Top quilt advice needed

[Rabbit]

I'm thinking about making a top quilt for summer use and would like your input. I've read several threads about under quilts, but I'm a ground dweller, please don't hold it against me. :) Anyway I figure hammock hangers know more about quilts that any other group.
1- where to get patterns, material or kits?
2- what modifications you have made to your quilt or would suggest making?
3- what should I look for when selecting a pattern or kit?

I like the sewn foot box feature on some pre-sewn quilts

I prefer down over synthetic, but wouldn't rule out synthetic

I know about JRB (not sure if they have patterns or kits) and Rays Way

any advice is appreciated


thanks in advance

[angrysparrow]

Welcome to the forum! Stick around long enough and we'll talk you out of being a ground dweller!

I suggest you start by having a look at mikeinfhaz's thread here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4362). He goes through the details of making a top quilt, and answers many of the questions you might have.

[te-wa]

you can look at Thru-Hiker's down quilt kit (http://thru-hiker.com/kits/) and choose the fabric color, shell material, and down fill.
You can use my instructions (http://http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4362) if you need additional help. On my instructions, you may not use the size or shape of the quilt but it will give you pointers on how to sew, how to fill down into the chambers, etc...

good luck! doing this will become a habit. Ive made 7 quilts. Gonna make more!

[Just Jeff]

Also see Coffee's Red River Gorge quilt...it has a headhole so you can wear it poncho-style, like the JRB No Sniveler.
http://www.tothewoods.net/RedRiverGorgeQuilt/RedRiverGorgeQuilt.html

[NCPatrick]

good luck! doing this will become a habit. Ive made 7 quilts. Gonna make more!

Speaking as an owner of one of your quilts, you do great work too. Just sayin'.

[neo]

I'm thinking about making a top quilt for summer use and would like your input. I've read several threads about under quilts, but I'm a ground dweller, please don't hold it against me. :) Anyway I figure hammock hangers know more about quilts that any other group.
1- where to get patterns, material or kits?
2- what modifications you have made to your quilt or would suggest making?
3- what should I look for when selecting a pattern or kit?

I like the sewn foot box feature on some pre-sewn quilts

I prefer down over synthetic, but wouldn't rule out synthetic

I know about JRB (not sure if they have patterns or kits) and Rays Way

any advice is appreciated




thanks in advance

quilts rock:)welcome to hammock forums.:cool:neo

[Cannibal]

I do love down; maybe a little too much.

That said, I'm planning to make a synthetic top quilt for the summer.
1. I'm not as concerned with weight because I'm not carrying all the extra clothing
2. Synthetic is easier to work with and A WHOLE LOT LESS messier
3. Cheaper; lots and lots cheaper
4. Most important to me for this discussion; Summer means rain. I'm very careful with my sleeping gear, but water is awfully sneaky. The synthetic makes me feel better about it if it does get a bit moist.

I would never argue with someone for wanting to do a down quilt, just trying to offer up some differing viewpoints.

[Take-a-knee]

I do love down; maybe a little too much.

That said, I'm planning to make a synthetic top quilt for the summer.
1. I'm not as concerned with weight because I'm not carrying all the extra clothing
2. Synthetic is easier to work with and A WHOLE LOT LESS messier
3. Cheaper; lots and lots cheaper
4. Most important to me for this discussion; Summer means rain. I'm very careful with my sleeping gear, but water is awfully sneaky. The synthetic makes me feel better about it if it does get a bit moist.

I would never argue with someone for wanting to do a down quilt, just trying to offer up some differing viewpoints.

Good points, also, with a summer quilt a smaller percentage of it's weight is insulation. The shell of a given size weighs the same for a summer or winter quilt. One layer of Climashield Combat(3.7oz) or the five ounce weight oughta do nicely. I'd put a headhole in it also. Take the money you save on this and buy a cuben poncho from Mountain Laurel Designs. That would be a killer summer kit.

[animalcontrol]

Good points, also, with a summer quilt a smaller percentage of it's weight is insulation. The shell of a given size weighs the same for a summer or winter quilt. One layer of Climashield Combat(3.7oz) or the five ounce weight oughta do nicely. I'd put a headhole in it also. Take the money you save on this and buy a cuben poncho from Mountain Laurel Designs. That would be a killer summer kit.
I would second the vote for Climashield. I have made quilts in all 3 weights of it and have used the 3.7oz weight down to 32*F as a TQ fairly easily. Total quilt weight for that one is 12oz. (including footbox)
The last time I ordered Climashield from Ayce at Thru Hiker, he said that supplies of it would be running low with little hope of replacement. So, order soon if that is what you want

[NCPatrick]

I would second the vote for Climashield. I have made quilts in all 3 weights of it and have used the 3.7oz weight down to 32*F as a TQ fairly easily. Total quilt weight for that one is 12oz. (including footbox)
The last time I ordered Climashield from Ayce at Thru Hiker, he said that supplies of it would be running low with little hope of replacement. So, order soon if that is what you want

So it's impossible now to get Polarguard (isn't it?), and Ayce is saying the Climashield supply is drying up? Any ideas of what will replace the Climashield?

[animalcontrol]

So it's impossible now to get Polarguard (isn't it?), and Ayce is saying the Climashield supply is drying up? Any ideas of what will replace the Climashield?

No idea for a replacement.
I never wanted Polarguard and Climashield is a victim of the economic problems
Here is a copy of Ayce's email to me:
"The rumor RE western nonwovens is true. They're a victim of the credit crunch and were unable to raise the capital they needed for continuing operations. It is unknown at this time what will happen and supply disruptions have already begun.
I have all 3 basis weights still in stock, but to avoid disappointment I would not wait to get what you need"
This email is from 6 Nov 2008.
FWIW, I'm a down fan. Climashield quilt was so easy to make, awesome performance, and CHEAP! honestly, I made my first Climashield quilt as practice for a down one. I'll still do down...after I wear these out!

[NCPatrick]

Ditto on the down, but it troubles me to see the cheaper options disappear. A "disturbance in the force", so to speak.

[animalcontrol]

1- where to get patterns, material or kits?
link to kick *** quilts (http://www.kickassquilts.com/) great DIY instructions for an underquilt. To modify, make a rectangle (no darts) and sew

2- what modifications you have made to your quilt or would suggest making?
I persoanlly do not like omni tape(velcro) or a sewn footbox. I used a draw string at the footend and then 3 sets of snaps 7" apart to form the footbox. Undo the snap and poof, you have a flat quilt again. Works great for little effort (snaps compress together - no sewing). I did reinforce the snap areas with sewn in pieces of grosgrain.


I like the sewn foot box feature on some pre-sewn quilts
See above description of footbox

...and your right, NOBODY knows quilts like the people (not me) on this site. Ask away, they will steer you right

[Cannibal]

Ask away, they will steer you right...

...into bankruptcy or severe OCD, your choice. This month, we're offering both for the price of one! :lol:

[Cannibal]

Take the money you save on this and buy a cuben poncho from Mountain Laurel Designs. That would be a killer summer kit.

OK, you made me look.:tongueup:

While it's true I have been accused of being a 'gram-weenie' from time to time, I'm not sure about that rig. They do disclose: "This SUL poncho is for experienced SUL Hikers. It is much smaller and less durable than the Silnylon MLD Pro Poncho. If you expect significant rain or off trail use on a trip, this may not be the poncho to choose". At only 3.9oz, that would offset quite a bit of synthetic insulation. It would also however, offset a lot the of cost savings ($155).

Besides, these days I'm rolling nice and heavy, even got the 'husky' version of the BB. After a several months of choosing between Twinkies and PopTarts I've graduated to just carrying both! :D

[Take-a-knee]

OK, you made me look.:tongueup:

While it's true I have been accused of being a 'gram-weenie' from time to time, I'm not sure about that rig. They do disclose: "This SUL poncho is for experienced SUL Hikers. It is much smaller and less durable than the Silnylon MLD Pro Poncho. If you expect significant rain or off trail use on a trip, this may not be the poncho to choose". At only 3.9oz, that would offset quite a bit of synthetic insulation. It would also however, offset a lot the of cost savings ($155).

Besides, these days I'm rolling nice and heavy, even got the 'husky' version of the BB. After a several months of choosing between Twinkies and PopTarts I've graduated to just carrying both! :D

I think that MLD poncho would work great on the AT when it was warm enough to be appropriate, I used an Integral Designs sil poncho this summer and was well pleased with it. You may have an issue in late June/July with overgrown poorly maintained sections, I didn't see much of that from Wayah Gap NC south. The ultimate mutli-use may well be HC4U's Dri Duck's poncho since it could also protect and extend your UQ.

[Doctari]

The RayWay quilt Is an easy to sew option www.ray-way.com/quilt/index.htm

Discounting the 2 hours I wasted trying to sew it insulation side up, it took me just 2 hrs to sew, from taking it out of the box to testing it in my hammock.

[Rabbit]

Welcome to the forum! Stick around long enough and we'll talk you out of being a ground dweller!
:rolleyes: maybe!



you can look at Thru-Hiker's down quilt kit (http://thru-hiker.com/kits/) and choose the fabric color, shell material, and down fill.
You can use my instructions (http://http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4362) if you need additional help. On my instructions, you may not use the size or shape of the quilt but it will give you pointers on how to sew, how to fill down into the chambers, etc...

good luck! doing this will become a habit. Ive made 7 quilts. Gonna make more!

great looking quilt, thanks for the detailed write up and photos




I do love down; maybe a little too much.

That said, I'm planning to make a synthetic top quilt for the summer.
1. I'm not as concerned with weight because I'm not carrying all the extra clothing
2. Synthetic is easier to work with and A WHOLE LOT LESS messier
3. Cheaper; lots and lots cheaper
4. Most important to me for this discussion; Summer means rain. I'm very careful with my sleeping gear, but water is awfully sneaky. The synthetic makes me feel better about it if it does get a bit moist.

I would never argue with someone for wanting to do a down quilt, just trying to offer up some differing viewpoints.

excellent points, all worth considering

thank you to everyone for your input, it's very much appreciated.

my mom is giving me her sewing machine when I go home for Christmas, probably won't be starting the quilt project until Jan/Feb. I'll let ya know what I decide down or synthetic and let you know how the project turns out or not.

Happy Holidays

[warbonnetguy]

link to kick *** quilts (http://www.kickassquilts.com/)

I persoanlly do not like omni tape(velcro) or a sewn footbox. I used a draw string at the footend and then 3 sets of snaps 7" apart to form the footbox. Undo the snap and poof, you have a flat quilt again. Works great for little effort (snaps compress together - no sewing). I did reinforce the snap areas with sewn in pieces of grosgrain.



i've been meaning to try the snap-close option as well. actually have some small snaps on the way. any problems with cold air getting in since it's not a full seal like velcro?

[animalcontrol]

i've been meaning to try the snap-close option as well. actually have some small snaps on the way. any problems with cold air getting in since it's not a full seal like velcro?
coldest used was 30*F so not very frigid...
but no problems...I would guess that the weight of your legs against the bottom would help seal it shut. Also, the spacing of the snaps. The colder the rating of the quilt, maybe the closer the spacing of the snaps? Currently, I have roughly 5"-6" apart, 18" total
If it had been a problem, I was going to sew some flat loops of grosgrain in between the snaps and "lace" it closed with some small diameter line.
I doubt I will ever use my DIY TQ lower than 25...any lower than that, I will take my 5*F down Moonstone bag.

[Schneiderlein]

I have considered the snaps, but am afraid they will pull out eventually. I think I will use regular old buttons for my next quilt. I have practiced the button holes a little bit with grosgrain reinforcement, and they come out pretty nice. I don't like the omni-tape.