At risk of exposing my vulnerability, I’d like to say I miss hanging out with you more. The fact is that these days I’ve been enveloped by a certain writing assignment I’m supposed to be wrapping up. Such a shame, since this is my favorite place besides HERE where I am treated queen-like and am provided the most delectable salami Swiss apple butter sandwiches on toasted rye and HERE where I actually haven’t been yet, but dream dream dream about.
Someday.
But today I am home with a small sniffly girl, and tomorrow I suspect I will be home with her too. And her sister. And then, the next day most likely the sniffler will be me. Sniffly times require small quiet fluffy places where books and ice pops are consumed and slurped, and sneezes are snuzzed. Snuggly places where I tell them sweetly that someday in the oh-so-near future there will be just a teeny tiny memory of right now.
Today we made a quiet place.
Simple instructions for cute wood-framed pup tents requiring just a cordless drill, some wood and a sheet can be found here, here and here. Irked by tragic malfunctions with these designs (not due to any design flaw, but more likely due to the destructive nature of my spirited superheroines) we opted for a slightly more rugged frame.
Inspired by research on building mini hoophouses for our school garden, we opted to use PVC pipe for the ridge pole and legs, and a repurposed king-sized duvet for the cover—costing a mere $14.26 to build.
Bent on bonus features, my cantankerous and cranky team tacked on some time to the project. Well worth it. The winning hideaway can be easily popped up and down by them and tucked away. It is our new bestest best friend.
Soon I will post a detailed PDF of the materials and sewing pattern.
Until then, gather up the following:
- An old king- or queen-sized duvet cover with contrasting colors
- Contrasting cotton fabric scraps (1 yard)
- ¼ in elastic (1/2 yard)
- Clear vinyl fabric scrap
And prepare for fun times ahead. They are coming, you know.
Very cute…can you come build one in my backyard?
Seriously, Vicki–it was super simple. Just had the hardware store cut the lengths we needed and sewed up the fabric. It’s something we’ll use all the time–especially with our buddies. Come over!
these are so cool! can’t wait to see the instructions.
Hello! I found your site on pinterest – I’m in love with your hideout under the stairs & am totally inspired to make something similar for my daughter with the wasted space in our basement. And your tent hideout is so awesome too! I can’t imagine how much I would’ve love something like this when I was a little girl. I love that its girly & outdoors
– Thanks for sharing & happy crafting!
Lindsey, so great you found me! Thanks for your sweet comments. Pinterest is one of my favorite hangouts.
Looks like fun for both girls and boys. Have you posted that detailed PDF somewhere and I just can’t find it? Although the photo is certainly wonderfully girly as Lindsey points out above, I know a Dad (or two) who might be willing to give this cool project a go so long as his son helps thread a needle and he can find some manly fabric.
MPT, once again, you have jumped ahead of me. I will get the PDF out as soon as I get it all figured out. It’s my first one and I’m just not an expert. Yet. Hey, I have some manly fabric for you–that is if you’re up for the challenge…..
that tent is awesome! i don’t think i could make it though, but i might be up for trying when the weather warms this spring.
This is so adorable! I’ve been searching the web for hours since I want to make one of these tents. But this is one of my favorites with the added “wish List” items. I too have spirited super heroines and am curious how you made this one sturdier than others. Can’t wait to see your tutorial! I’ll keep checking. I can’t wait to make my own!
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