Burda Style For people who sew
Description
So—- I want to start first by explaining that my husband actually sewed this tipi, not me. But, I felt I needed to show it off for him and also explain that this tipi is the whole reason I started sewing! About ten months ago, he showed up with an old sewing machine and tons of canvas drop cloths and told me that he was going to make a real tipi (said it had been his dream since he was little). I had told him before that I learned to sew when I was really young, so we sat down together and learned how to use the machine. It all came back to me! I decided to try a project myself and haven’t put down the fabric since! He spent several months sewing (burned out the old sewing machine— got a new one) and we did lots of research about sewing as well. I was a consultant as well as the help when it came measuring the 30+ feet of canvas. The smoke flaps are working, so there could feasibly be a fire in the middle inside and we think it will sleep about 6-8 people. We haven’t taken it camping yet. He just finished the liner also. He split two by fours in half and used a draw knife to make the poles. They are two 10ft pieces connected by a piece of pvc pipe. There are 17 poles in all and the diameter of the tipi is 16 ft. It was the cause of many a headache since it was being sewn in my living room for ten months, but I am so impressed with the finished product— and so proud of him for actually doing it!
Material Notes
Canvas, waterproofed
Difficulty
Novice
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Sep 3, 2010, 02.54 PMby Linda Holley
I am late in makeing a statement here….but nice job on the tipi. As a tipi maker I can appreciate all the work that goes into makeing a lodge.
Linda Holley
Dec 14, 2009, 05.12 PMby kleinfee
unbelievable! So great!
Dec 14, 2009, 12.21 AMby marinaglory
No. Way. This is too cool for words!!!!
Dec 13, 2009, 09.38 AMby rubygloom
i am so jealous!
Dec 12, 2009, 03.57 PMby reliablechef
awesome!!!!
Dec 11, 2009, 10.28 PMby chelsesaurusrex
Yes, Tipi! This is weird: I just finished having a conversation with someone about how awesome it would be to make your own, but that it was probably too hard and not at all feasible. YOU JUST TOTALLY CHANGED MY MIND. Way to go – being able to sew your own shelter is quite a skill.
Dec 11, 2009, 10.22 PMby nicoya
So…when is the yurt pattern coming? Just kidding. Kudos for extending your sewing skills from clothing to shelter. It’s a good reminder of what a fundamental skill it is.
Dec 11, 2009, 09.50 PMby susanne2011
Oh my god, what a big project! And it came out so beautiful and looks very ‘sturdy’. Congratulations, this is very nice. I guess this could also be very cool in a kids size…
Dec 11, 2009, 09.08 PMby fatenriad
It’s cool to have a childhood dream that you make it true at the end…. Happy for both of you! Congrats
Dec 11, 2009, 11.56 AMby badyan
I used to spend three weeks of every July in such a teepee… We made a fire in the middle and sang with guitar. Old scouting days :-) It is well done, congratulations!
Dec 11, 2009, 07.25 AMby Ruffles Gazebo
this is so amazing! i am very very jealous! one for me? :O
Dec 11, 2009, 07.24 AMby kdrodgers
Amazing…it looks so authentic. You would never know the difference! Great job!
Dec 11, 2009, 06.02 AMby galatina
This is absolutely incredible. You should both be so proud. Hope you get to use it loads.
Dec 11, 2009, 05.16 AMby smallone
OMG! this is soooo cool and sooooo amazing. I am in awe of you two to have the perseverance, skill and patience to make this….it rocks!!!!!!
Dec 11, 2009, 04.17 AMby charlierose
whoa! i want one
Dec 11, 2009, 02.17 AMby calicocouture
Wow! What an impressive first sewing project. It’s amazing. =D
Dec 11, 2009, 01.56 AMby gillthecat
this is beyond great i used to drive past some hippies who lived in a camp of these in scotland and alway thought how cool they were,. what a mission, id love one in my garden,, i might just move into it, well done to u and husband
Dec 11, 2009, 12.20 AMby freakusbzzz
That’s a tipi on steroids!
Wel done to you both. Can I have a husband like yours?
Dec 10, 2009, 10.22 PMby passthepins
Wow, this is incredible! I have always wanted to make a tipi but it seems like such a huge job. i have the greatest admiration for your husband and your commitment to the project. Did you need an industrial machine, or did you manage with a domestic and heavy needles?
Dec 10, 2009, 09.56 PMby flosiepoos
WOW!! That’s impressive, I hope you have lots of fun camping in it, I am sure it will be really special!
Dec 10, 2009, 09.06 PMby babybearhugz
That’s really cool. Good job to you both.
Dec 10, 2009, 08.38 PMby machelefranklin
Incredible ! I want one on my balcony !!
Dec 10, 2009, 08.26 PMby minnietheminks
That is so cool, I love how you are so proud too :)
Dec 10, 2009, 08.03 PMby ashchaser
This is BAD A**! I am proud of your husband, that is a huge project and I’m so glad you shared it on here!
Dec 10, 2009, 07.28 PMby twoboos
I WANT ONE!!!!! Seriously when we buy a house, the backyard will have to be big enough for one!!! Well done you two!!! AWESOME!!
Dec 10, 2009, 07.23 PMby sew-fabulous
this is incredible!
Is it easy to fold down to take camping??
This is so great, and I could never imagine 10 months sewing something so big! I am an instant gratification type of girl!
1 Reply
Dec 10, 2009, 10.11 PMby lizajane09
Thank you! He made the poles in 10ft. pieces so it’s portable, although we’ll need a truck I think to transport them. The canvas cover folds up and fits in a rubbermaid container.
Thanks for all the compliments, everyone!
Dec 10, 2009, 07.21 PMby kirsimarjukka
So cool! And a really cute story too :)
Dec 10, 2009, 06.51 PMby beebo1004
Incredible, I have tipi envy. Well done both of you for such hard work.
Dec 10, 2009, 06.08 PMby xnickerxje
That is seriously impressive.
Dec 10, 2009, 06.07 PMby mikmik
I want one…Gorgeous.