I just love a challenge... one that involves figuring something out with the end result being something useful.
Several years ago, we got our kids a trampoline. One of those small ones, only big enough for one person, that can be used indoors. Since we have girls, I never worried about super-crazy dangerous stunts being performed. And the trampoline has seen a lot of use. What a wonderful way to get out excess energy, especially if the timing or weather are not perfect for going outdoors.
However, this trampoline came with a plastic edge/spring protection cover. I thought it looked robust, but after several years of use, the plastic started ripping. And then it start ripping a lot. And then the kids helped it rip a bit more. Eventually it was in such tatters, that even duck tape couldn't repair it. So I had to temporarily retire the trampoline until I came up with a fix. The girls missed it. A lot. What a perfect impetus to get a problem resolved quickly.
The other day, when our local fabric store had duck canvas on sale, I decided now was the time to do the repair work on it.
I started the process by removing the cover from the trampoline and using a seam-ripper to undo the seams. I decided to reuse the elastic bands (which were in perfect condition) for the new cover. I used a tape measure to get general measurements of the fabric and figure out how much I would need to buy. Here is a picture of the "mess" I had to work with:
I bought two yards of the duck cloth and some thin foam material (to be used as padding). I also purchased some contrasting thread, extra thick (labeled as "outdoor" thread). I knew it would be getting a lot of wear and needed to be extra strong.
Because I planned on putting padding on this cover, I decided the design should be a "sleeve", ensuring the foam would not touch the springs and wear out because of it. I also decided to not untie the elastic, but rather sewed it into the casing as it was. I'll admit that I ended up having to rip out a seam at one point because I had mis-calculated the construction of the project. But I was able to salvage it fairly easily. And I'm so happy with the results. The kids are particularly happy with my color choice. And so am I!
As you can see, I chose to use a buttonhole stitch around the holes where the legs go. It may not look perfect, but I think it solves the problem perfectly.
Doesn't the thread color look nice against that blue?
