Neil's Tent: what to do when you have too much time on your hands

This weekend I made a tent for my cat, Neil. He loves to sleep underneath blankets, so I've been wanting to make him a tent for a long time. I got the idea from a homemade toddler gym that was made out of hula hoops. This child's tent craft project was also inspiring: http://obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com/2010/02/tent-week-day-two-hula-hoop-dome-tent.html. I tried not to make Neil's tent very complicated; I didn't want to spend much time on it, though I did want it to look presentable as part of our living room decor.

To begin, I cut a small hula hoop in half, punched holes through the middle of each piece, and wired them together to make the tent frame. Then, I measured the sides and bottom of the outside of the frame to create the pattern pieces. I made them to fit over the frame to save the trouble of sewing in loops to thread the hoops through. This method also disguises the appearance of the hula hoop; I would have covered the hoops in fabric if they were to show on the outside, and this would be an extra step, taking more time and effort.

 

I cut a U-shaped hole in one of the side pieces for the door. Then, I basted the four sides together with the seam facing outward. Next, I covered the raw edges, including the door, with 1/2 inch double-fold bias tape. Finally, I basted the tent floor onto the side pieces and covered the edges in bias tape. The frame could then be inserted through the door.

 

I spent a lot of time on this project because it took me a while to think of the exact design. I also wanted it to look attractive without being over-the-top, and it had to be durable enough to withstand cat activity. At the end, however, it turned out to be simplistic enough that if I were to make it again, it should go fast. I still need to make a cushion to put inside, but otherwise it is finished.

 

For the materials, I used a poly/cotton sheet (thrift store find years ago; maybe $2) and homemade cotton bias tape leftover from a Civil War dress that I made recently. I've had the hula hoop since I was a kid, but I'm sure hoops can be bought at dollar stores for minimal cost. The poly/cotton fabric is durable and easily washable.

 

Before Neil even got a chance to try his tent, one of our other cats, Anastasia, jumped into it and punched Neil in the face to defend the fort. I think I'll have to make another one. Neil loves it also and immediately began playing in it. He'll love it even more when there's a fun fleece cushion inside!