Our little Retro Camper ... See her in person this weekend at the Hob Nob Vintage Market in Danville, IL

The End Result!

(for updated views of how she looks in 2015... click here)

 Months of gathering ideas, planning, sanding, priming, painting, power washing and primping and we are finally finished.  What began as a 1970's something Sunliner camper, has become our little home away from home.  We will be taking her on the road this weekend to Danville, IL for the Hob Nob Vintage Market.  We can't wait to see you there!

 Mabel is her name.  That was the name of my husband's mother.  She LOVED to camp and was an RVer up until her last day.  In her honor, we hope to spend lots of time enjoying the road,  and one another, while taking some short road trips together.

It's been so much fun finding just the right things to put inside.  The little afghan was a cast off from the resale shop where I work,  it was actually put in the Salvation Army bag when I rescued it.  Several little holes in a knit afghan can be a quick fix with a little yarn and a crochet hook. And who knew that the chevron pattern would make a comeback!  I made the bird and chevron pillows along with the little banner garland.  (I made a larger one for outside when we set up.)  The original oil painting is one inspired by a spot in Door County and is an original I painted last year.

My friend Cindi spent three days with me sewing the vinyl cushion covers.  They will be easy to keep clean!  She was amazing and her husband Hank was very patient!

The curtains, were from a pair I purchased from Ikea (plain white). I had scoured resale shops for some to repurpose, but was unable to find the fabric that I was looking for.  I got one pair ($9.99/pr ) and cut them into the sizes I needed.  I added little cut pieces I picked up in the remnant racks at Jo-ann Fabrics. (HINT: if you have a smart phone, look up "joann coupon"... and get 40% off one item... I used it for 10 yards of the vinyl and saved a BUNCH!)  In an effort to create 'easy to make' curtains,  I removed the original racks that were meant for hooks, and mounted a rod that would fit into 2 little coated cup hooks...Cafe Style... it worked perfectly.  My rescued industrial machine powered through all of the sewing and made me oh so happy along the way!

The little hoop art you see below is my original design.  While having coffee Sunday, I decided to try my hand at it... I freehanded the little map of the U.S.A. and added some places that I am fond of and have had the good fortune to visit over the years.  I made the little "See the U.S.A." hoop to act as a companion.  The little Ralph Waldo Emerson saying is just a framed card from Trader Joes.  Add some vintage books, postcards, pennants, a little collection of white vases filled with fresh tulips, and you are ready for a road trip!

 As if there weren't enough cuteness going on. While at Ikea, I found this orange and white stripe canvas style fabric... I bought one yard and fashioned it into an awning for the little front window.  I repurposed some left over vinyl piping from the cushions inside to add a touch of yellow.  

Our original plan was to add a little orange stripe... I have yet to do that but think I may leave that to the pinstriping pros.  We will have it done one day.  I hope you can stop Opendoorstudio to see some of what we bring with us to Sell.. On the Vintage Road! (  maybe you will find something wonderful there for YOUR little vintage trailer!

oh... one more thing, Martha is a  proud member of Sisters on the Fly! After a successful solo voyage, she took the show on the road alone and can't wait to meet some sisters sometime next season!
Sister # 3968

The End