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.
Facebook pages: http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings (LIKE)
                            http://www.facebook.com/kristi.foster.161  (Follow)

http://www.visitusa.com/georgia/camping/tallulahgorgeterroracampground.htm



http://www.chotafalls.com/  

Vintage Trailer Awning Fabric That Just Arrived

2018 Update:
This is a very old post, which keeps coming up in searches and inquired about. Sattler aquired Outdura quite a few years ago. I no longer have these patterns. I have 46" Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric to select from in my 2018 inventory of patterns. Classic vertical stripes is marine grade awning fabric, not flowers and Polka-Dots which is 54" outdoor furniture upholstery fabric. 





I just purchased a roll of Outdura 47" inch wide, 100% acrylic, marine grade, awning fabric, in a yellow and white striped pattern. It is called Big Sur Sunny. The matching thread is medium yellow. My Spring 2012 vintage trailer awning fabric inventory is nearly sold out, so I will be supplimenting it with some new patterns. Pictures of the new 100% acrylic, marine grade, awning fabric, patterns will be posted as they arrive. Blue and White striped , 60" wide vintage trailer, awning fabric will be arriving soon.SOLD OUT Check back regularly to see what is available for a custom ordered, rope and pole awning, for your vintage camper.


Update: Spring 2013 Marine Grade Awning Fabric will be arriving in the middle of January. Check for the post with pictures of the new rolls of awning fabric when they arrive.

Big Sur Checkerboard 9610
New Vintage Trailer Awning Fabric for Fall 2012
dfoster@bellsouth.net



Outdura 60" Big Sur Boathouse 9615 Marine Grade Awning Fabric SOLD OUT
http://www.vintageawnings.blogspot.com
dfoster@bellsouth.net

Outdura 47" Big Sur Sunny 9714 Marine Grade Awning Fabric
http://www.vintageawnings.blogspot.com
dfoster@bellsouth.net

Visit the Outdura website for answers to frequently asked questions about Outdura marine grade awning fabric.

Custom Ordered Fabric Rock Guard Awning for a Vintage Trailer

I just finished a Rock Guard Awning for a vintage travel trailer, similar to my Avion. Now I want one for my own trailer!

Vintage Trailer Rock Guard Awning

Rock Guard Awning for a vintage trailer

If I can ever find some time, I will be making a new vintage camper awning for myself, with a matching rock guard awning.



Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi  dfoster@bellsouth.net

This is a picture of my own personal awning and rock guard awning, that I have been using for well over the expected 10, years before showing signs of fading or leaking. I can't bring myself to make another, because I have enjoyed this one so much. So many memories from attending rallies each year.

dfoster@bellsouth.net

Matching side awning and rock guard awning for a vintage trailer

The Airstream Club Rally at Stone Mountain Park April 2012

https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/StoneMountainParkTACRAllyApril2012#5737175483840660466


I took some time off, from making vintage trailer awnings, to enjoy a long weekend at The Airstream Club Rally. The trailers followed around the purple loop, enclosing a grassy play area which had a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, playground equipment, a swimming pool and a fantastic pavilion for all of the social gatherings. With Internet access available and our laptop with us, I was tempted to answer e-mails concerning vintage trailer awning related questions. I resisted the technology, but did happily answer Rally participant's awning questions in person. I had some business cards set out, for people who visited our trailer during the "Tour of Trailers", and word spread quickly that The Awning Lady was at the Stone Mountain Campground. So, I combined business with pleasure and still had a wonderful time.We already picked out our site and made reservations for next April's TAC Rally, which is April 18th-21st, 2013.

Dickson Marine Grade Awning Fabric Confirmed

http://www.dickson-constant.com/en/EN/3/technical-fabric/1/orchestra My continuous quest for finding marine grade awning fabric, culminated in a large bulk order from a warehouse. Sight unseen, I took a chance on the awning fabric. The rolls of marine grade fabric were unwrapped and unmarked, so I didn't even have pattern numbers or a brand name to go by. Yesterday, tucked away in one of the cardboard tubes, I finally found a tag which confirmed my suspicions that it was Dickson Fabric from France. I diligently went about finding all of the discontinued pattern numbers and posted them on my pictures. The mystery has been solved! Sunbrella and Dickson brands are both owned and operated by the parent company Glen Raven. Dickson is the European brand of Sunbrella.

8287,8607, 8608, 8613, 8614, 8619, 8602, 8290

 Dickson Orchestra and Symphony Collections

Dickson 8602 Ivoire & Absinthe

Spring 2012 Vintage Trailer Awning Fabric Has Been Ordered for Custom Awning Orders

dfoster@bellsouth.net 
https://facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings
 

 

The vintage trailer awning fabric has arrived and the colors are even nicer than I had anticipated! I am in the process of taking my own pictures, of the fabric rolls.  Spools of matching thread have been placed next to each pattern as a color reference. The marine grade Dickson fabric is 47 inches wide, 100% acrylic,  and equally vibrant on both sides. 

Dickson Marine Grade Awning Fabric Pattern Numbers from left to right:
8287, 8607, 8608, 8613, 8614, 8619 SOLD OUT

Dickson Marine Grade Awning Fabric Numbers from front to back:

8290, 8602, 8619, 8614,8613, 8608, 8287 SOLD OUT

Dickson Marine Grade Awning Fabric Pattern Numbers from left to right: 8608, 8613, 8614,8619, 8602, 8290 SOLD OUT

Here We Go Again-Vintage Trailer Awnings Everywhere!

As promised, I have been using up my existing Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric inventory and preparing room for my next shipment of awning fabric for Spring. I did purchase one roll recently, for those of you who keep asking for a blue and yellow pattern for a vintage trailer awning. The temperature here in Georgia has remained moderate, allowing me to continue  sewing vintage trailer awnings in my basement workshop. This past Fall, I concentrated on "Earthy "colors for awnings, so I decided to brighten the Spring selection  up a bit. I will post the new patterns as they arrive. Expect to see shades of yellow from pale to bright, and  shades of  green from lime to light!




Sunbrella 5003 Linen Navy Lemon Fancy
SOLD OUT

TAC The Airstream Club Rally at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia April 27-29, 2012

John has asked me to help promote the TAC Rally for Spring of 2012. In order to preserve the $49.00 special rally rate, free entrance to the park instead of $10.00 per car fee, plus a second day Adventure pass free with the purchase of the one day pass, we need to make our reservations soon. Stone Mountain has saved a group of 30 purple premium sites for us, but can only hold them for so long. March 21,2012 is the date when they will release the sites to the general public. The phone number is 770-498-5710 and ask for Darlene. Even the 10 extra sites that were added in the orange loop have now been sold out. Two Motorhome only sites may still be available in the Purple Loop.Thank you for such a great response to this TAC Rally.

Shasta and Airstream Gathering at McKinney in Georgia

https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/November112011#slideshow/5673844632678117010 Click for
slideshow.

harrison429

Forest Green Regimental Vintage Trailer Awning in Progress



Forest Green Regimental and Putty Regimental

Today I am working on a custom vintage trailer awning that is 12' x 8', made from Sunbrella marine grade fabric # 4963 which is Forest Green Regimental. I will soon be making another rope and pole awning out of the remaining Forest Green Regimental fabric that will be approximately 11' x 9'. Also in progress is a 7'6" x 9'  vintage camper awning made from Sunbrella # 4956 sold, which is Heather Beige 6 Bar. Putty Regimental # 4961 sold is also started, for a vintage RV awning  that is approximately 9' x 8' sold. I will continue to make as many random sized vintage trailer awnings as I can until it gets close to the Holidays or too cold in my workshop basement, which ever comes first! I have one more local vintage trailer rally to attend the first weekend in

Camping at James Island County Park Near Charleston, SC

We just returned from a camping trip to James Island County Park Campground near Charleston, SC. We have a great time everytime we stay there. It is very convenient to downtown Charleston and close to Folly Beach, which is dog friendly. Actually, you don't even need to leave the park to be totally content. Dutch Puppy loves the dog park on the lake and just relaxing by the campfire. We were glad that the predicted 8 inches of rain and high winds only turned into a couple of heavy drenchers with sunshine popping out in between downpours.
For more information about the campground click on the link. They were setting up for the Festival of Lights, that opens in November. dfoster@bellsouth.net

http://www.ccprc.com/index.aspx?NID=1434

My Busiest Awning Making Season

My 2011 custom vintage trailer awning making season is now winding down. I am in the process of reorganizing my basement workshop and inventorying my remaining Sunbrella patterns, in preparation for making about ten more small camper awnings. So far this year, I have already made and sold 43 rope and pole awnings; my busiest season yet. Be sure to visit http://www.vintageawnings.blogspot.com frequently, to see what RV awnings that I am presently working on and that I will be posting for sale. Get on out there and enjoy camping in the crisp Fall weather; you know I will be! dfoster@bellsouth.net

Southern Appalachian Tearjerkers Rally at Devil's Fork State Park in Salem, SC

We attended out first Tearjerkers Rally this past weekend at Devil's Fork Campground in SC. We met attendees from the Georgia and Southern Appalachian Chapters of Tearjerkers. I attempted to take pictures of everyone's trailers, but my camera batteries died! If I missed a few, I apologize. The Pot-Luck social on Saturday night had plenty of great food and fellowship. We unfortunately arrived late on Friday night and missed some of the other planned activities. As usual, we were in our vintage 1968 Avion, but there were Shastas, a Scotty, a tiny pop-up tent trailer, an tiny trailer pulled behind a motorcycle and a wide assortment of amazing teardrop type trailers. We felt welcomed and had a wonderful time.

More pictures follow:

American Made Vintage Trailer Awning Displayed on a Shasta

 

Over this Labor Day weekend, another American made vintage trailer awning was proudly displayed on a Shasta. The products used in the constuction of my rope and pole awnings are made in America; marine grade Sunbrella fabric is made in the USA, along with the #69 nylon weatherproof thread, and the 1/2" solid brass General grommets. The awning is even sewn together using a vintage Singer Rocketeer, also known as Slant-o-matic sewing machine, which was once proudly made in the USA. I strive to support my country by using American made goods. Vintage Look Awnings are made in America by a patriotic American. God Bless America! dfoster@bellsouth.net 

http://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings
http://www.vintageawning.blogspot.com

McKinney Army Corp of Engineers on Lake Allatoona in Georgia

 The first weekend of  November 2011 a rally is being organized at McKinney Campground in Georgia, on Lake Allatoona. So far the vintage Shastas have reserved most of the sites in loop 87-92 plus 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99,100.  Airstreams have reserved sites 98-104 plus  112. Expanding into loop 105-117 . It is only a month away now, so don't delay, get your reservations made today.

Thursday arrivals: No organized group activities are planned. A suggestion is to visit the Booth Western Museum in Cartersville.
Friday at 6:00 PM a Meet and Greet appetizer social is planned at site 101. Bring a finger food appetizer to share, a camp chair, and a flashlite or lantern. We will be the flashlight brigade to help guide late comers into their campsites in the dark.(Shasta and Airstream groups are both invited)
Saturday at 10:00-11:30 AM will be the combined Tour of Trailers for Shasta and Airstreams. Saturday at 12:00 Noon is the Pot-Luck Lunch at site 86 for the Airstream group. Again, bring a chair and a covered dish to share. Enjoy the afternoon and evening with your family. The Shasta group is having their Pot-Luck around 5:30 PM at a different location.
Sunday Brunch, for the Airstream group, is back at the more centrally located site 101 at 10:00 AM. Check out isn't until 3:00, so come enjoy a shared Brunch before you pack up to head back home.




http://www.stonemountainpark.com/lodging-camping/camping.aspx  Plan ahead for April 27-29, 2012  the Airstream Rally at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia. A special package rally price has been negotiated, so call 770-498-5710 and talk to Darlene about making a reservation.



Pull Through site 86 for my 1968 Avion



Loop 93-104

Simple Measures To Prepare Your Awning for Stormy Weather

The Dog Days Of Summer are upon us, here in Georgia.The stifling, oppressive, heat is almost unbearable. Every afternoon, severe thunderstorms pummel us with hail, drench us with rain, petrify us with cloud to ground lightning, and blast us with 60 mile per hour down bursts or straight line winds. It's a daily routine picking up tree limbs, twigs and branches full of leaves; yet we remain thankful that one,of our many trees, didn't blow over onto our house. As long as the power stays on I keep sewing away, making vintage trailer awnings in the safety of my basement. dfoster@bellsouth.net

Let me share with you, how to prepare your vintage trailer awning for stormy weather. We added medium weight springs and a pulley to each of our tie-down lines. We also Tee-Pee our adjustable height tent poles for rain run off. If you have more than three tent poles, graduate the height of the poles from highest to lowest to achieve rain run off. These few simple measures will  help prepare your vintage trailer awning for those unexpected wind gusts or a full- fledged storm.

Tee-Pee your awning with adjustable height tent poles

Ready for Flight!

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

The 2011 Fall Inventory Of Fabric For Vintage Trailer Awnings Has Arrived

Pictures of  the new Fall 2011 inventory of Fabric for vintage trailer awnings, while it is still on my truck!
I was able to find some awning fabric with earth tones to coordinate with the vintage trailers from the 70's.

The Coastal Herbal and the entire roll of Taupe Tailored Bar Stripe have already been sold. If you see a pattern that you might like for your vintage trailer's awning, let me know and I will take a picture of it unrolled for you.

dfoster@bellsouth.net

Update: See the Spring 2012 selection of vintage trailer awning fabric at https://picasaweb.google.com/102508300905463390757/VintageTrailerAwningFabricForSpring2012#slideshow/5699772433582159858

Inquire about Spring 2012 patterns because there is limited yardage left as of  June 2012.

Just Arrived 2012 SOLD

Just Arrived 2012

Yes, there is a waiting list, but a PayPal payment reserves your fabric of choice and a place in line for a Fall Vintage Trailer Awning to enjoy.

Boston Taupe sold, Alpine Terracotta Classic sold, Alpine Beige, Forest Green Regimental sold, Lankford Woodland sold, Colonnade Juniper sold, Taupe Tailored Bar Stripe sold, Pacific Blue Natural sold

What Vintage Trailer Awning Am I Working On Today?

 

Today I am working on a Plum Fancy 15' x 8' vintage trailer awning for an Airstream. I also have four other vintage camper awnings in different stages of production. My dining room has turned into an awning fabric disaster zone. Keep in mind, my actual workshop is in the basement! Now you can actually see why I say, "Do not procrastinate about ordering a vintage RV awning".
 I should know, in a couple of days, some of the new patterns numbers that will be available for custom awning orders.
 It must be disappointing to find out that I have just run out of fabric and that I also have a long waiting list for awning orders, especially when you have just found my Blog. Please check back in a few days.                                           
 dfoster@bellsouth.net
Thanks for keeping me so busy, Kristi         
 Fall 2011 fabric patterns and pictures are listed below: