Hi - I hope this works - I'm a bit of a newbie to uploading photos!! I can take a picture showing the back later today and upload it so it's clearer. I let the edges of the fleece overlap by a few mm all the way round so that I can then oversew the seams and sew the four pieces together to make one big carpet. I will probably put a strip of wide tape along the seam on the back as there will be a small gap and it will then be totally waterproof - but will take minutes to separate them so after camping I can snip the stitching, take off the tape and wash the individual panels (if necessary!!).
Quote: I think we should have a dedicated thread that everyone can be inspired by and add to - maybe the mods can set up a special section just for DIY camping accessories
That, is a cracking idea...!
Many of my first camping experiences were more hippy than anything. Any old tarp attached to the nearest tree with whatever came to hand. Odd lights hanging from branches. Makeshift cooking facilities. bunting! etc etc..
These day, i'm as guilty as anyone for simply buying whatever's on the market from all the 'usual suspects'. There is nothing more satisfying in creating your own personal space therefore it's lovely to see what people are creating for their camping experiences.
Anyone know any admin here? I'm sure they wouldn't mind setting up a new forum sub/forum for this...
I said I'd post a photo of the carpet in use for the first time.... here it is - kept us warm and cosy for our week at New Wine down at Shepton Mallet - luxury living indeed!!
Me too Tricia - so much more grown up than most of the fleece fabrics you can buy on the roll. I was so pleased with it, and completely waterproof backing too so practical as well as pretty.
Oooooh, need a project over the winter to stop me spending too much time looking at tents on e-bay (it just doesn't seem like you are actually spending when you just have to enter your paypal password!)
So I have just ordered some samples online in lovely chocolates and oranges, hoping to make a carpet for our retro Raclet
I am thinking if a waterproof back really is necessary? I've got SIGs in all my tents and don't expect any moisture on my groundsheet...
I have been making carpets without a waterproof back, just from sewing panels of thick fabric together, like I did with the carpet for my bell tent:
In my Karsten I haven't even connected the panels, they stay in place because the PVC groundsheet is a bit "sticky":
Recently I found out that those sheets you use to protect the floor when painting and decorating make great tent carpets! And they even have a waterproof back (that is made from a plastic material that "sticks" to the groundsheet). The top is made from shredded rags and mostly grey, so it's a neutral colour. They insulate very well and are very cheap. Here used in my Tipi:
And yes, I know... my patio needs some weeding...
------------- Proud owner of a 1987 Sprite Alpine 370 EK, a cheap popup tent and a beloved retro Trio frame tent from the early seventies, called Giraffen.