riffclown

All the sewing is done. Framing and Bridling remain. I'll have to wait for my endcaps to arrive or take parts from another kite.

Time for corner work, edge binding and attachment to the Leading Edge. Hopefully if I can find enough endcaps to finish, this kite will be ready for the weekend.

In this particular case I use a straight stitch on the edge binding and double stitch the edge binding. I also add my reinforcements to the corners. I use the 3 step zig zag on the strip hems simply because it allows for fabric changes over time and keeps the crease flatter. If you look closely, Eliot does the same. My original mesh is still my goto when winds offer the choice of flying the kite or flying the beach chair..

I'm not using anything special.Just a simple single fold/crease and a regular foot using a 3 step zig-zag stitch. I've never used a walking foot, hemming foot or any special attachments.

I figured out a way to very consistently fold the Icarex to get a sharp crease to sew. It haven't needed any basting tape to hem the edges either. As for the center, I'll probably do a center panel. Haven't fully decided yet but that's how I'm leaning so far. Trying to keep it very repeatable in case I decide to make this part of a stack. I learned a lot from the G-Kite tails but their width was becoming erratic (especially with the transition tails) and they were stretching over time. The variable width is fine for a tail but not so much when you are trying to balance a mesh sail made from them. I learned a lot from building with those but I decided to start folding my own strips. The Snowflake and Black Widow meshes I made were the PolyMax and the technique I figured out transfers to Icarex very well.

Now to figure out the center panel and finish fabricating.

Started laying out a plan today. First one is going to be a mesh. Using Purple, Black, Charcoal, Silver and White for this one. Regular basket weave over the gray fade. Not sure if I'll stack these or not but this seemed a good place to start. I've been waiting on inspiration to start these kites. Decided to start with what I already had cut and go from there.. It may be time for a spectrum mesh stack.

And Gross again!! Whoop!! Here's to the next 24 kites.

M-A-Y-B-E??

Started my day by making 8 LE sleeves for 72" sails. Waiting for inspiration on what these kites will be..

View Advert Rainbow Vented Pair #55 & #56 These riffclown diamonds vented kites are available for a new home. Skyshark Camo Frames $300 each or $500 for the pair (Price Adjusted for the Pair) (add 5% for paypal) US Only Please Build Thread Advertiser riffclown Date 01/04/2021 Price $500 Category Kites (Quad Line) Brand riffclown Model diamonds vented  

DONE!!!

Edge Binding, wear Strips and Framing remain..

Thank you. I agree with Mirror. If these kites ever get flown in a pairs routine the mirror would look pretty cool LE to LE. LE is now attached. Will finish this kite tomorrow..

While checking my second Rainbow Sail, I caught a glimpse of some very pretty colors when the fabric doubled up on me. I maximized the effect here to share. While this will never be a kite this way due to needing two layers for everything, it's still a very cool color play that I thought I'd share with you.

While working on the second Rainbow vented, I have come to a decision point. Should I place the Red on the right to mirror the other sail? OR Should I place the red on the left making it appear very similar to the first one? FWIW, Even if I do place red on the left it will not be identical due to the way the venting and patterns will offset.

Winds 15-20 with gusts up to 35.

Bridle Test Went Well. This kite is ready to play.

Went with Red and Purple wear strips to blend with the sail better.. LE is White, Edge Binding is Black. Only framing remains.. Kite will be finished today.