I Guess It's about time for my first post

**tyc221** · 08-31-2011, 09:08

Where to start, my wife and I got into Hammocking this summer when we went to our local climbing crag and I pulled my old tent out of the car and the string in the poles broke. So they had a lil pro shop there and sell eno DN of course they one time I need to buy one the only had one left so my wife slept in the hammock and I slept on bouldering pad. When we got up the next morning I felt horrible and she said it was the best night’s sleep she ever had camping. So I ordered another DN and 2 bug nets and will never go back!!!
So far I have made a tarp 1.1 oz ripstop and DIY sil
2 sets of whoopee slings
And a couple of stuff sacks
Now for a few questions? I’m trying to convert an old Colman sleeping bag into an UQ and my sewing machine doesn’t seem to like all that insulation it keeps jamming and making a weird clicking noise but once I run rip stop through it works fine. Any ideas?
Also should I make synthetic winter quilts for this winter season or down?

**dragon360** · 08-31-2011, 09:10

Great way to get started - Welcome to the Forums from Canada!

In regards to the synth over down, it tends to be a preference thing. I can tell you I started with one and ended up with both very quickly.

**chickenwing** · 08-31-2011, 09:19

Great way to convert to hammock camping!!!

**Les Rust** · 08-31-2011, 09:22

Welcome to HF. Hope that you fared well through the storm there in Joplin; you all are still in our prayers as you recover.
Some insulation seems to be harder to sew than others; all those loose pieces seem to want to bind up in different ways. I'm not sure of a great solution. I had to sew pretty slow when making my quilts. I'm sure others will encourage you to make sure that everything is well-oiled and tensioned properly. Perhaps Rev and some of the other more experienced DIYers will have better info.

**olddog** · 08-31-2011, 10:35

Welcome aboard from Florida. Yeah, another DIY junkie. Possibly the feed dog pressure, probably a lot of difference in the thickness of the ripstop and the sleeping bag. May need to pull out the manual. The ramblinrev is our expert on all things sewing and should be along soon.

**MAD777** · 08-31-2011, 12:05

Welcome to the Forums!
Thick insulation is a challenge to sewing machines. Is the bag synthetic or down?

**tyc221** · 08-31-2011, 13:10

the bag is synthetic, Is there a way to raise the foot? I tried to sew without it locked down but that did not work. It's a Singer Simple my wife was great help with the tarp but sewing stuff this thick has her stumped too.