Are there any DIY blind solutions I can build?

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/diy-pallet-wood-vertical-blinds-3924401

You can use pallets to make blinds!

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/windows/how-to-make-a-beach-mat-blind-1428761

Alternatively, beach mat from the dollar store!

I have never made blinds but I have made roman shades. I used sheets for the part facing out side and a patterned fabric for the inside facing., I basically sewed the two pieces together turned then inside out. My husband like them to have a draped effect when closed. (like the look when opened) I put aluminum bars in between the 2 materials to keep the drape formed and add some weight where we wanted the folds. You also need sm plastic circles to feed the string through on the back of the drapes. You can find the mechanism for raising and lowering the blinds at a fabric store. If we had these custom made it would have been over 3k, I spent less than $200. I find that sheets work great, wash easily and resist fading alot better than fabric.

Thank you for your reply. I have thought about making Roman shades. I was afraid that assembly would be laborious for 11 windows but it sounds easy and might be something I could assemble for the windows that need attention first and then work gradually towards assembling the others. Definitely worth considering again. Thank you.