DIY Underquilt Project

**Grinder** · 01-15-2011, 08:54

I finally got started, with a bit less than two weeks until the Florida Hang.

I got the top and bottom cut and marked and cut the baffles (I used 1.1 nylon instead of noseeum) Then I got cold feet.

To break the fear factor, I made a mini quilt. out of scraps:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

The quilt is stuffed with socks in the picture. That exercise gave me some confidence in the sewing acrobatics involved.

Yesterday, I sewed the baffles to the bottom. Today the top gets sewed to the bottom. This is akin to the "Great Escape" in complexity.

One downfall, to share my exeriences, is that when you get comfortable whizzing along a seam, THAT'S the point that you sew a fold of material into the seam you're working on and have to get out the seam ripper. I hate that!!

I could use a tip or two on the subject of divying up the down (6 bags) into 13 portions. I have no scale fine enough for this, it will be by eye. My first thought is to take some from each bag, until I have 1/2 bag full. Then split each of the large bags between two compartments. Does the down explode out of the bag when you unzip it??

Also I'd like to thank Adam and Jenny for the quick shipment of my down. It's a pleasure doing business with you!!

**MAD777** · 01-15-2011, 11:07

First of all, making the mini-quilt stuffed with socks was a brilliant idea!!

Sewing loose material into seams ... yeah ... we've all been there. The seam ripper is your friend.

Don't worry, the down won't jump out of the bag like a jack-in-the-box. As a matter of fact, you'll have to work to get it out! The compacted down actually temps you to overfill the baffles, thinking that they look empty. But, if you let everything relax before sewing up the seam, you will have a better idea of what the final outcome will be.

Here's a link to my latest UQ project:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=26542

**lazy river road** · 01-15-2011, 13:23

Very cool uq I'm takeing thread injecting classes then going to attempt my first DIY winter quint

**Grinder** · 01-20-2011, 07:02

yesterday I finished the quilt. I have to say I've had my heart in my throat most of the time while sewing, for fear of trashing it!!, but, in spite of some tense moments of indecision, it's done and I'm pleased.

**canoebie** · 01-20-2011, 07:05

That looks great. You must have a real sense of satisfaction, not to mention warmth. Good work.

**MAD777** · 01-20-2011, 07:31

Good job Grinder!!!
You will get good use of it this weekend at the Florida hang.
I can't wait to see it, up close & personal!

**Grinder** · 01-20-2011, 11:23

Madd7s
Thanks for your help. Your write up was a great reference.
See You tomorrow

**creativeKayt** · 01-20-2011, 16:59

Oh! This looks wonderful!!! Way to push through the fear and complete a mighty fine UQ!!

**trinni** · 01-20-2011, 19:05

Looks like a very warm and comfortable butt-warmer, please can you tell us the specs?

**Grinder** · 01-20-2011, 20:08

trini
Here's the specs:

Finished size 42x78

outside lining1.1 oz olive ripstock
inside gray ripstock from walmart bargain bin maybe 1.1oz
2 in height baffles same gray material 12 baffles (13 @ 6"x2 1/2 "chambers) running crossways (imitated JRB design)

12 oz 800 FP down from Adam (stormcrow)

Gross Grain Cord channels across head and foot.

Attachment loops at four corners and midlength

finished weight, as close as I can tell with a fish scale is around 1 1/2 lbs

Ask if there's anything else I missed