Kitebuilder.com - Fly... with a little help from your friends.

[Fore Check]

Anyone wanna build a kite?



When I was "encouraged" to apply to teach a workshop class at the upcoming Ft Worden Kitemakers' Conference, I thought - "Ok, I'll design something, apply, and see what happens."

Here's the concept drawing I came up with. It's a "Simonized" ( ) version of a Steiff Roloplan:



I was honored to have my teacher application accepted, so I went about building the kite, and I'm very, very pleased with the result!



The kite is a high-angle, firm-pulling, very stable, and unique-looking piece that is probably a more "advanced" kite, but I'm pretty sure we can get it done in the time allotted because the construction is fairly simple. It will give me an opportunity to show my bread-and-butter building techniques, discuss several aspects of kite design (from my perspective) with interested participants, and give students a cool kite in the process.

The long tassel tails are a fun touch, at least in my book. They dampen the flutter and rustle of the integrated banner tail and add a little sumthin' to the look with all that rigging that it has.

I say it's probably a more advanced kite simply because of the rigging; quite a few knots to tie there. But not hard, just takes a little time. Also, they offer a lot of opportunity and options for tuning the kite if leans one way or the other or to adapt to wind conditions. That said: There's another side to the coin - if they're not set correctly, there's an opportunity for them to cause leaning issues themselves. I proved to myself that this is easily overcame with a ruler/tape measure and making sure things are even before the first flight (not difficult) and mine flew great right off the bat.



Check out www.Kitemakers.org for details on the Conference and all of the classes being offered by the all-star cast of teachers - something for everyone! Our own Powder Pig (Ron Bohart) will be leading a class on applique; "dpb" (Dave Butler) and his wife will be doing a painted Ohashi class; and many others.

Good times....
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Simon

Discovering Something that Doesn't Exist...

Radix Lecti Rex

[powder_pig]

Simon, I really hope to be able to see what you are doing in your class. I have seen many of your wonderful kites up close but have never seen the way you construct. I hope I get the opportunity to see the intricacies in March. Looking forward to hanging with you and Dave...and others.
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Ron

It's sunny and windy in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter...this must be what heaven is like.

[robkite]

Pretty nice, Registration for Ft Worden will be opening up around November 2nd or 3rd. If you're not on on our mailing list go to http://www.kitemakers.org/ and send a note to the E-mail at the bottom of the opening page and you'll get first notification when the registration forms are available for download, other wise watch this space.

Oh and if you want a novice sized challenge than I'm teaching also!



Rob
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Robkite
Rob Pratt

Ft Worden Kitemaker conference web site: www.kitemakers.org

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

[powder_pig]

This kite will also be taught at Fort Worden:



Join us at Fort Worden on March 14 - 17 for a great weekend of fun and kite building experience.

I will be presenting a class on advanced applique techniques that include building and sewing a 40" X 33" ROK with the likeness of your favorite person, wife, husband, child, grand child or pet.

I will help you enjoy the wonderful world of applique by showing you how to take a photograph and separating it into a pattern that you will be able to applique. I will show you how to dye your white rip stop the color you are missing. I will show you how to keep your applique scissors razor (razor) sharp. You will leave the class knowing about the amazing trick of ironing your rip stop nylon fabric (it's easier than you think). It sets the dye and to removes those cranky creases.

Pattern...how it's done with a computer and without. When and how to hot tack, when and how to use spray adhesive, how to fix a boo-boo (skipped stitch or *darn, I forgot to put the foot down*), how to start and stop a closed applique circle.

These and other techniques will be experienced up-close-and-personal and you exit the class with a masterpiece of your imagination that will fly with the clouds.

Fort Worden: March 14 - 17, 21013.

Don't miss out!
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Ron

It's sunny and windy in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter...this must be what heaven is like.

[TBHinPhilly]

So Ron's going to give away all the secrets in one class. That's generous and ambitious. I may have to haul myself to the west coast.
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Ben