vertical blinds

[kid in college]

With a 'kid in college' we live on a tight budget!  Daughters first floor vertical blinds face common area and she is missing many slats from pushing the blinds open before turning the slats to face inward, causing the slat to snap at the top where it attaches to headrail.  Want her to be able to get better privacy at night.  Saw on HGTV where they removed slats and added fabric to hang from headrail - which then was used like traverse rod.  But can't figure out how to attach the fabric.  Daughter lives 9 hours away and I don't have vertical blinds myself so can't experiment before going there.  Would like to take all I need with me on next visit.  Any suggestions?  These are the cheapy kind that you get at home stores.  Stiff vinyl slat with hole at top where it attaches to headrail.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  I know all you Mom's of teenage girls understand that at this point in her life it is easier to change the blinds then to try to change her - she still thinks she knows it all! 

[Pip]

Hi

They attach on small plastic hangers sewn into folds at the top - To be honest it'll be easier to buy new, you'll get a 6 foot by 6 foot vertical blind off of eBay for less than £40.

Philip

[Louise]

If you know the size of your slats you should be able to order replacement components. In the UK there are sites like http://www.blindsdiy.co.uk/acatalog/Spare_Parts.html and http://www.blindfix.co.uk/

In the US I have found http://www.fixmyblinds.com/string-vertical.html .......this one has something called vane savers which I think is what you may need

[kid in college]

Thank you both!  I'll check both sites.