House Projects | By Katie.
Hi -
Surprise, this is going to be a shared blog! Thom can't have all of the fun. It has been years since I have posted on my personal blog, which I long ago deactivated. Modstead is a shared place for both Thom and I to share our adventures, projects, and small moments. Maybe Thom more frequently, but I will do my best.
My current focus is on backdating some projects I feel particularly invested in from our first year in this house.
One of my favorite personal contributions was a mosquito screen for our ginormous sliding back door. There was never a screen on this door when we moved in. Looking for a simple replacement, was not as simple as ordering a specified size from screen doors dotcom. In fact, nowhere did this screen size exist in my (what I consider) savvy internet search skills. Next best thing ismaking sewing a custom screen. Since I was making the screen custom, I went all out and made a screen that not only kept the bugs out, but functional for our household
The highlights:
-The opening is not centered.
The door is so large that you have to open a considerable amount to get to the halfway point, we nearly never do this, so I left the opening a foot from the latch.
-The toddler.
Sefton needed to be able to come in/out to his short ability. Magnet closures was the solution! (Bonus: we had heavy duty magnets from our former house) He can push his way in and out without needing to leave it open, or come running each time he wants to enter/exit.
-Ease of opening/closing.
Obviously a screen is there so you can keep the door open to the outside without letting the bugs in. This is less easy when trying to cook a meal outside on the grill. With the magnetic closures, you never need a free hand to open or close the screen, nor do you have to keep it open for any time while gathering items, it simple re-closes itself after you move through.
-Seasonal.
We attached the screen to do the door using strong velcro. In the off-bug season, we can take the screen down, fold it, and store with the rest of our summer month stored items. This keeps it clean, and less likely to get holes in the long run.
All in all, I'm proud of my work, my sewing machine, and the fact that this was probably also way cheaper than just buying a replacement screen. Not that this was an option, but I imagine it was.
Also - the best part. My husband shows off.
One of my favorite personal contributions was a mosquito screen for our ginormous sliding back door. There was never a screen on this door when we moved in. Looking for a simple replacement, was not as simple as ordering a specified size from screen doors dotcom. In fact, nowhere did this screen size exist in my (what I consider) savvy internet search skills. Next best thing is
The highlights:
-The opening is not centered.
The door is so large that you have to open a considerable amount to get to the halfway point, we nearly never do this, so I left the opening a foot from the latch.
-The toddler.
Sefton needed to be able to come in/out to his short ability. Magnet closures was the solution! (Bonus: we had heavy duty magnets from our former house) He can push his way in and out without needing to leave it open, or come running each time he wants to enter/exit.
-Ease of opening/closing.
Obviously a screen is there so you can keep the door open to the outside without letting the bugs in. This is less easy when trying to cook a meal outside on the grill. With the magnetic closures, you never need a free hand to open or close the screen, nor do you have to keep it open for any time while gathering items, it simple re-closes itself after you move through.
-Seasonal.
We attached the screen to do the door using strong velcro. In the off-bug season, we can take the screen down, fold it, and store with the rest of our summer month stored items. This keeps it clean, and less likely to get holes in the long run.
All in all, I'm proud of my work, my sewing machine, and the fact that this was probably also way cheaper than just buying a replacement screen. Not that this was an option, but I imagine it was.
Also - the best part. My husband shows off.
