Hi, I just made front window shades that snap on the outside of our pilot house windows for our boat and for our neighbor's boat. I made them from white Phifertex mesh which allows 30% light transmission. It comes in other colors and denser weaves up to only 5% UV and light transmission. I purchased it at a very reasonable price (less than $10 a yard and 54" wide) from Astrup. Check out their website at http://www.astrup.com/ They have locations all over the U.S. Also, check out the Phifer website at http://www.phifer.com/ to see all the wonderful mesh/screen products available - some not only dampen sunlight but are insect screens as well. This mesh is very easy to sew - I have a small portable Bernina sewing machine and used heavy Dacron thread I purchased from my local canvas shop. Susie m/v Eureka Sausalito, CA