Converting a traditional sleeping bag into TQ/UQ combo

[oruacat2]

I have an older model Sierra Designs Sandman Flex sleeping bag.
How difficult/easy would it be to separate that bag into a TQ and an UQ?
I'm guessing step 1 would be to remove the zipper without damaging the integrity of the insulation - but what sort of drawstrings/cords/attachment points would have to be added to make it actually fit as an UQ? The TQ just lays across you like a traditional blanket, right? Is it the UQ that requires a bit more modifying?

Any tutorials or "how-to" threads already on here that I'm missing?
I've got a friend who is a genius with needle/thread/sewing machine, but who probably knows next to nothing about outdoor gear and hammocking. If I can find clear instructions on this conversion, I think she could pull it off.

I'm thinking it would be a cheap alternative to buying a TQ/UQ and THEN after-the-fact deciding that I hate that system. lol If this works, I'll worry about going smaller and lighter later.

Thanks in advance,
KD

[Lost_Biker]

One sleeping bag for both a TQ and UQ? Don't think so - not big enough. A top quilt you can make by removing the zipper (or not) and hood (or not) I use a sleeping bag (unmodified) for a top quilt year round.

Your sleeping bag has polar guard synthetic, not down, right?

The UQ can be made from the sleeping bag by just removing the hood and zipper, opening the footbox and putting channels on the edges (foot end, head end and sides). It's fairly easy to do. If it has syn fill, just sew a line down the zipper edges and cut off the zipper, cut open the foot box, sew the edges closed. Now add channels, and shock cord.

[oruacat2]

Glad I asked - I didn't realize they were that big, individually.

[OutandBack]

You could open the footbox a little and slide the SB over the hammock. That has been done before and works pretty well. I might even have a pict. Let me look around and I'll post again.