Camper Van Warm Window Curtains; better, cheaper, easier
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- In this video I revisit the Warm Window Curtains I made for our 2018 Pleasure Way Ascent and make some improvements in how they attach to the rig as well as a much easier sewing process.
Items mentioned:
Original video on warm window curtains: • DIY Warm Windows for y...
Warm Window Company: warmcompany.co...
Items purchased from sailrite.com:
YKK SNAD Clear 25mm Adhesive Backed Flexible Base Stud
Snap Fastener Normal Action Socket
DOT Snap Fastener Button Silver 11/64” Barrel
YKK SNAD Clear 25mm Adhesive Backed Flexible Base Stud
Snap Fastener Installation Tool
Items purchased from Amazon (affiliate links)
Round magnets with adhesive backs: www.amazon.com...
3M Primer 94: www.amazon.com...
Magnetic Coat Buttons
Bar Magnets: www.amazon.com...
Links to items mentioned in our videos (and my camera gear) can be found on my
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/...
As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you shop from this Amazon portal.
You redeemed mu hours and time spent measuring and cutting Reflectix for my ten RV windows and the velcro failing. Much joy to you.
I started warm window Roman shades 30 years ago, when we installed magnetic strips inside the shade and rolls of magnet strip on the window frame. I used pulleys on a mounting board and pull strings. I couldn't imagine making big 4'x8' window shades with velcro! My pulley system was taught by warm company, and it was fabulous.
Thanks. I’ll have to look into that.
JoAnn's is now stocking Warm Company Products! Yay!
I am heading to Michigan towards the end of the year! Thank you for sharing!
How perfect. I have all the materials I need and was going to start my warm weather curtains next week. Thanks so much for the update. I do appreciate all your videos as I have learned so much from you. Your willingness to share your knowledge and experiences is nothing short of a blessing.
Debbie all this ingenuity of invention you develop & share are So Valued. As wellas Inspiring and Motivating.Thank You.
Thanks. And I also get great ideas from subscribers and it is fun to have a platform to share it all.
You are an awesome educator! You explain and demonstrate each step so clearly! I look forward to attempting these one day soon! Thank you for sharing.
Just bought it from JoAnns online for $20 yd on sale. I realize this is an older video, but it's in stock as of this comment. Thanks for the updated video. I like the fabric you chose. Your button idea with the washers is brilliant ! Can't wait to make these for our older Ascent. Thanks for another great video!
Excellent. If you run into a snag, let me know. I may or may not be able to advise.
Thank you for your video. I’ve had problems with my refectix staying in place and like your van the velcro did not work well. I think I’ll just go with the square magnets like your van has as my van has a lot of the plastic and not enough metal for the window coverings. I always find a new craft that I think I want to do and buy the stuff that goes into every project so one project was going to be making potholders. I bought lots of Insul-Bright for insulation and not to let it go to waste I’m going to use it for my warm weather window covers. Thank you for all the great ideas you gave!
Thankyou so much, you've given me so many ideas 💡👍 thankyou xx
I had made insulated window coverings for our vans windows. My first ever sewing project that got better each subsequent window covering I made. My wife had an old sewing machine that we have been moving with us for over 20 years and never used. It was broken, the bobbin gear was cracked so the first part of the project was learning what the problem was and fixing the machine (thank you youtube U!).
I too have transitioned from velcro initially to magnets and I sourced strong round magnets about the size of a quarter that I stitched into the window coverings similar to what you have done. I then put on the plastic plain metal washers (with the tiny hole) about the size of a quarter with double sided tape on the spots without metal where I need the magnet to adhere. I have put these washers on the plastic and also for the rear door windows on the corners of the glass by the plastic bevel since our van has accordion style blinds that I have the insulated windows covering between blinds and the glass. The washers option is the most cost effective magnetic fastener option and probably easier to source.
Thank you for your ongoing videos and tips.
You've once again proved how resourceful RVers are.
Great tips- As of Dec 2020- the fabric is on Joann's website as "The Warm Company Warm Window Insulated Shade Lining Fabric 54''
You are great Debbie. Thank you for all your tips, guidance, and sharing your tours.
This is really great information. I plan to use warm windows fabric for a pop-up truck camper. All of this is so helpful and gives me lots of food for thought as to how I can attach it and how to sew it. Nicely made video!
What good ideas!!! Great tips to prepare for planning!!!
I have a toy-hauler and for the most part there is absolutely NO METAL!! So your ideas are very usable!
Thanks for all your work & clear descriptions!!
Lauri
really enjoy this video. Just purchased our first RV and have been looking for simple but great looking curtain technics.
That material is used to make Tea Pot cozies and is excellent! Tea stays hot for hours!
Thanks so much for this! Maryanne's going to make these for our Promaster before our next trip.
You are a genius
Thank you for sharing !!!! Extremely helpful both for the sewing tips and where to source the items used. 👌🏻
Ok as soon as you gear up production I will put my order in!
Ha. If Tim Smith could do it, so can you!!! I think it was my challenge that made him do it.
Great video! I will show this to Debra for a project for her. Also, in about two weeks we are going to possibly make a big change, I will share it with you later. Take care.
Thank you for another informative video, 👍 very helpful on making curtains
Let me know if I can be of help on your project.
Thank you so much for the complete instructions. Tell us about your sewing machines. I have not been able to find a good one. Also thank you for teaching me how to tie my sneakers. I was using two ties, but they would come undone. Your method has worked with perfect tightness all day. Thank you so much. Sunny
.
First, thanks for your nice comments and glad I could help with your shoes. As far as my machines, they are quite old now. I purchased them in 1994. My serger is an Elna 614 D/E and my sewing machine is a Viking #1. The serger has been a workhorse and if you like to sew knits (like I do), then it is a must. The sewing machine is ok but I've always wanted a professional machine. Frankly, I don't need all the computerized stitches, etc. and have considered updating but I'm torn because I have so many hobbies. But the one new machine I may get is a cover stitch machine which only does a cover stitch. I had a serger that was supposed to do both but it was a hot mess. For me, no more machines that claim to do it all. If you have a sewing machine that works fine, and think you might want to do more sewing, then I would recommend getting a serger first. Some people have difficulty threading them but if you sit down when you get it and do it 10 times from start to finish, you'll be fine. My neighbor still has to ask me to come over and thread hers.
Thanks for doing this update! I was just about to start making the curtains for my truck camper using your older video. This new video solves many of my concerns and questions. Really appreciate all great ideas on your channel.
Excellent. Glad I caught you in time.
Thank you for the tutorial!
High temp red rtv glue is amazing.
We have one bedroom that has really big windows. The room is either very hot in the Summer or very cold in the Winter. The insulated shades that we have on the windows are falling apart. This warm window fabric will definitely come in handy. Too bad that Joann Fabric does not carry the fabric anymore. Once again learning from you. Thank you.
Yes, it would be a great solution to your windows at home. I suggest you call your local Joann and see if they will check the inventory of any stores near you.
If you can't find the insulation fabric you can make your own. You can buy aluminium cold bags and some insulated wadding, sew them together then add your choice of fabric. ☺️
I bless you with joy, peace, love and abundance in you life.
Working on my curtains now preparing for winter. Great tips! Thank you.
Debbie wish I could give you more than 1 thumbs up! Excellent tutorial. I was mesmerized. And I don't even own a van! 😊
Thanks. That made me laugh.
Snads look brilliant ! I'll be using those in my van for sure !
These look great!
Great tips. I am a. First time sewer. Your videos explain very nicely. Many thanks
Don’t get frustrated. Anything can be fixed when it is fabric.
I just picked up six yards of the warm window lining. That for the tips.
The warm windows product is going to be put to good use. I mentioned before that we were going to make a big change. We traded our PleasureWay in on a Coachmen Beyond! No more 3 way refrigerator!
Very clever ideas ... John says that if you just did windows you'd be a perfect wife! :)
Actually, now that John is retired, he's been cleaning windows and screens which almost makes him perfect. How about you dear bro?
@@FromShetoMe Working my butt off cleaning and protecting the roof on the 5er. Al and Ingrid are looking forward to your arrival too!
Thanks so much for the great tutorial. I’ve ordered my warm window and am now looking for my fashion fabric. I’m. I’m not handy with a sewing machine but am going to beg my sister to sew for me. 🤞🏼Thanks again and wish me luck
Excellent. Good luck and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
From She to Me thanks very much. Actually I do have a question. On the large windows like the slider about how far do you space the bar magnets? I have metal around all my windows. It started out as a plain cargo van, with windows all around like a passenger van. They are all stock from Mercedes. My plan is to have the coverings in rectangular panels rather than in the shape of the windows like the ones available to purchase. They’re very expensive to buy them already made. I’m also hoping if they’re not right up against the glass there will be less condensation on the glass.
maitilda mcintyre The bar magnets I used are incredibly strong. It takes quite a bit of force to separate them. I used 5 on that panel which is plenty and also ensures no site gaps. You are right about condensation with panels that sit against the glass. Having them sit outside the window is better and I think warmer. We are currently camped outside Joshua Tree. It got down to about 36 last night but temp inside the van was 55. Of course 2 bodies instead of 1 helps. A human puts out the equivalent heat of a 100 watt incandescent light bulb. Here is my email if you have more questions. Energymaven@gmail.com
I should have proofed my comment. Should have been “air gaps”.
Love Sailrite - have purchased things over the years for our sailboat but now I look forward to using them again for RV projects! Plus now we are back in Indiana so not that far from them! And...I have a Husquvarna Designer 1 sewing machine!
Sounds great. They are a terrific resource. I've always loved their comprehensive video tutorials.
Thanks! The quilt batting at a big hobby chain store just didn't look worth the sewing effort. This looks like just the right product.
It really is great stuff.
I have a pop-up camper and want to make these fabric curtains for the inside to cover the canvas section and to cover the windows. 2-troubles: 1. Aluminum window frames (no steel in sight-to use magnets. 2. The interior substrate inside looks to be a vinyl covered masonite. I was thinking I could sew hook & loop to the fabric, but I'm skeptical that a adhesive backed hook or loop (depending on which I sew to the fabric) is going to stay in the 100 degree heat and continued use. I thought of stapling the adhesive loop on having the adhesive also, yet, I know hook & loop can be pretty strong and I'm afraid it's going to pull off the vinyl covered masonite. In addition, over time, I've seen adhesives fail in the heat. I am thinking of using twist lock fasters (that I can screw to the vinyl covered masonite interior and using twist lock fastener eyelets. Of course both of these would be spaced at about 18" intervals. And over the windows, making them oversized using the same method. I know the drawback will be this permanent twist lock fastener exposed. I like your ideas with the plastic frame/magnet/Silver Sparrow/Primer idea. What do you think of my twist lock fastener idea?
Those curtains are beautiful! Did you notice a difference in the warmth of your camper van? Your sewing room is fantastic! I love it!
Huge difference in the temp of the van--both from cold and heat.
That makes these lovely warm curtains a worthwhile investment of time and money! And you are a very innovative and talented seamstress!
@@pattimessenger6214 Well, thanks but I wouldn't want anyone to make a close inspection.
Another awesome video.
Your ideas are so clever 🙏 thank you 😊
Great Ideas and great Tipps. Thank you.
love this and love your sewing room too
Nice work!! Those are really nice!
Excellent video! My husband and I get a great deal of value from your content. I really appreciate this detailed curtain tutorial. We will take delivery of our Ascent in May and I'd love to get going on my curtains now. Do you mind sharing the dimensions of your final finished curtains? I love to sew and promise to post pics of my finished project. Thank you!
Truth is, I have re-worked them several times and much depends on how you are going to secure them to your rig. The trim size of the new vans has changed so I would hate to lead you astray. But feel free to contact me if you have questions. I continue to experiment with them. Energymaven@gmail.com
You could silicone,glue,epoxy a home depot magnet to whattever wall instead of buying special magnets
Thanks for this video,great work
I never thought of using epoxy. Thanks.
Warm Window is available in approximately 300 JoAnn Stores nationwide again! It's also available online at Joann.com, Amazon and online at Walmart.
I love your channel! Thanks so much.
Genius!
Thanks for showing my panel and mentioning me. First question: Will you redo mine now as I am not sure the ladies at Joann’s are going to want to see me again! 😂. Second question: What was the name of the stitch you used on the edge? I wish I had used it on mine as it looks like a more sturdy stitch! I definitely noticed the difference with the panels this summer with temps from 100 down to 16 degrees. Thank you for encouraging me to learn how to sew, just can’t look too close at the sewing! 🤣🤣
Yes, if you come by, I'll fix yours. But you have to rip out the seams. I have a special machine called a serger and it does the fancy stitch. I wouldn't want anyone looking closely at mine either--a good reason to use black fabric. ;-))
Not sure what fancy stitching the sewing machine at the house has, but when I get back I will check. As you said, getting the stitches out and since Joann’s might not carry the fabric anymore I might just leave them alone for now.
@@timsmith7625 Your sewing machine can't do what a serger does. It even cuts the edge of the fabric. If you look at the seam of a t-shirt, you'll see what a serged edge looks like. I actually still have two panels to re-do but won't tackle until we get back from Florida. As long as they serve their function, there is no need to go to all that fuss.
Ah, well then I will be holding off on any mods/changes to my panels. The good news is they worked well this summer and total blackout, which will be great for Alaska this summer. Thanks again for the encouragement and examples on how to make them.
We love all of your hand made additions to your Pleasure Way! We are both health care professionals and "handiness" with a sewing machine is NOT GONNA HAPPEN in RJOURNEY!!! Heck - we struggle with who is cooking and who is doing dishes!
very helpful , Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful video. Currently tackling our van windows. Where did you find your grey fabric? Love it!
Joanne's Fabrics. I used extra wide quilting fabric.
@@FromShetoMe Thank you💕
Hi again. I just realized that this RUclips profile shows “Jett”, not me! (Jett is my godson and I am piggyback riding on his account to not have commercials) I don’t see my precious comment posted so perhaps you have a filter. Ok, I am crossing my fingers to hear back. Blessings to you-
Tera
That was suppose to read previous, not precious!
Not sure why your question didn’t come through earlier but now it has and I answered. Thanks for being persistent. Also wanted to say that if your son signed up for a family plan with RUclips, he could share it with 5 other family members. Much better viewing experience and you can download content for when you are on the road.
How I wish I had your sewing skills! And your machine! lol i gave away two sewing machines when I moved to MX. Can you please share some photos of your finished curtains? I get the impression that they are attached actually to the walls of the van, around the windows. Rather than fitting exactly into the windows themselves? Is that correct? And honestly I think that is a good idea. I have quite a bit of warm windows fabric so I can do that as well.... eg attach them to the walls around the windows. Do you have some photos perhaps of the finished curtains?? Thank you!
Friday's video should answer your questions. If not, drop me an email and I'll send photos: energymaven@gmail.com
@@FromShetoMe Hey! Thanks for the reply. I am actually hoping to get the warm windows material to the seamstress this week, so if not too much trouble... I will send you an email. Gracias!! I have enjoyed all of your warm windows videos.... so informative. I subscribed and will check out your others cuz it looks like you have GREAT tips! I am just building out my van (very simply... it's a minivan) now so they will be very helpful. Thanks again. Looking forward to Friday's video.
you realize that you could just sew the pockets completely and where the magnets go have a pre cut and trim slot in fabric to insert magnets anytime
Highly recommend! Wow I expected better from you . 😟 How about strongly recommend 🤗
Tell me more. Not sure I understand your comment.
Hello. I adore your videos, especially the DIY ones especially in these quarantine days. I was inspired by your sewing insulated shades for your PW and decided I wanted to follow you in making these shades for my XLTD.
I finally got my Warm and Company insulation from JoAnns at a very nice discount. The roll is downstairs waiting for me to start the project. But I have a couple of questions which I am hoping you can help me with.
I purchased the fashion fabric that will go on the insulation. But how do I attach it to the insulation? I bought some type of aerosol adhesive but am slightly intimidate by all the warnings on the can. How did you attach your fashion fabric to the insulation? If you went the aerosol way, could you perhaps add an addendum to your already excellent tutorial? If I don’t want to go the aerosol way, what is another way to attach the fashion fabric (ff) to the insulation? Could I sort of do a quilting free motion stitch to attach it?
Thanks so much for being such a curious person. PLUS as a woman, you delve into areas that’s usually are relegated for men (I love my power tools). I am ready to get going on this project which will be sandwiched between masking surgical masks and knitting.
Kindest regards,
Catherine
In case you want to respond directly to me, my email is: 4pronow@gmail.com
What a great time to get cracking on this project. There is no need to attach the fashion fabric to the warm window fabric except to make it easier to work on the layers and so they don't "walk" while you are sewing. So I used a light application of "quilt basting spray." I think I showed it in my original video which is in the description box of this video. The nice thing about this spray is that you can easily lift the fabric and reposition if you need to (might require another spray). In fact, I think I mostly used it around the edges. If you have any further questions, feel free to email me: energymaven@gmail.com
How well do your curtains prevent condensation? Using reflectix under our MCD shades, we wind up with wet windows every time. Thanks for all your thoughtful videos...I look forward to seeing them every week!
We see almost no condensation and I think the reason is that it sits so far from the glass, whereas the reflectix is right up against the glass. I'll keep an eye on it on our upcoming trip across country and give you an update at some point. Another factor of course is humidity. In the Southwest we have much less condensation anyway. But we'll get a good comparison as we drive through the Southeast.
How many yards of materials are needed to make the curtains for all the windows and fan cover?
I don't know how much you will need. I made mine in steps and didn't keep track. You'll have to measure all your windows, figure out how much of an edge you want, decide if you will be able to use the fabric's width or length, and then be prepared to buy more.
I love your window covers but definitely would have to do a lot of learning in regards to sewing, LOL. Will you do this same style for your new van ? Any changes you would make after having them for the past few years?
I have learned a lot but one thing for sure, the "warm window fabric" is great stuff. When we finally get our new van I will evaluate what will work best in each location. May be a combination of coverings including "Van Essentials" for the rear doors because the new van should be able to accept the magnetic mounts that our current van does not accept.
@@FromShetoMe , your video and the warm window fabric site are bookmarked ! I also love your ideas for the cover when the curtains are rolled up. We still have a while to go before we can get our Class B, but we are all waiting with you on yours! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful projects with us!
@@karinwest919 You are so welcome. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Your project looks amazing, thank you for posting! How do you pick the fashion fabric,what fabric qualities work best in a van and for the sewing project? I’m thinking of blackout and condensation issues. Could I do this on an OLD Singer machine that only does straight stitch? This would be my first attempt at sewing in decades! Approximately how many yards of warm windows fabric would you allow for a PW 2018 Lexor for the slider and all back windows? It’s in the shop and I can’t measure. Appreciate all advice, many thanks!
Hard to estimate on the yardage but if you aren’t in a rush, I’d be happy to talk you through it either on phone or email when we get home (after March 1). Extra wide quilting fabric is somewhat limited in patterns but dark colors hide mistakes well. We haven’t had any moisture issues, perhaps because they sit outside the frame so quilters cotton is fine. Your old singer should be fine but you might want to find someone who can help you get off to a good start. Or find a local dry cleaners that does repairs and see if they would make these for you. My email address is in the “about” page of my channel
Hi, new subscriber here, do you have a video on how you installed those square metals around the windows? Thanks for the helpful videos.
Welcome to the community. Those I had installed by our dealer and unfortunately they won’t sell the hardware. I have scoured the internet looking for them. If you find them, please let me know.
I used to sew but guess l've gotten lazy. With two furry bed partners (2 Dog nights) and my on board furnace l am good enough, LOL! I an done with improvements to my rig. Lol!
I have this fabric purchased and also reflectix. I was going to do one side reflectix the other side warm window cover. Do you think that will be extra insulation or will it keep the warm window from being as effective ?
Extra layers should add additional insulation but I think the reflectix will make them extremely bulky. I think two layers of Warm Window fabric would be better. But let me know how it goes.
Which of the methods of attaching the window coverings has worked best after all?
Snaps that screw into the valance at top and sides and magnets on the bottom. Although Velcro would work along the bottom as well.
Hi! Thank you for this informative video.
I have a transit Ford. I ordered some window coverings. They never worked well.
I truly don’t sew. Would you be open to sell already made window coverings?
If I only had the time. But I suggest you speak with a local seamstress (often associated with a dry cleaner) and see if they would make them for you. It would be an easy project for them (and you may even enjoy giving it a go. ;-))
Thank you for your suggestions!!
Id like to know where can i purchase the hardware and magnets used in this video.. bar magnets, etc
Check my Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/fromshetome
Do you think it matters if there's fabric directly against the glass - or a couple inches away - in terms of condensation? Did you ever notice any condensation in the Winter?
Our curtains sit away from the glass and we see very little condensation so I'm guessing the air gap helps.
Where the magnet goes, in the middle could you sew a buttonhole for entry of the magnet? You’d then need to slip it over each end, but it couldn’t slide out i’on its own. The width of the magnet case would be wider than the actual magnet, allowing moment for entry of the magnet.
Not sure how that would work.
I would sew the finished length first, make the magnet cases last, so all I would need to sew with the magnets in would be the ends. Am I missing something in doing it that waY?
Sounds good. Next time I’ll consider making pockets for the magnets with a velcro closure because the magnets stick to the sewing machine and make it hard to work the fabric through the machine.
Is that fabric better than Reflectix?
Much better!!!
Hi Debbie 👋 I have a dumb question? 😢 I'm not making curtains yet, but I'm trying to sew on some elastic onto a back of a cap I have. I've tried sewing it by hand twice but it's not snug enough. Can I sew elastic on my cap and do I stretch it out so it can give me that snug fit I'm looking for? I'm sorry, I didn't know who else to ask.🥺
P.S. I bought me a sewing machine, it's an old Singer in excellent condition. My sewing is zig-zaggy but I'm not giving up.😏
Yes, stretch slightly while sewing and use the zigzag stitch when sewing elastic.
@@FromShetoMe Thank you so much Debbie. Not sure where to start about me and my sewing machine, but here it goes. My friend asked me if I had a bobbin for the thread I was going to use for my cap, and I hate to say it, but I was what's a bobbin ?? 🤔 Then once she kind of explained what it was, I figured I'd look into figuring out what I was dealing with, as far as the sewing machine. Long story short, I don't know anything about sewing other than I mend small things by hand, that's all. 😭 So now I'm looking at tutorials here on RUclips for direction, somewhat intimidating but I'm up for the challenge. Ugh!! Just wanted to say thank you, and once I figure out how to sew something (the elastic on my cap) I'll let you know. What a bummer 😕 I was ready to make all sorts of stuff 😁 Blessings, Yvonne 🥰
@@yvonne6530 There are lots of great tutorials on RUclips. But don't get discouraged. Every skill takes time. I have guys who have never sewn and made their own curtains. Unfortunately, you started with something that is a bit of a challenge...elastic. Knits are also difficult for beginners.
@@FromShetoMe Good morning Debbie 👋 thank you so much for your help. I'm definitely not giving up, I was just feeling like a dork.😕 I'll send a pic of my first creation, hopefully it won't take me years to create.😳 Wishing you and John an awesome day! 🌻 blessings, Yvonne 🥰
I'm sure your video is great and others will dig it, but I draw the line at sewing videos :-)
LOL.
have you checked joanns.com? to see if it can be ordered?
It shows it as out of stock and the clerk told me it was discontinued. But I've asked to be notified if it comes back. Thanks for the tip.
check out online fabric store 54" Ivory Warm Window Fabric, this looks similar