Hammocks from Hammock Heaven.co.uk

Pick, spin, bundle, dye, dry, wind, weave, sew, decorate, pack, monitor. Over a dozen work stages are involved in making each high-quality AMAZONAS Hammock in the traditional way from picked cotton. Making hammocks by hand has a long tradition in Brazil, particularly in the North East of the country, where it is still practised and carefully nurtured to this day:

1. The cotton is first picked and spun by hand.

2. Around 3,500-4,500 threads of the correct length need to be counted off into bundles for each hammock .

3. These bundles are coloured with high-quality dyes, which are especially selected for their compatibility with health and are obtained directly from European manufacturers.

4. The dyed threads are dried in the fresh air. Then comes the trickiest part: The threads must be wound onto the roll on the web stand in the correct pattern without becoming tangled.

5. The web stand foreman, a highly-respected position, sets up the web stand accordingly. Up to 4,500 longitudinal threads must be knotted exactly. He requires a whole day for this.

6. At the same time, the spindles for the cross threads are wound on with the correctly dyed threads.

7. A good weaver produces around 10 hammocks a day on one web stand.

8. The head and feet ends of each hammock are plaited, twisted and sewn by further specialists. Some models still need to be decorated with the Macramé veranda (fringe edging).

9. Whilst this is going on, the suspension cords are plaited from the same cotton threads using the traditional crochet apparatus.

10. The cords are cut to the right length, carefully bound by hand to the almost completed hammock and the suspension ties are given extra reinforcement.

11. The seamstresses have finished sewing the sack in the meantime.

12. The hammock is checked for the last time to ensure that it is clean and in perfect condition, it is then folded together and can begin its journey into the wide world.

The majority of the work stages are so complicated that they require an adult with several years training an experience. We nevertheless make on-the-spot inspections to ensure that no child labour is used.

In 19th century Britain the prison system incorporated the hammock as their standard sleeping apparatus because of its space saving qualities. The large brass hammock loop ends were hung over two large hooks securely fastened to opposing walls and could be taken down and folded up or hung off one hook for storage to create instant space {a technique commonly used today indoors}. However, when the inmates realized what sweet little weapons the brass rings made, the wardens got rid of them.
In the 18th century hammocks in North America were still considered a novelty. Most hammocks were narrow with wood staves and demanded agility and balance. It wasn't until the 1880's, thanks in part to a wider version, that the hammock became popular in North America. Today, approximately 500,000 - 2,000,000 hammocks are sold yearly in North America to siesta seeking consumers. World wide over 100 million people use hammocks as beds or furniture everyday, including Africa, China, Philippines, South Pacific, and of course, Central and South America.

The hammock has definitely earned its "space" in the annals of history and definitely a place somewhere in our life today ~ indoors or out ~ and will continue to play a significant role in relaxation and leisure into the distant future.

Enjoy your own Hammock! As summer approaches and the temperature begins to rise and stabilize at a comfortable level, North Americans' innate instinct for leisure time activity kicks into full gear. Among the many favorite summertime traditions commonly encountered in our culture is the inaugural stringing up of the family hammock ~ the quintessential representation of leisure time itself! While signifying relaxation and pleasure, it is often relegated as a "reward" for accomplishing less appealing activities like mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, or repainting the fence. For many hammock aficionados, procrastination naturally becomes a way of life!........So do yourself a favor and 'swing' into summer with your own 'Dangerously Comfortable' Hammock.

Sit with your back to the hammock, as if you are about to sit on a chair. Reach behind you and spread out the hammock before sitting. This ensure you make full use of the space and your weigth is distribuited evenly. Now sit down and lay back NEVER climb in feet first.

Swing your legs over the side and sit up. Then standing hold the edges of the hammock and push yourself up and off.

The most comfortable way is at an angle, this allows you to lie flat with better distribution of weight, lessening tension, and supporting your back for complete comfort. Some of the wide hammocks (Yucatan and Maya) are best when lying across the center Double hammocks can sit two people in a variety of positions. You can experiment and find your favorite.

INSIDE THE HOUSE, on porch: Hang hammock from wall studs or ceiling beams. Find center of stud or beam and with a power drill screw in hooks. Then hang hammock. You can use a rope to compensate the extra distance.

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE: Use side of house or garage. You can use strong fence post, and plant your own post across from it. You may also use available trees, or one tree and one post.
If there are'nt trees or usable walls, place two posts the correct distance apart and hang your hammock between them. Post must be 8 ft long and holes dug 2-3 ft deep so posts stand above grounds 5-6 ft. Use cement to secure.
From trees: Use hooks if trees can take them without damages; or tie rope around trunk or strong branch.

SAIL BOATS: May be used on boat. (i.e. hung from mast to forestay)

If you have any other questions , please contact us : mail@hammockheaven.co.uk