Well, had to give up for now. My "clever" fix was not that clever. I cut off the top portion of the awning and thought I would use eternabond to tape the awning over the poly rope and reuse the bottom portion. I got it threaded on the RV just fine but I left it open in only a slight breeze and the tape tore right off. I guess it is just as well. Now I need to actually order new awning fabric but will wait until after our camping trips this summer. Thanks for the advice. Now I know how to get it done.