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Video Quick Buying Guide for Hammocks

November 12th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

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Confused by the different types of hammocks on the market? Need help picking the perfect one for you? Hammocks.com has a great little video that shows the different types of hammocks available, as well as a chart with a comparison of styles and the benefits for each. Care tips are also featured on the page. So if you’re wondering about spreader-bar versus non-spreader bar hammocks like the Mayan style, camping hammocks and poolside hammocks, check it out. What, too cold to talk about hammocks you say? That’s why you have quilted hammocks (see example at left). And there’s no reason you can’t have (space permitting) an indoor hammock in the den, or even a hammock chair in the bedroom. Hammocks aren’t just for summer anymore….

Video Buying Guide for Hammocks

Wooden Hammock Stands Recalled by Pottery Barn

October 2nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Pottery Barn Inc. and the US Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced yesterday a recall of 30,000 Chinese-manufactured wooden hammock stands. It seem that when the stands are used outdoors, the wood can deteriorate over time and break, resulting in falls, lacerations, and in one instance fractured ribs.  There have been 50 reports of the stands breaking, with 12 incidents of injury. OW! Not good!

The wooden hammock stands measure about 154 ½ inches long by 53 ½ inches in height by 53 inches in width. There are two black metal brackets on the base and on the arms of the hammock stand. The stands were sold from the Pottery Barn’s catalog and Web site from March 2003 through July 2008 for about $300. All Pottery Barn two pole wooden hammock stands sold from 2003 through 2008 are included in this recall.

Now if you or someone you know bought one of these wood hammock stands, Pottery Barn wants you to remove and save the two top side metal brackets of the hammock stand (circled in red on the photo at left) and throw out the remaining portion of the hammock stand. Do save your hammock - I assume it’s something you may still want. ;-) Then, contact Pottery Barn to schedule a free pickup of the brackets and to receive a merchandise credit for the amount of the stand. If you have any questions or need additional info about the recall contact Pottery Barn toll-free at (888) 942-9245 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.potterybarn.com/content/shop/recall/index.cfm (link will take you to the company’s hammock stand recall page).

If you need a new hammock stand check out our articles on how to choose hammock stands, buying discounted hammock stands, and our feature of the beautiful Roman Arc hammock stand.  If you’re a DIY’er, check out this wooden hammock stand kit.

A Heavenly Hammock: Instructions To Make a Hammock Yourself

August 22nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

A while back I wrote a post on hammock patterns for those interested in making their own hammock. That has got to be the number one most-read post on this blog. I really admire all you crafty do-it-yourselfers! Here’s another link to a vintage article, again courtesy of the venerable Mother Earth News circa 1982, on tying your own hammock using common knots. It’s illustrated and shows you how to weave or net the hammock using a shuttle. There’s lots of detail on materials, and the hammock can be sized for one or two persons. Again, I warn that I haven’t tried the pattern myself and cannot make any warranty or guarantee of suitability. But if you’re looking for instructions on how to make a hammock yourself, you may want to check this one out.

Hammocks With Mosquito Net Are A Great Idea

July 25th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

If like me you live in an area where mosquitos, gnats and no-see-ums are legion, you’ll appreciate a hammock with a mosquito net. Nothing ruins a great afternoon like these pests. I buy bottles of Off! mosquito repellant like crazy ’cause I’m allergic to the stings; the bites blow up like balloons on my arms and legs, and HURT, not just itch. There are mosquito nets that you can buy separately as an add-on to your existing hammock; but they’re not too well made, may not enclose your hammock fully (meaning bugs will still get in) and look kinda, well, cheap. Your best bet is to buy a camping hammock that has the mosquito net built into it.  That way you know that the whole thing fits together well and that there are no gaps where a stray pest can get in.

I like this model - Hammock Bliss’ No See ‘Um No More - because it features very fine mosquito netting with 2100 holes per square inch - meaning that nothing, not even the tinest sandfly, will invite itself in. The netting is attached the full length of the hammock. Double pull zippers inside and out make it easy to get in and out. As a camping hammock, it’s quick-drying for outdoor use and lightweight. And at well under $100 at this writing, the price is right. Available at Amazon.com. If you need tips for hanging your hammock outside, check out this post. Don’t let the ’skeeters beat you out of a relaxing afternoon in the hammock. Hammocks with a mosquito net will help you take back your yard.

Cushioned Single Swing Hammock Chair - By Pawley’s Island Hammock Co.

July 15th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

In summer, simple things mean much. Just to relax under trees in my rope hammock, enjoying the steamy Georgia air (hey, I’m from the South - I grew up in this stuff and am very used to it), listening to the birds and sipping sweet tea…this is the life. Now that I have a great new notebook computer, I can get out and enjoy the weather while working (well…kinda, sorta working…).

So while perusing the web in my outdoor nirvana I spied this lovely cushioned single swing hammock chair. Made by the Original Pawley’s Island Hammock Company, the chair is made from fade- and weather-resistant quick dry DuraCord fabric and features a solid oak spreader bar and rust-resistant zinc hardware. This swing hammock chair is built to last a long time outdoors. There’s no fancy frills here - it’s just a great hammock chair with cushions that you can hang outdoors with no fear of the weather and swing away in. If you’re hammock challenged (you know who you are), a hammock chair is easy to get in and out of and they’re just as relaxing. There are three other fabric patterns available - I just happen to like the herringbone pattern of this one from the Hideaway Collection. You can grab it at internet retailer Every Hammock.com. Do a search on “Pawley’s Island hammock chair” to see all the styles. And from now through Saturday July 18th  Friday August 1st, shipping is free! So if you’d like to buy a quality hammock chair for yourself to sit outdoors and sip your fave beverage, check out the cushioned single swing hammock chair - by Pawley’s Island.

UPDATE: Free shipping has been extended through August 1st. Don’t miss out on the deal!

Double Hammocks for Sale at Hammocks.Com

June 18th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Hammocks.com is having its annual outdoor clearance event at this writing, with lots of double hammocks for sale as well as single hammocks, hammock swings, hammock chairs, camping hammocks and hammock stands at reduced prices.  Shipping is also discounted on many items as well.

If you’re interested in double hammocks, might I suggest that you look into Mayan, Brazilian and Nicaraguan styles as well as the traditional style rope hammock with spreader bars. Many, if not most of the Mayan hammocks hold two or more people; and you can read our previous post about them here. The Nicaraguan hammocks (example pictured at above right) come in double sizes and are particularly beautiful and unique with their hand-crocheted fringe. They feature a somewhat tighter weave than Mayan hammocks, while still allowing cool breezes to pass through the hammock bed.

Summer officially starts this weekend. Why not start it right with a new 2-person hammock that you and your loved one can share together?  Check out Hammock.com’s selection of double hammocks and hammock-and-stand packages and take advantage of the sale discounts while they last. Try searching on the term “double hammocks” there and you will get a nice selection. You just might find a great deal on those double hammocks for sale.