Some of my DIY Projects

**dmrichm** · 12-27-2010, 01:30

Originally Posted by JDShearer

Any chance you'd share some info on how you put that beanie together? I'm working on something similar and I'm curious how many pieces you used, etc.

Sure! I would love to! I used some plain fleece (I think from Hancock Fabrics) and down-proof 1.1 ripstop nylon (from backwoodsdaydreamer.com). The beanie is made of 6 segments and finished with grosgrain. I first sketched out a template on cardboard and then traced it onto the ripstop and fleece. (I included a rough sketch, it's just so people can get a visual) When measuring the bottom edge make sure you measure your head and add at least 3 inches to that. I traced 12 templates on the ripstop and 6 on the fleece. After everything was traced and cut I started the construction of the individual segments. The hat is three layers, from inside to out it is: fleece, ripstop, ripstop. This creates a down-proof pocket. I found it was best to pin the three layers together, otherwise they slip a lot. I sewed around the outter edge, but only 3/4 the way around so that down can be stuffed in the pocket. I used only a small amount of down (honestly, I just eyeballed it) in each segment and then sewed the remaining edge to close up the pocket. I then decided to do some sewn through quilting. One line of stitching down the middle and then another three across at about 2.5 inches apart. Once each of the segments was done I began to stitch the segements together. When doing this remember to initially have the ripstop facing each other so that when all the segments are attached you turn the beanie right side out. I finally finished the bottom edge with 1 inch grosgrain.

Ta-da! You have a down beanie. I hope this helps!

**Stavros** · 12-27-2010, 01:35

Thanx for that info!
Another project on the DIY-list....

**turnerminator** · 12-27-2010, 05:23

Well done on all your gear. You should be proud, it looks great.

I'm making a down beanie too, thanks for the info on it.

**psyculman** · 12-27-2010, 06:05

Thanks for the pictures, your work should serve you well! And a special thanks for the beanie information, got to get to that project this winter.

**MAD777** · 12-27-2010, 06:10

Nice projects! Especially impressed with the hat (as are many others). A "how to" would be widely appreciated (hint, hint).

That underquilt could easily be 4 season in most places and with the addition of a reflective mylar just under the hammock and an IX hammock sock, would be 4 season anywhere, I suspect.

**ShadowAlpha** · 12-27-2010, 08:20

Thank you for the instructions!
I can see I'm not going to get work done today :/

**JDShearer** · 12-27-2010, 09:28

Thanks for that info, dmrichm! That's a lot like what I was thinking and it's exciting to see someone who's actually done it. I'm gonna give it a try, but I'll probably use cattail fluff. I might make one in climashield, too. Your other projects look great as well, by the way. Nice work!

**dmrichm** · 12-27-2010, 11:46

Thank you everyone for the nice comments. It is a good feeling to have people actually like the stuff your making. I'll try and see if I can put together more of an official tutorial on the down beanie.

**rjcress** · 12-27-2010, 11:56

Very nice looking gear.
My FrankenBird (WBBB) was a big project.
From what I've read about UQs, I've been hesitant to take on that project.

Well, that and I hear such good things about IX, that I'm thinking I'll do one in IX instead of down. Your down quilt looks awesome. I'm just not sure i have the patience for that project. yet.