Differential Shaping for a KAQ

[Narwhalin]

In the directions for a KAQ, the outside shell is specifically supposed to be the same as the inside shell and the insulation. I have been wondering if differential shaping would make this quilt even better...

In the KAQ directions, one sews the insulation to the shell and liner in one step: http://www.kickassquilts.com/Make4.html This step seems like the perfect place to install the pleats. Would differential shaping be a good idea with this quilt?

[lenle01]

Are you doing this to create more of a bathtub shape or to reduce compression of the insulation? How many layers of insulation are you sewing in to the quilt?

[Narwhalin]

Are you doing this to create more of a bathtub shape or to reduce compression of the insulation? How many layers of insulation are you sewing in to the quilt?

My thoughts are that it would reduce compression. I think the quilt will end up being ~1.2" thick.

[lenle01]

The only compression points I found on the first kaq I made were around the edge. Mainly where the insulation is sewn into the quilt (obviously). I have a prototype made that I could fool around with if you tell me where you wanted to put the pleats. I wouldn't be able to try anything till this weekend. Hopefully Cannibal or warbonnetguy will chime in. They seem to have synthetic uq's down to a science.

[Cannibal]

Hopefully Cannibal or warbonnetguy will chime in. They seem to have synthetic uq's down to a science.

No way man, I'm just a user. Little more than a junkie hooked on wbg's product.

I do agree with lenle01's assessment of the compression. I've made one KAQ per the directions and a couple of experimental versions trying this or that and have not had any real issues with compressing the insulation. I do cut the outer shell a wee bit larger than the inner, but I don't bother with pleats...too lazy.

Now, if you want to be able to really stuff a few layers in there, compression may become an issue. A couple of pleats can't hurt, but I don't know if they are really necessary. Try it and tell us how it works out.

[Take-a-knee]

The KAQ has pleats on each side to reduce compression and help the sides snug the hammock, they work well. For a true differential cut, the synthetic Warbonnet is the way to go. That thing is the pinnacle of synthetic UQ design.

[Cannibal]

Actually, I think the darts on the KAQ are there to help with the asym shape of the quilt so the fabric doesn't fold at the tie-out corners. Not sure if they do anything to assist with 'ballooning' the fabric.

Totally agree about the WB synthetic torso UQ. I haven't found another synthetic option that preforms half as well at twice the weight.

I'm trying to become a down UQ guy with the release of the Yetis. They solve one of my only issues with the WBSTLUQ (take that!). The WBSTLUQ's (still crackin me up) layers are held by only loops of thread which makes the concept of 'stuffing' it impossible; no Bishop Bag for hammock and quilt. Not an issue with the Yetis, just stuff and go. I like that!

[Take-a-knee]

Actually, I think the darts on the KAQ are there to help with the asym shape of the quilt so the fabric doesn't fold at the tie-out corners. Not sure if they do anything to assist with 'ballooning' the fabric.

Totally agree about the WB synthetic torso UQ. I haven't found another synthetic option that preforms half as well at twice the weight.

I'm trying to become a down UQ guy with the release of the Yetis. They solve one of my only issues with the WBSTLUQ (take that!). The WBSTLUQ's (still crackin me up) layers are held by only loops of thread which makes the concept of 'stuffing' it impossible; no Bishop Bag for hammock and quilt. Not an issue with the Yetis, just stuff and go. I like that!

The WB syn UQ has zero fiddle-factor though, you just slap the thing into place, not using a BB sack doesn't create a problem like it does with JRB quilts. I agree though, that Yeti looks like the ticket, especially considering it's weight/bulk.

[Cannibal]

The WB syn UQ has zero fiddle-factor though, you just slap the thing into place, not using a BB sack doesn't create a problem like it does with JRB quilts. I agree though, that Yeti looks like the ticket, especially considering it's weight/bulk.

True on the fiddle factor, but it's one more stuff sack the wind will try to steal from me. I still take my synthetic version with me on occasion; it's an amazing solution.

I can't speak to the weight of the Yetis but as far as bulk goes, the winter Yeti takes up less space than my Shenandoah quilt from the Jacks and it's a winter quilt! How can you not like that? I'm still waiting to see one of the Jacks' torso quilts in action, love the trend.

But, what makes them both great is the same thing that makes the Speers' SnugFit and the Jacks' Mt. Washington quilts preform so well IMO and that's the way they 'cup' the hammock when weighted. The KAQ does a pretty good job of that too, but the fine tuning isn't there like it is on the others mentioned and the pattern really fits best on a Hennessy. Takes a little experimenting with the shape to get them to fit as tightly on other models, like the Warbonnet stuff. Still, an awfully good quilt for the price and the talent required to make. A KAQ was my first underquilt and convinced me that they are the way to go when trying to stay warm in a hammock.

[Narwhalin]

.... For a true differential cut, the synthetic Warbonnet is the way to go. That thing is the pinnacle of synthetic UQ design.

Totally agree about the WB synthetic torso UQ. I haven't found another synthetic option that preforms half as well at twice the weight.

Cool...could someone explain the differences/similarities between the Warbonnet UQ and the KAQ design? I have no doubts about the Warbonnet being awesome , so if I could include some of it's features, I would like to...