IX or Down?

Ok- on to the next issue... well tarp is really the next issue, but DIY with sil and mineral spirits are a bit daunting... so UQ seems a bit more doable at the moment. ;)
So... IX or Down? I'm sure there are benefits for both, but in terms of ease of making, ease of packing, ease of use, which of the two are the best? Loaded question I know.

Seems it depends. DIY Gear Supply has their sheet on a DIY IX UQ that looks very straightforward (one of my current projects for the colder weather).

However, i will also be looking to do a sewn through down TQ (not a UQ but a similar design could not be far from the same process) and it seems relatively straight forward as well and less complicated than a baffled down UQ.

As for the pros and cons for each - there are numerous threads and discussions on the topic here so you're lucky!

I made a double layer IX top quilt and found that it is warm enough down to 60 degrees.
I sewed ribs in it about every 3" to keep the two layers separate. This part is psychological, but it doen't give that cozy, snuggly feeling either.

An under quilt may be a different story since gravity is working for you to keep the layers separated. On a windy night, I would think that an IX underquilt would be more subseptible to having its warmth blow away due to a billows action. But, I have no personal experience with that.

down is the safer bet...harder to make, but predictible and proven.
my $.02