It took a bit longer than expected, but I was finally able to complete my 4'x4' scrim/flag frame and fabrics. Wanting to save money over the road rag options meant getting a bit of help with the sewing. Frame was easy, square tubing, right angle connectors and flip-flop ear connectors. Fabric was sourced from my local fabric store. Stretchy white fabric works great, but is much more difficult to attach than standard (non-stretchy) muslin. I also bought some heavy black cloth for the flag. Finding a good seamstress was key, as was finding a good glue that would work with aluminum and velcro.

Huge thanks goes out to the DIY tutorial by Ryan Walters: Tutorials & Tips From Ryan E. Walters (http://www.ryanewalters.com/Blog/blog.php?id=3751543960123603911)

Before/after results can be seen in the pic.

Great job. DIY can save a lot of money plus you can make it custom for your needs.

Thanks Tim. I do have a better appreciation or Scrim Jim's (and the like), as quality work and materials are not cheap.

Your right, this space is a bit expensive. I made a 4x4 overhead butterfly for outdoor interviews out of PVC and sheer fabric from Joanne Fabrics for about $10 excluding the $30 clamp. It is not as good looking as yours but I like how I can tear it down easily and fit it into a small diameter soft case.

Good job Oren, we rent the same size here watching out for any wind gusts, they can startle the talent and get you some expletives :)

We also note Ryan advises '** I DO NOT recommend building anything larger then an 8x8 frame using this method. If you need a larger frame,
rent or buy the real thing. If you build anything larger then an 8x8 frame, there is a good possibility that it will not be structurally safe'

Cheers.

Thanks for the advice Allan. I don't plan on going larger than 4x4. For my needs, that is just fine. For windier conditions, I would probably use a 2nd C-stand or figure out an alternative. Audio is a pain during windy conditions anyway.

That looks really good.

Nice! Can you tell us how much you spent on material and how that compares to purchasing the same size one ready made?

I cut the cost down a bit by ordering enough material for 2 frames, on which went to my colleague. This cut the shipping fees down by 1/2. I would have to look back through my invoices, but I believe the material costs came in at around $140, including white fabric and black fabric,
$60 for frame tubes and connectors.
$45 for flip-flop ears (you can get away with using one when there is no wind).
$15 fabric
$20 sew-on velcro (20 yards worth). A friend did the sewing for me.

A smaller 42"x42" Wescott Scrim Jim kit runs $218 at B&H

you can buy REAL 1X1 1/8" wall aluminum tube at a local metal supplier. they will cut to length. cost is about .50/ft or $8 to have the real stuff. haven't found a cheap source of corners yet that are metal & like the matthews which are wildly over priced when you need a couple sets. their ears are garbage for what they charge.

Nice. I did a project a while that involved me paying $40 to a seamstress to sew about 3 yards of velcro onto a garmet. I wouldn't be surprised if paying minimum wage for the sewing would easily bring the cost back up to that of the commercial product.

>$20 sew-on velcro (20 yards worth). A friend did the sewing for me.