Trial run

So we went on our first camping venture. First and most likely last for the season. It went pretty well! My dad hitched the camper up while I was at work so we could just finish packing and head out when I got home.

Pulling the camper was a lot easier then I thought. At first I was incredibally nervous It was the first time I hauled anything with the new SUV. I made sure I had everything we needed so I didn't put myself in the situation of needing to back up. That was very important this trip because as much as I hate to admit it I am the sterotypical woman when it comes to hauling and reverse! But I will remedy this!! 

So what I discovered on this trip is that the provided storage and shelves are fine if you are:

1. Not staying longer than a day or two 

2. Not cooking other than with a crockpot

3. Have no more than 3 people ( this trip included myself, teenage son and friend)

One very important thing I discovered is that since we had electric and the weather was cool the heating pad was the best idea ever!!! Put it under the blankets while I was getting ready and climbed into a nice warm bed!! Our camper doesn't have ac or heat so I also had a space heater with a thermostat. It did a good job of keeping us warm, but not sure how well it would if the temp was any lower.

One of the roof latches broke so I was able to order another on Amazon.com. I plan on replacing them all. So stay tuned as I take you step by step through that!!

Foam cushions expand

So I decided that since the camper is from the 90's and I am not exactly sure when if ever the bed mattress covers were washed, that I would wash them. I am very glad that I started with the full size mattress instead of the king. Removing the cover was not very difficult at all, but I did suspect that it might have a difficult time after it was washed. I was right! 

I heard the neighbors walk by and they did not stop because they probably saw the camper rocking! As I wrestled the foam back into the cover of course! Lol! As it turns out I believe the foam expanded without the cover! Because this is the end product!! 

I am hoping that maybe once I collapse the camper it will flatten out at least I hope!! Lol!! 

So in light of what I have discovered this evening here is how I will approach cleaning the king sized mattress.

Rainy delay

Not much to report. I was hoping to get a lot accomplished this weekend. The weather was supposed to be sunny and warm, but instead we got thunderstorms and rain. I was able to hang the ruffle and fix the hole. 

Not an extreme fix but it will do.

I also wiped down the ceiling with a bleach spray and the top part of the canvas. I removed the covers of the seat cushions and they are being washed and colored. 

My color Whole color plan is shoot because the mauve won't die! I did pick up some dark brown today but that is not what I wanted! I didn't want a dark cave camper! 

Oh well I guess it will do dor now!

It won't die!

Ok, well that's not entirely true. The ruffle dyed better then I hoped! 

The picture doesn't really do the green justice! It is a great shade. Now the mauve curtains I tried to turn tan on the other hand.....

No such luck! The dye just wasn't dark enough. So now I have a problem. Do I try the tangerine color I already have for the side curtains or do I just go darker? Better yet do I just scrap them to make my own? 

Ugly!! 

Day 1

So for the first project I decided to remove, wash and dye the current curtains in the pop up. 

The ruffle was stapled to the ceiling. After it was started it pulled down easily until the corners. I discovered it was easier to pull it down then grab one side of the staple and pull it right out. 

The lovely mauve curtains were on a track held on with plastic clips. Easy enough! Just find the open end and slide!

I made sure to label the location inside. FL, front left , RS, right side......

If I hadn't removed the ruffle I would not have discovered this water damage. It was not wet, but by the rust on the staples and the screws and the rotten wood I could tell we have a leak! 

Another shot of the damage.

So now the ruffle and curtains are down and they are washing!

And it begins!

I said it was coming and here it is! Time to get my remodel on! Take a look at what the beginning looks like!

The mauve and swirling floral is enough to make me gag!