The Grapevine Project Awning

A few weeks ago I shared with you the faux stone walls and faux brick columns that were part of the Grapevine Project at Trinity Worship Center in Burlington, North Carolina.

The next step in this project was an awning to go above the serving window. I made the awning from a striped outdoor fabric. Although it's not necessary, the outdoor fabric gave a great weight to the awning. 

I'd like to show you some of the details in making the scallops. I love the look scallops can give a project. They can be used on window treatments, skirts for slipcovers, upholstering projects, table cloths, pillows, etc.

Determining the size of the scallops was based on the width of the awning as well as the depth. This awning was 12" deep so I made the scallop 12" wide, the perfect size for the side panels.

To make sure everything lined up correctly, I drew out the design on the wrong side of the fabric before I cut out the shape. (above)

Below you can see a 6" piece of the stripe is sewn to the lining fabric. You'll see why this is a good idea in a moment.

awning fabric above lining

 Place awning fabric and lining right sides together.

matching stripes of awning fabric on top of lining

Here you can see where the stripes are matched up between the awning fabric and the lining facing. Pin in place and cut scallops in lining.

The size of the awning required using three widths of fabrics sewn together. Below you can see one of the seams.

Once all your scallops are cut, sew lining to awning fabric being very careful to keep to a 1/2" seam allowance and making sure the curves of your scallops remain smooth.  

Once the pieces are sewn together, VERY carefully cut the seam allowance at each point between scallops. This will help insure a smooth look once your fabrics are turned right side out.

Additionally, snip entire seam allowance around curves of scallops about every 1/2" so so. Again, this helps ensure a smooth look.

At this point you'll turn your fabrics right side out and press all seams. Sometimes it requires a few more snips around the scallops to assure the smooth curves.

Installation

This part of the project required teamwork. Not just teamwork but long distance teamwork! I made the awning in Oklahoma, shipped it to North Carolina where three very dedicated individuals installed it.

All the details of this project were decided while I was in North Carolina this past July. One of the members at Trinity Worship Center created the frame for the awning. He found out about the project and less than 48 hours later the frames were completed and ready for me to measure!

Due to the size of the awning, the frame was constructed in two pieces but installed as one. The lower edge of the frame was screwed to the wall using these brackets. 

The upper portion of the frame hung from these brackets and was screwed in place. 

The fabric portion of an awning can be made in one large piece with the sides and front sections sewn together. Considering the distance involved, I chose to make this awning in three pieces to ensure a smooth installation. The angle is the trickiest part of this entire project!

The side pieces were installed first and stapled in place. Here you can see how the scallops hang below the lower edge of the frame.  

The front panel of the awning was then put in place and stapled to the frame. 

If you look closely in the photo below you can see the backside of the scallop on the right side of the awning. This is why I was careful to make sure the stripes on the facing/lining matched the stripes on the awning. It creates a nice finished look.

Isn't it great when a project comes together? And a long distance one at that! A huge THANK YOU! to Keith, Mike and Glenda, my NC team mates. Without you, this project wouldn't have come together! Thank you!

Wouldn't you know it, now I have another awning project in the works! This time for a game room! Stay tuned for the details! As you can see, awnings don't have to be reserved just for outdoor spaces!