I have a Pavillion!!

I decided that my Family needed a pavillion to call their own in about May. There are increasingly more camping events or events where bunking with a small boy in a room of others is just not practical. When I found painters light canvas drop sheets 9"x12" for $20 each at Bejanim Moore (Product placement) I decided to start planning.

As you can see Willie got some new toys for his medieval fighters. But I did find out that 6 drop sheets would do the trick. I did a bit of research, and a lot of planning and changed the design slightly - to reduce the sewing required. I finally got the canvas cut after Christmas. I had been procrastinating as it was a VERY daunting project. I had hunted around on trade me for a cheap scout tent to try to avoid even having to do it... but no luck. NOW I had planned to be working on this a while and was going to document each step on my blog.... BUT I started sewing it on Friday morning and despite a lot of interuptions and breaks for family "FUN" I had finished the roof before bed time, I spent some time on Saturday sewing eyelets (rope eyelets... nifty Idea from an old scout tent). On Sunday we fiddled with ropes and poles and on Monday afternoon I finished the sides... so here it is!!

Not unlike the paper model I started with! I am going to paint a pattern around the edge of the roof- perfectly 14th century- and we still have to waterproof it ($59 from Trek and Travel) But to date it has cost a grand total of $278nz. The pole are mostly from an old scout tent and we will have to replace them in time but I have found some dowel at Daves emporium for $7.95 for the side poles and $13.95 for the centre poles which is about 1/2 the price of Bunnings, we think we will buy a couple a week until they are all replaced. I am going to write up my documentation as it may just come in handy some time... and others may be interested in it as well. Final floor dimetions are just under 3metres x 4 metres - not big but good for a camp, and I think it really looks the part to fit in with commercially made pavillions.
Baxton is going to make a box to store it in which will fit in the car and we can use as a table when camping. I dear say that it is not over as we will now want to gather other period stuff for inside... we have all ready discussed draperies!! - I think I will send my documentation to Cockatrice!!!