How To: DIY Tee Pee Tent - part 1

My sister asked me to help her make a Tee Pee for my niece Eva. It was fun to make and took us a couple of leisurely afternoons. This Tee Pee is a fun weekend project that can be used either indoors on a rainy day, or in the back yard when the sun is out. We've made it with an old bed sheet to save money on fabric.
This is a very detailed tutorial so this project will stretch over two posts.

Part 1 covers the making of the frame
Part 2 explains how to make the outer covering.

So lets get started-



For Part 1 you will need:
5x 18mm diam wooden dowels 180cm long (about 71") (hardware store can usually cut these to size for you) 
power drill
5mm drill bit
5mm thick cotton rope bundle, min length 1m (about 1 yard)
measuring tape
pencil
sticky tape
sandpaper (optional)

For Part 2 you will need:
1x queen size bed sheet
Sewing machine and general sewing supplies
3m bias tape for trims and ties
measuring tape (in inches)
fabric marker

How to: 
Gather your supplies and clear a suitable work area for using your power drill. If you aren't confident with power tools, ask a friend or family member to help.
To mark the hole positions, measure 26cm (10.25") down from the top of the dowels and mark with an X.
Carefully drill one hole in each dowel.

Thread the rope through all the holes, it's easier if you wrap some sticky tape around the end.
Pull a good length through to leave a couple of long ends. Tie a knot firmly then wrap the rope around a few times and knot firmly again.

Frame is done, now we are half way there.  Tune in next week for detailed instructions and measurements to make the outer cover.

Take me to Part 2