Period-like shade pavilions for use in camp or at the tournament field. Ez-ups.
NOTE: See also the files: MaMSP-art, pavilions-msg, p-tents-art, tent-fabrics-msg, tent-dsguises-msg, tent-making-msg, Pavilions-101-art.
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Stefan at florilegium.org
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 08:26:31 PDT
From: elizabeth rose <rosemorta at hotmail.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Shade Pavillions(rather long)
>Something I saw in Colonial Williamsburg may help you: take 4 long poles,
>lash two together at a time about 1 to 1 & 1/2 foot away from one end.
>Those are your ends. Set them upright, like upside-down vee's (have
>people holding them, of course). Take a fifth pole and set it in the
>short vee's, at the top (okay, now that I'm looking at this, either have
>a tall guy do it or do it earlier). When the fifth pole is lashed, you
>have a framework that you can attach any amount of cloth to.
>-Caro
Here's my version - adapted from a Viking wedge I designed with a friend -
Same idea, more pre construction, but I can set it up alone (and I'm 5'2"):
Materials:
6 1x4's (I used 8 footers because they fit in my car)
2 closet poles(8' by 1" diameter)
2 good sized bolts with 4 washers and 2 wing nuts (I use what I think is a
carriage bolt - square just under the head and round from there down)
Using a 1" spade drill bit, drill holes 6" from one end of all the 1x4's
centered from side to side. Drill holes in the other end of 4 of the boards
to accomadate the bolts.
SET-UP:
Lay the boards out, three to a side, in this order - no hole with 1" hole,
1" hole with small hole, small hole with 1" hole. Match up holes on each
side and put the closet poles in spanning each side and the bolts in, using
washers as spacers. Tie a lashing of some sort to the inner closet pole on
each side where it extends past the boards. Now, walk the "no hole" legs up
until the closet pole is fairly high in the air (at least head height). Take
the lashing, wrap it around the extension of the pole on the ground and pull
back until it comes up to the same height and tie off on center board (I
installed an eye hook for this purpose). It should look like a Z on its
side, with closet poles spanning the structure.Throw the fabric over. We use
this as a sun shade/rain fly and also to disguise our mundane tents.
Hint: I tie the back end of the fabric to the "no hole" ends in case of high
wind and my fabric comes almost to the ground on the sides.
Elisabeta Rosa
mka Liz Rose
From: "Edrei the Quiet" <edrei at earthlink.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Pavilion materials
Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 03:03:17 GMT
"Don Gill" <don at fivegills.com> wrote
> Hey all. I just came back from my first event and was in awe of all the
> great looking period encampments. As jelousy has kicked in and a careful
eye
> on my ever-thin purse, I am trying to pull together an inexpensive
pavilion.
> While I would love a period pavilion, I was thinking about starting off
with
> something simple: a 10 X 10 sunshades they sell at Walmart and just sewing
> together some sides. Has anyone ever tried this? Any suggestions or
> cautions?
>
> Don
I've done this. You need to make sure the poles (especially the cross
pieces) can support the weight of the fabric (I used a light-canvas weight
fabric and it was almost too heavy). I originally hung my walls with shower
curtain rings, but found $1 Store "bungeeballs" work a little better.
Make sure you stake your pavilion down as well using heavy tent stakes...
the lightweight aluminum ones just don't cut it.
--
Ld Edrei the Quiet (mka David Backlin)
Merchant-crat
MSKD XII Sept 3-6 2004
Shire of Smythkepe
From: Heather Murray <margaretnorthwode at worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Pavilion materials
Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 16:32:37 GMT
Don Gill wrote:
> Might you remember the weight of the fabric? I have found 60" canvas online
> for a fairly good price in weights of 8#, 10# and 12 #.
>
> Also, how did you connect the side walls - hooks or something sturdier?
>
> Might you have pictures of how your sunshade pavilion turned out?
>
> Don Gill
A lady here in my Shire has re-covered an E-Z-Up tent frame a couple of
years ago for her sons' usage at events. She used a lightweight canvas
for the sides, I know, and I believe that she purchased it at a local
chain fabric store. It still seems to work nicely, and when she attends
events by herself, she'll take that tent (her and her husband's tent is
a *large* Viking a-frame).
Though I wouldn't recommend it for winter, you could always purchase
sheets to use for sidewalls. Later the same sheets could be used for
camp sheet walls. You'd get an idea for how much weight the frame will
bear, too.
For mounting them, go to a local store that carries curtain hardware,
and purchase hangers that are shaped like a keyhole. Those should work
nicely for your purposes, and still be able to dismount easily. IF you
don't think those'll work, have a look around that section for hangers
that might. Alternately, metal closed shower curtain rings should work
for at least a while. I recommend binding the holes for hanging and
attachment, or you'll get rips in a strong wind. Less so for canvas, of
course, but, still.
Be careful about setting these up in high/gusty winds. We here have had
one break at a joint when the wind blew it over before it was fully
unfolded and staked down. The part is replaceable via an order from the
maker, but that was totally unhelpful that weekend.
Margaret Northwode
Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 21:14:14 -0400
From: Maymunah al Siqilliyah <alsiqilliyah at gmail.com>
To: atlantia at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
I have used them for farmer's market type sales. They do NOT withstand
wind very well. You can weigh down the feet with something but if the
wind picks up the top and the feet are planted and there's any torque,
it will twist the cheap bars in a heartbeat. If there's bad weather I
would take the thing down in hurry and I would not go away and leave it.
Yes, you can put them up yourself, but it's still a lot easier with
another person.
On 5/23/2011 8:50 PM, Natasha Laity Snyder wrote:
<<< Can anyone share their love/hate stories with their EZ up type tent? I would love to get a period tent (for vending) but the truth is that I'm usually alone so I need something I can put up by myself. I want to get a brand that is going to last.
Tangwystel >>>
Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 21:26:07 -0400
From: William de Faleston <faleston at gmail.com>
To: Merry Rose <atlantia at atlantia.sca.org>
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
Excessive rain can cause problems too. At war I typically pitch my tiny earth pimple under an EZ up so that I can roll down side walls to change. This past year I awoke after a night of heavy rain, opened my tent, and found myself staring at the top of the EZ up, which was about 14 inches off the ground. The water had pooled and the weight of it bent the frame and collapsed it. Of course it was a cheap one. My mother did craft shows and had an EZ up brand. Someone once borrowed it and forgot to stake it. It took off, flew 30 feet, and crashed. It was only slightly bent.
William de Faleston
On May 23, 2011, at 9:14 PM, Maymunah al Siqilliyah <alsiqilliyah at gmail.com> wrote:
<<< I have used them for farmer's market type sales. They do NOT withstand wind very well. You can weigh down the feet with something but if the wind picks up the top and the feet are planted and there's any torque, it will twist the cheap bars in a heartbeat. If there's bad weather I would take the thing down in hurry and I would not go away and leave it.
Yes, you can put them up yourself, but it's still a lot easier with another person. >>>
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 01:30:30 +0000
From: "Helen Rogers" <hennabyhelen at mail.com>
To: atlantia at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [MR] Atlantia Digest, Vol 100, Issue 61
I used an EZ Up all last year (for SCA and non-SCA events). The only time I had a problem was when someone moved my rope staking it down to make it more convenient for them andled to a leg being bent (I was NOT at all happy). A little bending back and hammering and it's still usable. Seeing as I travel and set up solely alone, it hasn't been at all difficult to set up and I usually do it in an hour. This includes the tent walls I add for atmosphere and effect (I'll send you a photo of my tent off list). It isn't until you are actually under the tent that you can even tell it isn't period. If money and time allowed, I would go for a more period look, but seeing as I like to look a little more "elaborate", this has done the job for me. I even made a topper for it and keep it on when breaking down.
Cassandra
Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 21:30:47 -0400
From: "Glynis Knibb (Glynis Gwynedd)" <ylandra at gmail.com>
To: Natasha Laity Snyder <NATASHA at unplannedpeacock.com>
Cc: Merry Rose <atlantia at atlantia.sca.org>
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
Pop ups make great kites. The landing's usually a bit rough, and they're
only good for one flight. Also, if you do go this route - make certain you
check the actual size of the roof. We once bought a pair of 9 x 9 pop ups at
$50 each. Turns out they had 6 x 6 roofs. It has to do with straight legs vs
slanted legs.
I would second the comment about the center pole square tent. I looked at
some of those at Aethelmearc War Practice this weekend and was fairly
pleased with what I saw. If I were having to put a tent up by myself I'd go
for one of those. Seems to me that you could probably make one yourself if
you were just going for a "roof".
Glynis Knibb
aka
~Lady Glynis Gwynedd
Barony of Highland Foorde
Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 22:16:27 -0400
From: Joe S <jjshafferjr at gmail.com>
To: "Glynis Knibb (Glynis Gwynedd)" <ylandra at gmail.com>
Cc: Merry Rose <atlantia at atlantia.sca.org>
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
I actually broke an EZ-up by attempting to set it up by myself. I don't
recommend it as the bars can (and do) get all twisted up. However, its
probably not too hard to find someone to help you for 5 min to set it up and
get it down.
As for period tents, I can set up my canvas wall tent by myself fairly
easily and I would imagine the same of most day shades. A simple tarp with
some poles is probably your best bet.
-Gawin
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 00:01:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: Alexandria Stratton <kyrilex at yahoo.com>
To: Merry Rose <atlantia at atlantia.sca.org>
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
An EZup is not an alternative to a pavilion. It is not made to hold the weight
of a canvas roof, and it will not last through the beating it will take with SCA
use. I have one that I use on rare occasions, I made a cover for it of bedsheets
to make it look more period...but it's an absolute oven. It only gets used as a
last resort...or for non-garb occasions.
-- Isabelle LaFar
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 06:14:39 -0500
From: ". ." <lizmaekate at hotmail.com>
To: <atlantia at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org>
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
I have used various ez-up type structures for Pennsic for the past five or six years. I will use one again this year. As a cover, I have sunbrella blue and white striped fabric. Personally, I love it.
There does seem to be some confusion about ez-ups and I believe that's because there are so many types. I used the ones you get at CVS for $30 before and they will last through Pennsic but that's about it. With the sunbrella cover, they are not any hotter than any other tent and they will stay upright as long as they are steaked properly -just like any other tent. The problem is always taking them down without every bar bending the wrong way.
I first tried a more expensive ez-up type frame last year -this one was out of steel with larger poles- to discover the roof was far too big for my tent canvas. I went with a more traditional ex-up which had a 10 x 10 roof; even though it was still too big by a foot, my tent being cut out for a 9x9 with a 10x10 footprint as I quickly discovered, I worked it out as Pennsic. I used the 10x10 frame all Pennsic without any issues regarding the frame. In fact, the frame is still in perfect condition. This frame is the "accordion" bars going across that you have to walk out. I have recently bought a 9X9 one because the frame really is that strong and works that well but I'd like the canvas to fit properly so no rain will find it's way through the seams -no matter how insignificant. (A tiny bit of rain came in on one side of the tent where a seam was facing directly up and water could pool on the roof. All of it went directly down the wall and into the ground inside the tent. I have raised wooden floors inside the tent so that any rainwater will go underneath and not flood the tent.)
Basically, yes, the ez-ups do work as frames if you use the proper materials outside and stake it correctly; just like any other tent.
-Isabella D'Angelo
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 08:12:48 -0400
From: Eric Campbell <solvarr at gmail.com>
To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
We recently bought a dining fly from red hawk trading company and have
yet to see it through a rain storm.
The only part that needs 2 people is putting the ridge up.
http://www.redhawk-trading.com/diningfly.htm
It is a slightly different design than most dining flys since the
ropes attach to the edge of the canvas and I would strongly
recommended bottom spikes on all of your poles.
-Solvarr
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 06:40:00 -0700 (PDT)
From: Megan Shogren <brockenspectre at yahoo.com>
To: Merry Rose <atlantia at atlantia.sca.org>
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
We've used a 10x20 EZ up style (not EZ up brand) for merchanting for the better
part of 3 years. The one and only time we had a problem with it was the first
time out, when we had insufficient stakes and a gust front came through with 40+
mph winds. It ripped the stakes out of the ground, picked it up, and bent a
couple of the legs. They were inexpensive to replace, and we switched the
stupid little coathanger "tent stakes" for a combination of 12" nail+washer
(center legs) and 16" hand-forged stakes (corners). When it looks like there
will be seriously heavy weather, we break out the 42" circus tent stakes, and
cross-rope the tent to them. The upsides- 2 people can set it up in a few
minutes (easier with 4), one person with planning and care can do it in only
slightly longer, and it's compact. Also, relatively cheap ($300 or so off
eBay), but still a heavy-duty steel frame. The biggest downside became obvious
when we got our (significantly larger) canvas pavilion done. The sun beats
through the synthetic roof and heats it up dramatically. Sunforger doesn't do
that...
-Kat Ferneley
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 07:06:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Karen <karen_larsdatter at yahoo.com>
To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [MR] EZ up type tents
Tangwystel asked:
<<< Can anyone share their love/hate stories with their EZ up type tent? >>>
Actually, we've got an EZ-Up. We've used it as a dayshade at events where we
lacked the vehicle space to bring a pavilion, or if the effort of setting up a
larger pavilion wasn't going to be worth the effort for the amount of time we'd
be spending at the event.
No, we don't fuss with adding "period" canvas.? No, I don't recall hearing
Anyone (outside of my inner orphenticity-critic) griping about how
"non-authentic" it was, either. ;-)
It's a cheap and relatively quick-to-acquire and quick-to-setup
dayshade/shelter, and it'll probably last long enough for you to use while you
make or save up for or acquire something that you prefer (either because it's
more historically accurate, or allows you to store & display your wares better,
or because it just looks prettier) ;-)
For what it's worth, you can go to http://larsdatter.com/merchantbooths.htm and
find lots of images of the sorts of temporary structures & shelters that
merchants used at fairs in the Middle Ages. You may find a booth structure that
suits your needs, in terms of display and storage. (See also
http://larsdatter.com/merchantstalls.htm for more permanent sorts of
shop displays, rather than temporary shelters.)
(And -- oh, HERE'S fightin' words -- doesn't the 14th century girdler's booth in
the Egerton Genesis at
http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&;IllID=10811?
Look an awful lot like a small EZ-Up?) ;-)
Karen Larsdatter
www.larsdatter.com
From: "Rogers, Helen" <Helen.Rogers at capitalone.com>
Date: May 24, 2011 11:52:03 AM CDT
To: "StefanliRous at austin.rr.com" <StefanliRous at austin.rr.com>
Subject: Making a Mundane tent "Period"
In response to the recent thread about EZ up's, I'd like to include my 2cents on how to make a mundane tent period AND effective.
I was lucky enough to come across a hand-me-down EZ up. I DO NOT recommend a cheap EZ up as the canvas fabric roof will not withstand a rain storm. If someone does want to go a "less than $50" route, make sure the fabric is waterproof, most importantly. I have used my EZ up for merchanting at SCA and non-SCA events - and I have camped in it during a thunderstorm. It held up great! Comparing the structure of my 10' x 10' tent with photos and info, I'm guessing my tent cost around $150 and up.
As for a "period" look… you CAN do it on the cheap side! (I'm a huge bargain shopper - lol… but ALWAYS look for quality). Most think I spent over $100 for my topper… but I made it myself! Yes, I'm creative (being an artist helps), but you can do it, too. I found period looking TABLE CLOTHS for the cover to my canvas roof at Ross' (i.e.-Marshall's, TJ Maxx… any quality discount store). I used 2 (approx) 60" x 120" tablecloths (could be a little more and cut) and sewed the long sides together; I also had a smaller, square size one to use for the drop side. I then set up my tent - only half way, so I could reach "over" it - and laid the fabric over the top. It should lay very nicely and evenly. I then measured the drop down side portion from the edge of the top of the tent (it was about 10"). I cut fabric strips from what was left and the extra tablecloth in 11" x 121" strips. I sewed each of those to the edges of the tent topper.
For effect, I created a scalloped edge that I added and spaced approximately 4 inches apart with 6 on each side and added a gold trim.
"But what about the legs and walls?" you ask? EASY PEASY! I bought painters drop cloth canvases! They make them large enough so that I had one for each corner, with the long side (12') being the length. I was also able to safety pin them inside the tent and under the "drop" so that no one could tell (and it help up better being safety pinned than when I started out tying it). By gathering the sides up around the legs and cinching with a curtain rope/tassel, no one is the wiser.
All in all, it cost me less than $100 to make and put together the entire ensemble. AGAIN, it depends on what extent you plan on utilizing your tent? I use it for merchanting and sleeping. But, to each his or her own. AND, the best part? It takes less than 45 minutes to put up and take down by myself! :D
Cassandra
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:25:44 -0400
From: Garth Groff <ggg9y at virginia.edu>
To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [MR] Pop-up Shelters
I've been considering a pop-up shelter for a while. This led me to
examine shelters used at our local farmer's market, and to do some
research. I decided first on a Norstar as the best quality, but it
appears from their web site that they do not make side walls for their
8' size. When I inquired, my letter went unanswered. So much for them.
Plan B is a Caravan. The neat thing about Caravans is that they are
available in many colors (not so many as Norstar), and do offer 8' side
walls. I discovered that the zippered side walls can be completely
separated into two halves. Buy two of different colors, then mix the
halves and you have two bi-colored walls. Sort of medieval. The tops are
also available in colors, and you can even order custom tops with the
front and back panels one color, and the side panels a second. These
colors would go a long way toward giving the pop-up at least a
quasi-medieval look. The only problems I see are that the bi-colored top
is much more expensive, and it is only available in 250 d material,
while the one-color tops are available in 500 d. The total cost for the
pop-up, sides, roller bag, and stake kit would be about $800. Curiously,
a 10' size is usually cheaper (economies of scale), but some places
restrict tents to 8' wide.
So why not spend a little more and get a Panther? Sometimes, it would be
just me putting it up. Then there's our Honda Fit, which will hold a lot
of stuff but not Panther poles. A pop-up in a roller bag would fit
nicely, along with sale stock. Well maybe with a small trailer. Besides
using a pop-up for occasional SCA use, I have a vague plan for a
retirement business selling at renfaires. I'm also thinking of
representing my clan at Scottish festivals (which suggests a
blue-and-white color scheme, from the Clan Napier tartan; see
http://people.virginia.edu/~ggg9y/napier1.html for a sample).
Lord Mungo Napier, That Crazy Scot
<the end>