Customizing My Tent for a Michigan Winter. (Off Grid Canvas Work.) #57

Living in a tent through a Michigan winter isn't always the most comfortable experience. For the first time, I drag out the solar generator and try running my sewing machines off it. Since I used to have a marine canvas business, I decide to make a nice heat cover for my tent and show you how to pattern and create a cover yourself. And since the sewing machines are out I also fix a holster, knife sheath and make a Sunbrella cover for my portable solar panels.
Because I’ve gotten so many questions about the gear that I use on the channel, here are some of the most important pieces I use every day:
(I do receive a small commission from sales associated with the following links. Any income from these sales goes directly to supporting me in making new videos for this channel!)
My Favorite Piece of Gear- Chainsaw Helmet amzn.to/3uuW5xB
Granberg Chainsaw Mill amzn.to/3cdRXvn
How I Keep the Mosquitoes Away! amzn.to/3frenvh
Big, Black Log-Peeling Knife - Becker BK9 amzn.to/3oZIeOH
The Trailer I Use Behind My 4 Wheeler- Yutrax amzn.to/3fvO8DK
Bug Net Rooms I Use amzn.to/3uwOK0l
Portable Heaters in My Tent and the Deer Castle amzn.to/3frQ7Jh
Thank you all so much for supporting this crazy endeavor! Without you folks donating to Surviving Ringworm, I wouldn't be able to even consider staying out here in the wilderness a second year making videos. You seriously blow my mind!
/ survivingringworm
(As a thank you for donating $5 or more a month through Patreon, I will carve your name into the picnic table and show it in an upcoming episode.)
If you don't want to donate monthly but still want to support the channel: paypal.me/survivingringworm

[@billiehuskins8129]

I wish more men would Try the sewing machine. I Use mine all the time I’m 81 years old

[@TrentTheCreator]

One of the first skills the army teaches you is how to sow things together cause in the battlefield you can't just go to the store and buy a new pair of pants or a back pack.

[@RMarie62]

Its wonderful to see a man that can sew your be happy be safe enjoy your journey

[@philipdhiatt]

Been sewing since before puberty, machine and by hand, my Dad taught me, 48 now, I had to teach my wife how to sew.

[@billiehuskins8129]

I make fitted sheets and everything on my portable sewing machine I love to see a man sewing you are very smart to try anything.

[@richardwhite4277]

pie and eggs / man you ARE living the life !!

[@truthbespoken7750]

I'm in Rhode Island and our tent recently flooded from all the rain and the 3' of snow melt causing the ground to become over saturated and it flooded our tent with about 3" of water ruining everything. So now I'm thinking of getting 9 wooden pallets and use them as a raised floor off of the ground. Then put a few layers of cardboard on top of the pallets then put a thick insulated tarp on top of the pallets before I build the tent back up on top raising it up several inches from the wet frozen ground. Now that the tent is up. I ran several kevlar ropes across from tree to tree a few times and safety securing 4 insulated waterproof camo tarps to keep everything bone dry , hidden, and properly venting. Doing this type of setup has been absolutely perfect, dry, warm and cozy. With a 3 candle setup I have yesterday was almost zero outside and inside the tent the thermometer showed 49 which was fantastic. Raising the tent on top of the pallets with cardboard on top of them with a insulated waterproof tarp made a huge difference so if you want to do this, do it correctly yes you'll probably spend about $25 more in tarps but it's absolutely worth it. Hello it's what keeps you warm and dry. The wooden pallets are used and we're laying around free. Just remember to layer them with a few layers of cardboard for insulation and use a insulated waterproof tarp also on top of the pallets. Take your time and patience and it will come out perfectly. You will be very proud of your accomplishments when finished. Enjoy.. I hope this helps you in advance for your project. Cheers mate.. Dave

[@sandecoffey9125]

Putting material over doorways I always use the metal paper clips in stationery stores the big metal black ones they come in all sizes a r e great for that, also when zippers break I used two little ones. Happy camping

[@ronaldclark2624]

Thank you for the videos! Reality is what it is and it is not subject to opinion! We can only understand it and take advantage of it! Ron USA

[@mariejunia7357]

Just love the simple life. No clutter. Less is better. We came in this world with nothing. We will leave with nothing. We worry too much. Pray more worry less. That is ideal.

[@oldlifter530]

My grandfather and greatuncles knitted and sewed they where railway men farmers prospectors and military.

[@B-leafer]

Fashion designer for Deluth Trading Co. "Canvas underpants you can depend on." Nice job on the thermal tent face.

[@bmunday]

great video: technical sewing and tent repair, 4 season, jackary off grid sewing. all of which are super interesting.

[@kimc.9893]

I had a canvas shop for 20 yrs. Great job. If you fold the seam toward the top then top stitch ot it won't leak and the seam crack will be at the outside edge. Thank you for the great videos. It has really inspired me to stretch my confort zone.

[@bfinfinity]

Loved this comment! Thanks for the tip about folding & sewing the seam! Will remember & use this tip!

[@usednotuseless]

I love that you phrased it as "building with fabric". What a great way to look at it

[@danieljohnson2185]

I envy ur life sir, the freedom the quiet nature all around such a beautiful existence

[@addmeperson3986]

How on earth did I miss this dudes channel I live in Louisiana so I don’t know much about cold or snow but I know plenty about humidity and heat and I live in a EZ UP camping cube and I love it

[@ArianaYelena]

I just want to say I'm very appreciative of your quote, I legit needed that.

[@jeannerountree952]

You are getting me interested in sewing again

[@Rando_Suave]

If you told me this morning that i was going to watch an entire sewing video today, i wouldn't believe you. I just did though.

[@elvindekle9835]

I spent some Winters in the mountains . COLD ! Wet too . If you get some space/emergency blanked . Mylar . Rub each side with an eraser . The side that the aluminum comes off is the reflective side . Or you can place your hand on each side and find which feels warmer . Turn the reflective side in . Marking the "warm" side helps . Tape the blankets together . I use gorilla . Cover the tent . A candle will be all the heat you need . Or a rechargeable LED light . You can put the light in a can to reduce the light at night and have a night light . Use a heater if it gets really cold or to get dressed . Of course a tarp keeps snow off . Space blanket under the tent !! Warm side up . And cover the floor with a cheap cloth blanket or quilt/comforter . I always buy a tent I can stand up in . I'm 6' .

[@vpaniagu]

I have an antique Singer 99 machine it has been modified with a handcraft. Using thick thread I sewed sunbrella. It only does plain stitch but that is often enough. No electricity, sews both fabrics When cutting thin fabrics use weights.

[@phillipg7315]

IMO this has grown into one of the best outdoors/nature/camping/survival channels on all of KZbin.

[@SaItyStudios]

Agreed

[@sweet65mustang]

I never would have thought to bring 2 sewing machines to live in the woods.

[@CarpeDiemTravelerMel]

That is one of the most interesting breakfast dishes I’ve ever seen…then I witnessed a man in the woods using a sewing machine….so I continued to watch the rest of the video and had to subscribe ….can’t wait to see more of your videos!

[@3rdshifter642]

😂 Then I witnessed a man in the woods using a sewing machine 🤣🤣🤣 I can’t stop laughing at that comment! Almost like you witnessed a heinous crime! 🤣🤣🤣 so good!

[@carolineginty2391]

@@3rdshifter642 😂😂😂😂

[@kristingodfrey8338]

Same!!! Haha so awesome.

[@M5a1r4c7]

Any tool that uses power is a "power tool", ie a manly (and womanly) tool!

[@crazgirl80]

I am reminded watching your videos , things don't have to be perfect to enjoy the life we have . Even things that are not square in every corner you make still bless us. My mom lived in a country house that I promise you had not one square corner . I told her she was as unique as her home . She was happier with a tool in her hand .

[@kriyashivajiva]

cool fabrication and sewing. fine work and creativity. rage on!

[@stephaniebotfield7188]

Re threading needle. If the foot is black to the rear of needle eye, try some white nail varnish several coats with decent drying times in between coats. It gives you great view and now ease of threading needle. I too use to make all the girls clothes, sewing and knitting. I was often asked how I could afford all their clothes. Jaws dropped when I said home made. They queued up for the patterns, inside me head taking the dresses and trousers off the girls backs. Great way to be Sir. Very refreshing. Sleep well, try to stay warm.

[@Banjo-lm2wl]

It so (sew) good to so a guy making things with the sewing machine well done my friend excellent work. Australia xx

[@elijahowens8507]

Ive been glewed binging your videos for hours now lol

[@SEP7EMBER10]

This channel is truly remarkable & inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@sometea4741]

Omg you're bush sewing! the denim seam, as jeans are sewn together, is what I use on all my sewing. Sturdiest. Fun projects are afoot!

[@sometea4741]

You're tent pattern tutorial is primo.

[@briantobin9]

35:15 Wow, that sound of quality scissors cutting through material while pressed up against a solid wooden table is oddly satisfying ;)

[@DeUser1337]

For winter covers in lavvu tents we use watervapor open nylon or other plastic fabric, it should be somewhat wind breaking and or have a thickness to it (or a cheep op insulation layer) That way there is no high humidity in the tent when heating and no condensation. Hope it helps someone. I love what you bring to the world.

[@DeUser1337]

Oh and if you have to use cotton: pitch it inside out over a fire for a few days in different positions especially the ones that go to the bottom of the tent. It helps tremendously to prevent mold and rot.

[@saltyshellback]

I went deer hunting a few weeks ago and slept in a travel trailer...that's about the level of living in the woods I am up for now 😄

[@sandratweedale2579]

I enjoyed this so much I just watched it again. How much patience you have, I can’t even imagine. You’re a rock star my friend

[@jilllee2498]

I could live there forever! Awesome!

[@derrickholliday8205]

Great video my friend 💖💛🧡💖❤💝

[@jeffwilsonfhb]

My mom showed me how to use her old singer when I was a kid. Sewed a zipper on an old queen sized down comforter and turned it into a sleeping bag. Still have it.

[@deboraharmstrong3002]

My granma taught me how to sew ... and the best thing she taught me was "Don't need to get mad when you make a mistake. Just remember what you did, and don't ever do it again!"

[@dandeleona4760]

Store your water container upside down overnite so ice layer forms deep inside but the bottom near the spout is still liquid. That way you can pour out of the spout and still drink it without having to defrost it first. There will be ice chips but it will still be liquid where you need it.

[@dandeleona4760]

I forgot to mention ... for insulation bury it upside down in snow when you do this. Just sitting in wind chill will freeze it solid no matter what orientation the container is.

[@LifeOfJG]

Guess I should crack the eggs huh? Hahaha dope videos man nice seeing someone enjoying there life, no strings attached 🙏🏽

[@stevesilver3291]

It's so satisfying to watch your channel, love it. Thanks for doing what you're doing. I was thinking that you could build a Tee Pee, and modernize it to your specifications. It can be of trees and milled wood and tarp and could even be two or three stories high with various platforms and can even be your 'All-In-One' construction project. All of your tools and even your ATV could be stored inside. A central fire-pit could heat it all winter long so your drinking water, shower water, etc. would be fluid and room temperature year 'round. Then, if you wished, your tent could attach to the side (it's already stationary and on a platform) and have the warm air from the Tee Pee feed your tent. A Tee Pee IS a tent, just one of the earlier models. Even a series of tee pee's could all be interconnected so one fire-pit could keep them all warm. No need for propane heaters and you have a constant fuel source for the fire-pit.

[@stevesilver3291]

Not my intention to draw any crowds to another similar channel but for an idea for the grandeur potential, check out this Tee-pee: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3_IiGSmp9R-fZo

[@ginzej2]

Dude, amazing idea to learn sewing. I hadn't even really thought about it before since my grandma was the only one I've seen sew. You've opened my eyes!! :)

[@SteadyShadow]

guy is genius, what else to say.

[@parkerregan9231]

Did anyone else think they paused the video at 7:56 by accident? Love the videos btw.

[@pennyt4020]

Nice job!!! Any Home Ec teacher would be proud!!!

[@PhilDeGuzman]

Somehow I was not expecting to see two sewing machines as part of offgrid living :)

[@helenebonadio8283]

I was expecting a vintage handcrank sewing machine. Those things never die and they are workhorses!

[@1972chezza]

I love sewing this week i made a new cushion for my wheelchair. Love that your explaining exactly how your doing things

[@tambrabullock]

When I sew, using an iron and ironing board is a must :)

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

I made a trifold sleeping pad/space blanket out of reflectix foil faced bubble wrap insulation.. Also use same material as a heat shield/deflector around a space heater + a small "ecofan" heat generated fan... Double digits below zero are no problem

[@BS.-.-]

I have two dogs and they go through beds like crazy. I bought a $150 Japanese made sewing machine years ago. In just making 2 dog beds and 2 dog bed covers I'm alreaty at the break even part

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

..whatever you're sleeping on, it helps to get it as high off the ground as possible, up where the warmer air is. I've put tealight candles under my cot, draped with a sheet to trap the heated air...just to stay warm.

[@elaine8013]

I just found your channel but I'm hooked. You're the only person on YT who is actually living off grid, the way most of us poor folks would. . Subscribed!

[@dandeleona4760]

I just came back to watch the second half ... I'm having the same problem with UV damage on my tent. I use a 10 x 10 tent dome to shield my car during the winter. I chose the dome shape for snow shedding, and after applying a marine UV resistant fabric protectant with waterproofing with a high water shed proofing by sno-seal spray on top of that, I still found a "snow hammock" kind of problem in places, requiring me to go out on snow storm nights to push snow off before the weight tore the nylon. Wet snow was the worst. The first year this worked well, but as sun damage pitted the nylon, it got harder to shed snow. The second problem - and most significant for sun damage, was gradual off-gassing of nylon in the sun making it crispy and less flexible over time. I've considered treating both sides of the fabric with protectant to stop the off-gassing from either side. I think this will help keep the fabric flexible in the long run but I don't know, I'll have to test it out. Now I seal every year on the new cover, but decided a sun shield over-cover is really the way to go, like the one you have there. There's also consideration of what tent heaters do to fabric on the underside, something I don't worry about just covering a car. COLOR: Again, the worst enemy is UV. I found warm color fabrics degrade fastest - yellows, reds, oranges, browns, some greens. The longest surviving UV resistant panels were blue, like those garish blue tarps they sell. Apparently, it repels UV rays the best which is why manufacturers chose that particular color in the first place. Because it's hard to stealth with blue, some other UV protection needs to be applied in greater concentration to compensate for colors absorbing the sun's rays. FABRIC composition: I'm not sure what fabric composition you're using, or I might have missed it, but it looks fairly dense, canvas weight. As for fabrics, polypropylene and denim are best UV resistant, but nylon has the best abrasion and tensile strength with good stretch. Nylon has crappy UV resistance compared to polyester (blue is still the most resistant of nylons), but the stretchiness gives a form fitting fly. Polyester has better resistance, but is heavier and less pliable for that form fitting, tho sewing on the bias helps overcome that. In your reinforced plastic grid pattern, you could use the warp/weave layout to determine direction of bias when you actually cut poly or denim. I'd still UV reinforce with sno seal spray or some marine fixative. The problem with some petroleum based sealers is they degrade the synthetic they're supposed to protect, so a field test patch might be in order before committing to a roll of something and going to the trouble of sewing a large tarp or tent body only to have it degrade a year later. Double sided tape to make the pattern is a great tip. Thanks! It's useful to know how to sew another form fitting cover, something I wanted to do on my sewing machine but wasn't sure how to get it patterned right. The sewing part would be pretty straight forward, tho I might use a blue jean (french) seam instead of straight stitch. Again, the problem with ANY sewing is puncturing the fibers with a needle essentially makes each panel a perforated sheet like paper towel panels. I might glue panels first, or lay down a bead, and then sew in the reinforced areas. Jancome is a very nice quality machine. I'm jealous.

[@eddygoodwin7089]

I think I paid $60 for a singer at Fred Meyer I do all the upholstery in a camper, made camping pad covers, and made an enclosure for a skid steer

[@billiehuskins8129]

Fold up cutting boards work great

[@kevinclarke1222]

Love the opening theme!

[@tabithaedwards745]

You are so talented. You should market classes or videos like this. I know it's not about the money but it would help with the projects you love 💕. Simple living is amazing.

[@christinamarie3598]

Daggone it... now I’m thinking sewing machines! You keep inspiring another “ let’s just try it” project!!! Very creative and just follow through is so fun!

[@christinamarie3598]

@@Brian-mp2mv 🤣

[@kathywetherington3766]

You could build a fold down table for the sewing machine in the screened in gazebo and use the floor in there to lay out your fabric.

[@JDLarge]

I couldn’t agree more, a sewing machine IS an important addition to anyone’s tool collection. My first boat years ago needed a bimini top but when pricing them I almost dropped! So, having spent a few years (or 27) in the army I learned a little about bows and canvas for the back of trucks. I used emt and bent up bows then took a ride to the fabric store and bought some material for pennies on the dollar over what a store bought bimini would have cost. It may have looked different but being out on the water I could roll the sides up and fish underneath when everyone else quit due to the rain. Plus doing overnights on the lake it sure was nice after adding that back screen panel keeping those skeetos away! It all started with watching my mother sew a patch into the knee of my jeans… Nice work on that cover, sewing is truly a valuable skill! (Unless you’re the only one in a house of five that knows how to use a machine😉)

[@jimgiordano5378]

Reallly like the diversity of the projects shared. Truly a renaissance man out in the woods living his best life. Some how I find these videos inspirational in a number of ways.

[@robinredman5192]

I am sitting here watching you once again, seeing you "just throwing" things together "without a plan" and having them come out better than someone who makes blueprints, detailed drawings, etc. The question that comes to my mind, after seeing project after project coming together seamlessly, "I wonder what Ryan's IQ must be, he seems to have that genius ability to make something out of nothing and it comes out perfect." Much respect. Any who Ryan, thanks for the hours of entertainment and quality videos. Take care. John here, from the back-roads of Tennessee.

[@dgoodman1484]

Plans, blueprints, ect are just a way to communicate your idea to the builder. Unnecessary if the builder is the designer as well. The real issue today is almost no designers have ever built anything

[@chadvalliere8697]

LP’er here. Just found your channel. I’ll be checking it out for sure

[@fiddlesticks9887]

Just to say that I love this channel, your videos are inspirational and I love how you completely disregard gender stereotypes. I used to make my kids clothes when they were young (machine knitting and sewing) and got many strange looks when people asked where I bought something that I'd made. Yep, I'm a guy but I don't see why I shouldn't do things that I want to do.

[@bfinfinity]

All one needs to do is search for fashion designers & more men’s names pop up than women’s names do. Same for Chef & many other traditionally women’s domains. Creativity is not limited by gender, nor is it made better or more effective by gender. If you can sew & cook for your kids & are good at it, just tell them you are a FASHION DESIGNER & CHEF. I won’t list them here, but if you know a few names, they likely do too. Just ask them: Have tou ever heard of so-and-so fashion designer, or another name. Once they say they have, ask if they respect the person. Likely they know some popular names & would never consider bad mouthing famous people, or say they shouldn’t do that/their job due to gender.

[@maryjanehorseman5424]

I’m proud of you Sir

[@joewamsley8004]

In history men did everything and the women stayed home with the children. At some point to many men were dying to support industry and women moved into some positions because they could do the work. Then we got man babies who called that women's work. Of course I post and then remember there was a woman pirate King and Mohammed was owned by his wife who owned the entire caravan...

[@DanDavisHistory]

This is such an interesting channel.

[@digdouglasdig]

You have excellent production quality for such a new channel. Keep up the good work, interesting channel too, btw.

[@catgynt9148]

Waterproof your tent and canvas seams using extra hold hairspray. Regarding your solar needs in winter, hang your panels on the south or south-west walls of the deer shed, hanging vertically, under the overhang. Tree cover should be sufficiently removed to allow energy production. Try it... you may be surprised at how much energy you will capture; especially in winter with reflection off snow. When your temperatures drop 10-20° below freezing, use a pump spray bottle and mist water on the rainfly and screens on your gazebo. Mist will freeze into a thin layers of ice offering wind break and insulation. Learned this in US ARMY about 50 years ago and used for many winters camping in Rockies. From a scrap of your material or canvas, sew a bag that will hold 5-10 pounds of rocks. Tie one end of a piece of rope that is as long as the door in your gazebo is tall to the bag and the other end through a screw eye, and to the top of the door. Opening the door will pull the rock weight up and when you let go the door will be pulled closed. Stay safe out there.

[@al4385]

When my wife is out hunting Elk I like to sew. She's usually pretty dirty so I wash her clothes and fix any holes. I just love it. Since I'm the one working with fabrics I can make sure the colors match. There's nothing like working in campfire light and sipping a pumpkin latte. Usually I cook dinner for the family and once everyone is asleep I get my knives out and hunt wild boar slowly on my hands and knees. The great thing is being able to carry the carcasses in the bags I made.

[@marylott3076]

You are truly a blessed and talented man.

[@vanessamcdonald1071]

Hi I'm in Australia and live in a tent,I like watching your videos and getting ideas,love the sewing machines,I actually just bought a small butane heater as well for winter here,nowhere near as cold as you are but it's nice to not be freezing

[@genghischuan4886]

get a bag of kitty litter put in bucket inside tent, it will help control moisture in tent. when it gets saturated just cook the moisture out over fire. works like damp rid but cheaper and reusable

[@StratOvation]

Very cool, you've inspired me to try to learn how to use my wife's sewing machines, I bought her a serging machine and a el-cheapo heavy duty machine years ago that have been in storage for several years, neither one ever seen much use.

[@jimfreeman7656]

Baby Lock! Love them.

[@jlm0rr1s]

you do great explaining all the things. thanks for the vid.

[@Adorableknotsbyfaith]

They actually do sound like dinosaurs. Damnnnn that's cool. Hope all is well and you guys doing okay much love ❤

[@RexMoore58]

You have mad sewing skills. I can’t sew a lick. Great video.

[@ellenruths]

Sewers usually wash the fabric first, and yes, you can iron it. The washing is to take care of any initial shrinking. Since this fabric is a lot more flexible, you can manipulate it to get the grain square. And with woven cottons, probably your sheeting would be like this, you can 'cut' it by making a small nick and just rip along the grain. And you can make anything with a straight seam machine. It's better if it can sew a bit in reverse. The rest is just gravy. Sergers are nice because you can sew a seam, zig zap the edges, trim off excess seam, and create a very sturdy fray free seam. The very old Singer machines are still very much in demand. Hard to kill.

[@northeasttexasgardener6963]

I enjoy watching your videos because of your laid back easy going style. This video makes me want to try my hand at sewing.

[@Downeastwaves]

Awesome job Ryan! At first I thought when you said scraps you were going to make it look like a quilt! You do a great job no mater what substrate you use! Awesome!

[@bobmatt9742]

Wow your in Michigan !!! Cool thats where I live , born and raised !!!!

[@judyrobinson9556]

I admire your precision measuring skills & how you figure things out in your head. Great to see a man using a sewing machine. Your DIY skills save you hundreds of dollars. Everything you make looks great. I do a lot of camping & have gotten some handy ideas from your videos. Dont worry about whether or not we enjoy this kind of video. We do. They're all great. Good to see that you're making your tent warm & cozy for winter. I have a camper, but every once in a while, I just have to tent camp. There's just something about tent camping. Stay safe & be well.

[@Jonalith]

In case no one else has said it, to make straight lines in softer fabrics, use patterns. Draw on paper (or even cardboard) and tack them together. You may not work with soft materials often, but it's still a good thing to know for when you do.

[@justshanestuff]

What do you mean tack them together?

[@Pjpuglife]

Loved watching this

[@DeterminedDIYer]

You can always spray waterproofing spray on the seams if they leak. :) I love to sew. It's a hobby of mine. To sew lighter fabrics, you need to use pins and ironing it helps a ton. Also if the grain is straight you can just rip it in half instead of cutting all the way down. ;)

[@robinsmith8334]

Pop p

[@catgynt9148]

Question; why not move your tent into the gazebo? It would be better protected from rain and snow. Use the covering tarpaulin to hang from a side wall or to protect the surface of the tent platform from snow and rain. Have you considered building cabinets for inside the gazebo to store your tools, protecting them from the elements while you build your formal cabin? When the cabin is complete, the cabinets and their tools can be relocated into the cabin. Stay safe out there Ryan. Peace brother.

[@yadayada752]

Even if he doesn't move his tent in there, it would be a great place to put all his extra stuff at least under a tarp

[@edwardseth1230]

hand and feet warmers and wool gloves (cutouts) with a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag... next morning you have luke warm water to wash your face or make coffee.

[@elteescat]

It amused me when you were talking about your struggles with working with soft cloth. I use soft cloth all the time. You simply have to use a lighter hand. I noticed you trying to handle it like it was plywood or something. You need a gentler touch. And, yes, you have to iron it flat and iron any creases you want to make in it. It's a simple matter of getting used to working with it. Practice makes perfect. 🤗🤗

[@twa2471]

I've done Marine canvas work quite a little bit in the past and I've been looking for a portable machine that's able to handle Sunbrella and light leather. I couldn't quite see what the blue machine was, what is the model and make of it I'd be interested in getting one for my own use as well. I have a set of seat covers to make for 1971 Buick Riviera and I think this would be just the ticket for me. Thanks

[@beekind466]

I'm so glad I found this video. I've got a tent I want to make a ceiling for and now I know exactly what to do. I've sewn a bunch of camp gear using heavy duty tarps and have had much success. My favorites are the giant sized tarp bags that I can stand up in. I typically use them to haul firewood to camp in my van then to cover it when I get there. They're made with flat bottoms so they stand up to fill. Hot tip for cutting big fabric like the sheet. *You were right, I would have ironed it then folded it in half or even quarters to make my cut. *Blue painters tape placed across the fabric is very helpful to create perfectly straight lines when cutting or sewing. I use it all the time when I top stitch larger items like my oversized denim potholders or my flannel quilted blankets. - do not stitch over the tape as the adhesive will gunk up your needle. And for real, make some quick covers for the machines that you can throw over them while you take breaks... 🙋‍♀️ Michigan girl here...the sand and humidity will get into the machines over time and ruin them...a terrycloth towel works well to absorb the humidity before it gets into the machine and prevent small particles of our beautiful sand from getting blown into the very precision parts that keep a machine running smoothly. Oil and clean your machines regularly. Maintenance is key. Thanks so much!! Winter tent camping is such a thrill...I just need a ceiling to make it cozy!!

[@steverichmond9157]

Better put some polyester or some protection between the sunbrella and the solar panels to prevent wind vibration from burnishing the panel surfaces.

[@rrittenhouse]

I find the sewing interesting tbh. It's something mysterious that I've never really conquered. I would love more tutorials on it if you haven't done it again (i'm working through the backlog of videos)

[@brucewitcpalek5120]

Yes very cool 😎😎. I think it’s even cooler than dang it 😜😜

[@donnazavitz1095]

Looking forward to see your cabin build! Great content as always. Cheers from Ontario, Canada

[@philipf.1352]

HECK YA Cabin TIME!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW THIS COMES OUT!!

[@thomaschandler4831]

Awesome job Brother 🇺🇸🏆😁

[@martykennedy3962]

Great job! I don’t think I need to say “you’ve got this” but “you’ve got this!

[@patchadams4me]

I just discovered your channel today. I'm an upholsterer. Imagine my surprise to find this video. Very good.

[@brucewitcpalek5120]

You are one handy dude, fantastic job making your cover for solar panels. 🤗🤗😎

[@markkevine1609]

love to sleep in thre.... how lovely it is... 😊😊😊