Protect your Vintage Trailer Awning Fringe From Fading

I have been extremely busy making vintage trailer awnings. I really haven't had much of a chance to update my Blog. The waiting list for an awning is now down from seven to four. I have been averaging two awnings a week, working non stop! My new fabric that arrived early in May, has been very popular. Frequent requests for fringe to be added to the awning valance have been coming in. So, I finally purchased a few colors of fringe to try out. I have been hesitant to add fringe, due to my concerns about the fringe fading, bleeding, and deteriorating, do to sun and rain exposure. However, I discovered that there is a UV protectant spray for fabrics that also contains a water repellant. So for those of you who decide on vintage trailer awning fringe, I would protect your investment with this  simple precaution. Attached is a picture of  one example, but there are many to chose from.

 

New Order Of Marine Grade Awning Fabric Is On It's Way!

Just as my inventory of vintage trailer awning fabric was dwindling down, I was given the opportunity to purchase some more first quality, overstocks and discontinued patterns. This time instead of Dickson or Sunbrella, it is Outdura striped marine grade awning fabric, which is also 100% acrylic, 47" wide, resistant to rain, fade, stain, tears, chemicals, mildew, rot, and provides UV protection. 
As usual a PayPal payment reserves the pattern and the next place in line for an awning.
Update: Do to the popularity of Southport Cork and Carlisle Cedar, I have already ordered more rolls of fabric. I also added Summerton Garden to the pattern selections.
Fall 2013 Sattler Awning Fabric has arrived for more selections of awning fabric patterns.

https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/VintageTrailerAwningsByKristiNewFabricSelectionsForMay2013#slideshow/5873784508653960994

9674 Summerton Garden
Enough for a medium sized awning left

9763 Southport Cork

9600 Arcadia Skipper SOLD

9603 Arcadia Classic

9772 Summerton Baltic
More available 11-2013

9744 Laurel Bay Nickel

9740 Laurel Bay Admiral
More available 10-2013

9773 Summerton Aspen
10' awning

9731 Edgewood Palm

9760 Southport Coffee

9771 Summerton Coin SOLD OUT

9620 Carlisle Cedar

 

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15 year old Dutch Puppy and Sammy the Cat both go camping with us!

dfoster@bellsouth.net
http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings
http://www.vintageawning.blogspot.com

The Airstream Club and Vintage Trailer Rally Pictures

Click the link to see the pictures from The Airstream Club and Vintage Trailer Rally at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia.
https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/TheAirstreamClubAndVintageTrailerRallyAtStoneMountainParkInGeorgiaApril2013#slideshow/5869656453230307058



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The Weekend Camping Awning

When you only have a weekend to go camping, and you don't want to spend the time or effort to set up a 12 foot awning, how about having a smaller weekend awning? This is just a 5' x 5' vintage trailer awning, arched up with shock poles.



dfoster@bellsouth.net

dfoster@bellsouth.net

http://www.vintageawnings.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings  
dfoster@bellsouth.net


 

How To Install An Awning Rail On Your Vintage Travel Trailer




      How To Install A C-Channel Awning Rail On Your Vintage Trailer
1) Clean off and dry, the area where the awning rail will be placed.
2) Measure and mark, equal distances on the awning rail, for screw hole placement. For example, on a 5' rail, the screw holes were placed 9  3/4" apart.
3)Decide what size of 1" screws you will be using to attach the rail and then pick the drill bit accordingly.
4) Choose screws that will not rust out in the weather.
5) Rest your awning rail over the seats of several chairs. You will need someone to help hold the rail steady on both sides of the area to be drilled. Center the mark to be drilled between the seats of the chairs. Start and stop the drill, just to get an indent for the drill bit to hold steady. Now you should feel confident to proceed.
6)Once all of the holes are drilled, place a strip of putty tape on the back side of the awning rail.
7)Place the awning on the trailer. Starting with the outside screw holes first, drill one hole at a time into the trailer then twist in the screw. Proceed to the other end of the rail and repeat. Next, I would  make the centermost hole and place the screw. Continue on until the entire rail is screwed in place.
8)Make a bead along the top of the awning rail with 100% silicone rubber sealant. Be sure to select the clear, outdoor variety. Using a protective glove, run your finger along the bead to flatten it out along the rail. This will give a watertight, flexible seal.
9)Spray a dry lubricant, such as Blaster, into the c-channel.
10) Leave the rail to dry overnight before installing the awning.

Supplies:
Cleaning supplies and paper towels
Awning rail with a 3/8" diameter c-channel
Power drill
drill bit
1" weatherproof screws
Phillips or flathead screw driver
Clear silicone outdoor rubber sealant
Putty tape, length and width of flange on awning rail
Fine point magic marker
Measuring tape
Chairs or sawhorses
Blaster dry lube
A friend to help

https://rochfordsupply.com/shop/Boating_and_Marine/Awning_Rail/index.html
  



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http://vintageawning.blogspot.com





Trying Out My Vintage Trailer Front Window Awning Framework Today

Yesterday, I installed a 5' white awning rail above the front window on my Tag-A-Long camping trailer. The  awning rail has a 3/8" diameter c-channel, which is the correct diameter for the vinyl welt or fabric covered marine grade cord, that comes on my vintage trailer awnings. So, I let the clear adhesive, on the top edge of the awning rail, dry for a day before trying out my window awning. There is a pretty brisk breeze today, and I wanted to see what the window awning would do, on the new framework that I created. Everything seems to be working fine and it has been on the trailer for about four hours now. The Sunbrella window awning is 5'4", which is as wide as I would put on a 5' rail. I was only able to purchase the rail in 60" sections. My experiment seems to be a success.

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The Early Bird Gets The Worm

As usual for this time of year, there is a waiting line, for custom vintage trailer awning orders. I know this information is disappointing for new customers to discover. It seems like everyone is trying to have a vintage trailer awning made in time for an upcoming Spring rally. Let me remind you, that I have a very small, home based business, with one employee which is me. There is not a warehouse, a factory, an assembly line, or illegals in a sweatshop; it's just me sewing a handmade camper awning especially for you. I am presently working on the 30th awning order for 2015. If you do not have a deadline for an awning, I am still taking custom awning orders. Payment reserves the fabric of choice, from my inventory, and the next place in line for a vintage trailer awning. This link will show you the 2015 patterns, that I am still unloading. Inquire at dfoster@bellsouth.net with your awning rail length, because there are other patterns available for small awnings. https://plus.google.com/photos/102508300905463390757/albums/6126641495297701185?banner=pwa

PayPal, a personal check, or a postal money order are all acceptable forms of payment. I am getting excited about attending several springtime rallies also, and looking forward to using the new rock guard awning that matches the vintage trailer awning, that I made for myself last Fall.

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http://www.facebook.com/kristi.foster.161

Framework For A Vintage Trailer Front Window Awning

I have regularly been making rock guard awnings, but sometimes vintage trailers don't come equipped with protective rock guards to use as a support for an awning. So, I decided to create a framework for a vintage trailer front window awning. Keeping in mind the expense of shipping such a framework, I have been experimenting with different concepts in design, construction, and assembly. I am excited to say that my original idea actually worked!
  http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings is my new facebook page.Do you LIKE?

It's The Airstream Club ( TAC) Rally Reservation Time Already!

Stone Mountain

Spring 2013 Vintage Trailer Awning Fabric Has Arrived!



The New Vintage Trailer Awning Fabric has Arrived and is Riding in Style in the back of our '67 XL Ranchero

Click the slideshow to see the new vintage trailer awning fabric rolls and fabric in more detail.
https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/Spring2013VintageTrailerAwningFabric#slideshow/5836015428926252594


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Spring 2013 Rolls of Marine Grade Awning Fabric Have Arrived for a new custom vintage trailer awning by Kristi

Fern Graduated Stripe
Sand Stripe (SOLD OUT)
Pacific Blue/Natural
Teal/Natural
Sapphire/Taupe/Cadet Grey (SOLD OUT)
Ashburn Forest
Aspen/Antique Beige Block Stripe

 

I Started a Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi Facebook Page

 

I have been working on several Facebook pages, over the last couple of weeks. Facebook is a new challenge for me, but many of you have been using it for years. So, for 2013, I have added this new marketing tool, to my Vintage Trailer Awnings Blog. If you regularly use Facebook, instead of clicking Add Friend choose Follow, on my Kristi Foster Facebook page.Thanks for following my Facebook updates and be sure to use Like. https://www.facebook.com/kristi.foster.161
Also visit https://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings which is my small business Facebook page. It is a quick reference for ordering a custom Vintage Trailer Awning by Kristi with up to date marine grade awning fabric selections. My newest page is a gallery of vintage trailers, with some displaying my Vintage Trailer Awnings. The intent is for visitors to help me identify the make and year of the trailers, and then reply in the comment section. If you distinguish the vintage trailer to be your own, feel free to elaborate with more details. After 50 LIKES, I will have a Facebook address, but for now search in the Facebook box for Vintage Trailer Awning by Kristi.

I am back to work again, and  have already completed my first two custom vintage trailer awnings for 2013. My dining room table was cleared of fabric for November and December, while we celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, and an engagement on Christmas Eve. The new vintage trailer awnings pictured on my buffet are now boxed and out in the mail, just in time for me to start working on
the next two custom awning orders that came in yesterday. I guess vacation is over!

My New Vintage Trailer Awning

Frequent visitors to my Vintage Awnings blog know that each November is when inventory and sewing machine maintenance is completed. I  also take the time to reclaim my dining room for the holidays, because every available surface has been buried in marine grade awning fabric for months on end! This year, I finally decided to make myself a new vintage trailer awning, from some leftover inventory of Dickson awning material. A matching Rock Guard awning is also in the works. As I  prepare my home for a Thanksgiving Day celebration, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for another extremely busy vintage trailer awning making season. Happy Thanksgiving!

My New Vintage Trailer Awning
dfoster@bellsouth.net
http://www.vintageawnings.blogspot.com

Vintage Trailer Awning
dfoster@bellsouth.net
http://www.vintageawnings.blogspot.com

Facebook pages:
http://www.facebook.com/kristi.foster.161 Follow Me for updates
http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings
 

"Sisters on the Fly" and other Vintage Trailers Viewed While Camping at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia Fall 2012

We had the pleasure of viewing and photographing many unique and vintage trailers, while camping at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia. The "Sisters on the Fly" were attending a Rally there and filled up a loop or two. We found some "Sisters on the Try" in another area of the campground, who had come along too.  Scattered through out the campground we also spotted some other vintage  trailers of interest. Click the link to view the pictures of the rest of the vintage camping trailers. https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/SistersOnTheFlyAndSistersOnTheTryPlusOtherVintageTrailersViewedAtStoneMountainGA#slideshow/5804426661443026034

 

 

What Details Differentiate My Custom Vintage Trailer Awnings From The Rest?

There are special detailed features that distinguish my vintage trailer awnings from other rope and pole awnings. The construction, fabric, and other materials used, were all given consideration when creating not only an attractive vintage camper awning, but one that is strong, durable, and able to stand up to the elements of nature.

1.)Facings surround the underside of my custom vintage camper awnings providing a strong, sturdy, structure and reinforcement for the grommets.
2.)Custom made edge binding, made from coordinating marine grade awning fabric that is resistant to mildew and deterioration, finish the scalloped valances on the vintage trailer awnings. Color coordinated Sunbrella 100% acrylic braid trim may also be used on the scalloped valances.
3.)Coordinating #69 Nylon thread is used for strength, visual appeal, and weather resistant durability, when sewing my vintage trailer awnings. The UV protected thread prevents fading and rotting from the deteriorating effects of the sun.
4.)A vintage style pull-cord, made from marine grade 3 strand twisted cord covered in matching marine grade awning fabric, which slides into a vintage 3/8" diameter c-channel awning rail. (Or a vinyl welt)
5.)Custom cut scalloped valances that follow the striped design of the fabric, rather than being cut from a generic pattern.
6.)Brass grommets placed in the mitered corners of the facings, provide thee fabric layers of reinforcement.
7.)46'/47" wide Marine grade awning fabric for strength, because it has a higher thread content than upholstery fabric, is equally vibrant on both sides, resistant to rain, stain, rot, mildew, tears, is breathable for comfortable air flow, provides UV protection and doesn't crack along fold lines like vinyl.
8.)My vintage trailer awnings are designed to  fit the contours of rounded vintage trailers as well as the boxy vintage camper variety.
9.) Quality control, because each vintage trailer awning is personally made by me.

Contact: dfoster@bellsouth.net
http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings  Check out my new small business page

Georgia Shasta Gathering Has Invited Other Vintage Trailers

 New Facebook Pages for 2013:
http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings (LIKE)
http://www.facebook.com/kristi.foster.161 (FOLLOW)

October 11-14, 2012  at McKinney Campground is the location of a Shasta gathering. An invitation has been extended out to other brands of vintage trailers as well. 

Pet Crate Covers by Kristi Will be for Sale at The Next Rally

The Pet Crate Cover is designed to fit the Mid-West Life Stages Double Door Series 1622DD X-small crate. The dimensions of the crate, that the cover will fit, are 22 inches in depth, 13 inches in width, and 16 inches in height.The Pet Crate Cover is made from Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric, which is resistant to rain, stain, tears, mildew, fading, and provides protection from UV rays, plus the fabric is breathable allowing for comfortable air flow. The vertical striped fabric and fringe give the Pet Crate Cover a vintage flair. Spot cleaning with a mild detergent, such as Ivory, is recommended. The Pet Crate Cover is not machine washable.

Fits a  22" x 13" x 16" pet crate

Let your pet relax in style, plus beautify your  home, by covering your unattractive metal crate with a colorful Pet Crate Cover by Kristi.


Vertical striped Sunbrella fabric gives it a vintage flair

How To Set Up A Vintage Trailer Awning All By Yourself

In our 1968 Avion instruction manual there is a picture of a device for a person to set up a vintage trailer awning all by themself . Today I went to the hardware store and purchased a few items to assemble something similar, to what was shown in the manual. Of course I didn't know the names of the items, but with my silly descriptions the hardware sales associate new exactly what I was describing. When I got home, I decided to try it out on a small  awning to see if it would really work. My husband video taped my first attempt at setting the awning up all by myself and amazingly it worked!

Here are the step by step instructions: 

Today I Designed and Created A Pet Crate Cover

https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/CrateCover#slideshow/5782963054165002130

Today I decided to be creative and designed a pet crate cover. I used some marine grade Sunbrella fabric that I had left over from a vintage trailer awning project. Now I know what to make with my fabric remnants that aren't big enough for  rope and pole awnings.

Scalloped Valances on Vintage Trailer Awnings

The scalloped valances, on some vintage trailer awnings I have seen, appear to be cut out randomly rather than following the design and pattern repeat of the stripes in the fabric. Over the years, I have saved some of the custom cut patterns used when designing the scalloped edge of my awning valances. When customers request a fabric sample, sometimes I  will send an example of what the scalloped valance edge will look like on their specific fabric choice. The valances on an awning create an important visual aspect,  representative of the entire vintage trailer awning's appearance, so special attention is given when cutting out the scallops to compliment the design of the fabric. I pay particular attention to this important detail for the most appealing outcome.  dfoster@bellsouth.net  
http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings
http://www.vintageawning.blogspot.com

How To Make Your Awning Taut-Tauter-Tautest !

Several Factors Contribute To How Taut Your Vintage Trailer Awning Is:

1.) Manipulating the height of adjustable height tent pole until the awning is tight and level
2.) Tie -down lines that angle off of the corner poles, instead of pulling straight forward
3.) Springs attached to the tie-down lines for extra tension
4.) Sturdy steel tent stakes that can withstand the force
5.) Tie-down line tension adjusters
6.) Setting the tent poles up straight and in line with the sides of the awning
7.) Placing an appropriately sized awning on the most level section of the awning rail, and not having it follow the downward curvatures on the ends of the rail

                     Taut-Tauter-Tautest !

Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi    Contact:  dfoster@bellsouth.net 

Tie-down line tension adjuster also known as a rope adjuster

https://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings  Check out my new small business page

Texsport Tent Poles Put to the Ultimate Test

The first time camping, using our new Texsport adjustable height tent poles, we experienced an unexpected storm. The tent poles were really put to the ultimate test! No sooner than our awning was set up, out of the clear blue sky, a threatening black cloud came rolling in. It was 96 degrees, and a violent storm erupted on the top of the mountain where we were camping, with wind, heavy rain, thunder, lightening, and rain runoff streaming through our campsite. The rain poured down, then belted in sideways, the wind flapped the awning to the point where I thought it would jump off of the poles. The poles held firm, they didn't even slip in the stream that had developed at their bases, they didn't bend under the weight of the rain water that couldn't waterfall off of the awning fast enough, the wildly flapping awning didn't even affect their performance. I was impressed and terrified at the same time! This mid-summer storm tormented the campground for at least 30 minutes, until it vanished.

When it came time to break up camp and return home, I realized that each tent pole was totally filled with water. So here are some tips for caring for your poles. I drained the water out of each pole, then I removed the telescoping sections and dried them thoroughly, before reassembling; each section was sprayed withWD40. Before reusing scrub down with steel wool or else they will be to slippery too lock in place. Sometimes we paint them with aluminum colored paint and this helps the locking mechanism grip better.
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http://www.visitusa.com/georgia/camping/tallulahgorgeterroracampground.htm



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