While looking over the owl I had just received from my darling editors with the new monthly theme. I decided I needed to really think about this one. I mean, how was I possibly going to tie in arts and crafts with Apocalyptic Accidents: A Rip in time and space? I mean, really? So I know of only one place where I could clear my head and think: a flight to the beach was in order.
Walking over to the cave entrance, I took a leap into the air and beat my tanzanite wings, propelling myself into the bright blue above. Gaining altitude and speed, I fly above the clouds heading east to the beach. Upon reaching the beach, I slowly glided closer in lazy circles, just enjoying the smell of the sea.
Pop
What was that? Looking around, I notice a hazy rip in the clouds right above me and then roar in shock as something hits my back and hangs on. What in Merlin's name is that? Feeling a little panicked, I land very fast and look at my back. A shaking small blue creature is clinging for dear life to my scales and hiding near my wings.
"ha-hi" squeaks nervously from the tiny entity. "HA-hi I am Stitch. Stitch fell from the sky. Thank you for catching Stitch"
"Hi Stitch, I'm little dragon", I respond quietly so as not to scare the miniature Stitch creature." It was then I realised that I knew who the little blue fuzzball could be. He was a character from one of my favourite muggle movies. I had no idea how he got here, but I knew I had to help him. Somehow.
"You not so little, little dragon!" Stitch giggled back at me and smiled shyly.
"So I'm not, not compared to you anyway"
It soon became apparent that we were going to make friends, and as we sat talking, I wished we had a hammock to relax in. Realising that I left mine at home, I asked, "Stitch, what is your favorite thing to do at home?"
"Chill in my hammock or help people build things", he replied eagerly.
It was then that an idea popped into my head. I could take Stitch home and maybe build something while I call and wait for the Ministry to come to help him get back to wherever he came from. "Stitch, how would you like to come to my place and make a hammock while I call someone who can help get you back home to Lilo?"
"Yes Please, Little Dragon." squealed Stitch
Once home, I called the Ministry of Magic and then we made a hammock until the unspeakable's came to get Stitch.
Supplies:
cotton beach towel/or fabric piece 40" x 80"
scissors
sticking charm or pins
1" leather strapping ( if your sewing machine cannot sew leather, nylon or canvas strapping will also work)
mid- or heavyweight cotton muslin or canvas (at least 4" x 40")
rope for hanging the hammock
zip-ties
cotton twine
Steps:
1. Lay out your beach towel and cut a 42" X 80" rectangle. Fold over 1" on either long side to create a 40" x 80" rectangle, and sew up the sides.
2. Cut two 2" strips from the rectangle of muslin/canvas and place one strip flush with the top of the hammock. fold the fabric over the canvas and use a sticking charm or pin to create a sturdy 2" hem. Repeat with the bottom edge.
3. Cut your strapping into 6" lengths. You need 18 of these strips (9 on each side)
4. Fold your strapping in half to create 3" loops, and use a sticking charm or pin 10 loops each over the 2" hems at the top and bottom of the hammock at even intervals (about every 5.25"). The ends of the loops should hit the 2" seam.
5. Place the hammock front side up into the sewing machine and position the needle over the lower lefthand corner of the first loop. Sew one loop at a time, forming a box with a cross inside to firmly secure the loops. Repeat with each individual loop on both sides, cutting the extra threads after each one.
6. Cut eighteen 8' lengths of rope. Loop one strand through each loop and fold in half so the strands are 4' long
7. Create a huge loop with the loose ends of the strands into a nig knot 30" down the rope from the hammock. Cut the loose ends and wrap another length of rope around the loop (Left side in the picture). Then wrap thin cotton/bakers twine around the loop many times over until you have a solid, thick, clean loop (as seen on the right side of the picture). Repeat on the other side.
8. You're done! You can now hang up your hammock between 2 strong trees or any other secure setup.
Hopefully, your hammock's turned out as lovely as Stitch's did, and you hope as I do that Stitch made it home safely. On that note, your friendly little dragon will see you next month with a new theme and adventure.
For more information on this project, you can find the full details HERE.