Getting all the correct angles for the studwall was complicated. We had a line stretched to take the measurements from, but stringlines blow in the wind, no matter how tightly you try to stretch them. We got them cut, though, and erected. Given the wind here, studs CANNOT be left to stand free. They must be strapped to a solid object — in this case, one or more of the support posts. The overlong diagonal brace in the above photo is temporary — just to make being up at the top of the wall less dangerous

Having the end walls framed up makes this much more a BUILDING than merely a structure. It also feels considerably safer to be upstairs than it did before.

I am a very short person. I hit 5′ in my shoes. Most of the time, this is a nonissue. I am tall enough to do most anything I need to, and my personality is big enough that most people don’t realize I am as small as I am until they’re standing right beside me. For this build though, I feel my lack of inches. My poor husband is afraid of heights, but he has had to do all of the tallest work, because even with the ladders, I just can’t reach.

We didnt manage to entirely complete the strapping in this one day, but almost. Good progress all the same. The loft door is also framed in at this point. It’s coming along.