So, now that I have my hammock rocking out with the Whoopie Sling suspension, it is time that I figure out what to do about all these dang bugs we have!
So, in my search to find a solution to deal with the bugs, I came across the Bug Sock which Randy Smith (AKA: Papa Smurf) features on his site: mydiygear.com. Not only does Randy offer these Bug Socks for sale (made in your choice of materials: Tulle, Noseeum, or Nanoseeum), but just as the name of Randy’s site implies, he also offers instructions so that anyone can make their own. So, this is just what I did…
Of the 3 materials that Randy list’s on his site, the Tulle seems to be the lightest per square yard. However, I was unsure as to exactly what this was, so I searched the net for what Tulle actually is. What I found was that it is a very fine netting that is used in clothing items such as veils, gowns and ballet tutus. Then, after reading this, I went to Wal-Mart to browse through the fabric, and sure enough, I found some Tulle, and for only $1.27/sq yd! So, I purchased a few yards, came home and began making my own bug sock…
Cutting out the pattern...
Sewing the Tulle...
- DIY is great…
So, once I got the Bug Sock all sewn up, of course I had to make sure that it worked. And who better than my daughter to help me test it out…
- DIY Bug Sock Testing
Bug Sock ~ Cinched Head End
There are a few differences between the Bug Sock that I made and the Bug Sock that Randy sells. In the directions found on his site, he calls for some ribbon to help reinforce the edges, particularly at the foot end and then at the head end where the cord exits the Bug Sock and is cinched closed. I did not have any ribbon, so instead, I used some scrap ripstop nylon to reinforce the foot end, and I did not use anything to reinforce where the cinch cord exits the Bug Sock at the head end. So far I think that it will work fine, but only time will tell…
Also, Randy suggests using a mitten hook at the cinch on the head end of the Bug Sock. I imagine that this mitten hook will help keep the bug sock centered along the hammock’s ridge line, as well as help to keep the Bug Sock pulled slightly taut along the length of the hammock. Unfortunately, I did not have any of these that I was not using, so again, I did not include this on my version either. The last thing worth mentioning is that I used some of Lawson Kline’s Glowire for the cinch cord at the head end. I figure the Glowire will improve visibility at night.
So, after I finished the Bug Sock, I dug out a DIY ripstop nylon stuff sack I made quite a while back that just so happened to be a good size for the Bug Sock. Once I stuffed the Bug Sock into the stuff sack I set it on the scales… 2.4 oz was the verdict. Even though Randy’s version is slightly less weight than this, I am still super happy with the overall results of my DIY Bug Sock…
Thanks for reading!
~Stick~
