.

Anonymous said...

Tents-just fabulous how they can take "play" to an all-new level of fun!

Lucy said...

LOVE it!!! A perfect place for a little one to play!

I'm almost done with my car sampler from the workshop! :)

Happy 4th of July!!

:)

lizziekerr said...

I love this! I am going to make one for my granddaughter to play with when she comes to my house. Love all the bright colors!

lizziekerr said...

I love this! I am going to make one for my granddaughter to play with when she comes to my house. Love all the bright colors!

Unknown said...

Oh, Amy, this is WONDERFUL! I want one for reading, too! My boys are too big for one, or maybe I can just make a larger version. Your son will spend so many happy hours in this bright, colorful, happy tent. Yay!!!

Lucy said...

Hi Amy!
I spent some time on my Beetle Sampler...I think it's coming along nicely. What do you think? There are pictures on my little blog...:)

http://lucythimbleartetc.blogspot.com

I hope you have a fabulous vacation!

:) Lucy

angela said...

I love how colorful you make your home - it truly must be a joy to live there for Alfredo! I could see you keeping that fabric and making a keepsake blanket for him. Have a blessed weekend

Bevy said...

just darling!

Anonymous said...

Amy this is an adorable Idea!!

I am wondering if maybe my magazine I won is on it's way yet? Just am hoping it's not lost in the mail.

I know my email ended up in the junk folder by accident last time so thought I would leave a comment here.

bee blessed
mary

PCovi said...

There is nothing awesomer than being a mommy and getting to do cool things like this for the little ones!! Who love it!!! Making sweet colorful memories :) He's a doll.