Drapes

Silver Threads · 10-04-2006, 10:00 AM

I have been strongly thinking about going into the Airstream Curtain Making Business. I would like to have some input on whether anyone thinks this is a good idea. I am currently laid off and made all the curtains for our 72 Overlander which turned out pretty good, I think. I am going to try and find a wholesale fabric place and make sure that I can find the little slides for different types of windows. Please let me know your thoughts. I have read on this site about how expensive it is to buy them from the "experts"!! I have been sewing since I was 16, and believe me, thats a long time. I also re-upholstered our couches/beds and would even think about redoing those. Can't wait to hear from you all!
Thanks,
Tammy

candycane · 10-04-2006, 10:35 AM

i think it would be great. i am a new proud ower of a 74 argosy. it is missing the curtains.iv check on the other company and it is a little steep for us. candycane

CaddyGrn · 10-04-2006, 10:55 AM

I think it is a great idea! Even if folks have the $ for the "spendy" professional ones... the waiting list is often much too long! I would post a classified (if it fits???) with photos of your curtains and details. First I would take on similar ones to what you have already done for your ease... I would post many photos of details... You could offer to have folks send you the fabric or you could provide. When we have had things done like this before we have usually paid up front for 1/2 of the cost to cover materials etc. then the remainder on completion. I would also suggest you come up with some sort of pricing list...

Good luck. You might ask one of the moderators if you have to do anything special when you decide to "advertise". I know they have some fairly strict rules on what can be done, but I am clueless as to what they are.

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

Buttercup · 10-04-2006, 10:58 AM

This might be a great idea.

There are two companies I know of that make them. I think they have been making them for a long time. James P. Ambruso, Inc. and their web site is jpadrapes.com and Fowler Interiors fowlerRVinteriors.com. You might want to check out their sites first. But it seems that more and more trailers are being renovated.

When we had drapes made for our 77 Overlander 'Buttercup,' we ordered them from a local upholstery company -- at a pretty penny -- but they had way-more fabrics to choose from. Fun ones and elegant ones. The Ambruso company sent me a swatch book which had a set number of styles and colors, similar to what was originally in the trailer. Not what I was looking for. There are a couple of other yardage sites that have been recommended here on the forums. They have great vintage pattern material. You might want to check those out, too!

Good luck!

Kimber

tin sista · 10-04-2006, 10:58 AM

Good luck Tammy! I think you will find a niche of buyers who would like to have nice curtains for the trailer for less $--specially for those of us who are sewing impaired and on a budget for trailer related goodies.

oldwingrider · 10-04-2006, 12:55 PM

i will be your first cust. we are looking into new ones now

oldwingrider · 10-04-2006, 12:57 PM

allso i need one of the plastic center caps for the wheel has argosy on it any body have one for sale

Goin camping · 10-04-2006, 01:18 PM

I'll be your second. We can send the current drapes with clips and the fabric.

ga501 · 10-04-2006, 03:56 PM

Hi Newbee,
Kinda funny how people sometimes think alike!!! We have a '56
overlander that has/had horrible curtains. Last weekend we replaced
the ones in the bedroom area with ones Bev made (she too has been
sewing for years ...) with excellent results!! She's experimenting with
awnings, too (vintage). We agree that awnings and especially curtains
are way too expensive. Anyway, she's doing this not only to save money,
but is excited about the possibility of a business.
We were going to see how well 'ours' turned out (including the awning)
before making the final decision.
actually, I'm a little surprised someone hasn't run with this idea before??
Good luck in your endevour!!
Steve

Silver Threads · 10-04-2006, 04:16 PM

Thanks for all the input. I have been buying my fabric from Fabric by the yard, online. They have some really reasonable prices. They have thousands of different prints and patterns including vintage and antique prints. The only thing is if anyone was in a hurry, it take up to 2 to 3 weeks to get the fabric. I guess people could go there and pick it out and just have it sent to me. I will talk to one of the moderator's as soon I can figure out how to go about pricing. I will add a picture of the ones I made on here just for you all to look at.
Thanks again,
Tammy

Silver Threads · 10-04-2006, 04:27 PM

Here are the ones I made for the big windows in front. They have lining on the back to keep them from fading.

bobchevy89 · 10-04-2006, 04:50 PM

Hello newbie 2006.
to find the clips RV Designer Collection phone # 1-800-938-5883 they have the different clips very reasonably priced.( almost cheap prices) I bought some for my moho. you aught to do real good making curtains, the ones you have shown are realy nice ,especially doing it with linings.. best of luckon your venture into the camping world..

Bob

clecogirl · 10-04-2006, 05:43 PM

Tammy - great job!

oldwingrider · 10-04-2006, 07:00 PM

good job you ready to do mine