New Curtains for the Camper

We recently purchased a new to us camper.  As with most travel trailers, the windows were covered with the cheap, plastic mini-blinds.  I really do not like these.  They are loud, they constantly get bent or or broken, they collect dust, and they are unattractive.  So, I decided to make some new window coverings.  I measured my window and then went to my fabric stash to see what I had to work with.  I took out my handy dandy graph paper and began to sketch out a design that would work for the amount of fabric I had.  I cut a basic panel and then began to add to it.  I added some to the top and bottom and then to the sides.  I added a lining by sewing almost all the way around with wrong sides together.  Then I turned it right side out through the hole I left.  Press the whole thing and top stitch around the edges. 

Next came the installation of the grommets.  If you've never worked with grommets before, let me introduce you to my little friend. 

I love grommets!  They are very easy to work with.  You can find them at craft stores or hardware stores.  I tend to get mine from hardware stores because I find they are cheaper there.  Everything you need is usually included in the package.  There is a top, a bottom, and this handy little tool.  The only other thing you need is a hammer and some scissors. 

Start by cutting a little hole where you want to place your grommet.  It doesn't have to be pretty or exact.  I usually make mine just a bit smaller than the grommet so I can stretch the fabric around. 

Place front of the grommet through the hole.  Place the back of the grommet on top of this.  Place it on something hard, I used an old piece of wood.  Put the grommet sandwich on top of the medal circle and then put the tool on top.  Then start hammering.  You have to hit it pretty hard and a few times in order for the grommet to close.  This is a great activity to burn off a little frustration when you've had to rip out you sewing a few times, ahem. 

 

 

That's it. It is done! Now run out and hang your curtains! 

I hung mine up with the removable hooks found at Wal-mart.  But you could use cup hooks or whatever you want.  The beauty of these is they are very versatile.  Hanging straight down they make a wonderful privacy screen.

But you can also put up the corners for a little bit of light.

Or get really fancy and make a valence.

Or just lift them up for an open window.  I LOVE them in our camper!  I think this would also work for windows in the house, especially in an apartment where you may not want to mark up the walls.  Happy Sewing!