16oz of down for $5 TQ time!

[vinnya42]

I picked up a large quilt for $5 at goodwill and am itching to make something! I have a good 3 layer IX UQ. I have a nice down jacket ($5 at Goodwill too ) I am using a Northface sleeping bag as my TQ and it is good to around 40 but weighs 35 oz
I am guessing I can make a TQ with 9oz of down and a 3" loft good to around freezing which would be perfect for me.

Question: what should my dimensions for the quilt be? I am 6ft 1" and have a 12" shoe size? I would say 78" x 42"...but is that big enough for a foot box?

Question 2: looking at the down it is all down, no feathers and looks very fine and small pieces. I am guessing it is not 900 down but does that really matter?

Thanks for the help.

[ljcsov]

Wow thats a pretty nice buy.

I am not sure on the dimensions since I haven't made a quilt yet myself.

As for the down, the Fill Power will control what loft you want for a specific temperature.

Check this out: http://thru-hiker.com/projects/down_quilt.php

The basic formula is this: [ Length (inches) X Width (Inches) X Height/Loft (inches) ] / Fill Power = oz needed.

Does it say the FP on the tag? If there isn't one I'd say just use it all and see how it works. I haven't worked with down myself but did a good amount of research because I was thinking about trying it.

[vinnya42]

Thanks...great site! I will be bookmarking that one.

[G.L.P.]

being it's a quilt for the house the fill power i would guess is low...

i would weigh the quilt .. is there a tag on the quilt that tells you the fill power
or how much feathers are used?

[vinnya42]

no tags and the quilt weights 36oz it is 6' x 8'

[AaronAlso]

Not all down is created equal. If it has been improperly cared for it may be worthless as insulation. Without having some idea what fill power that down is you can't really beging to make a quilt with a estimated comfort rating.

I've been reading alot about various kinds of down and marketing of it. One must be careful not to get shafted. For example "siberian goose down" is a trade name and infact very very little of the worlds supply of down comes from Siberia.

I was reading about a test you can do to estimate the down quality, but I have lost the link. I will try to find it later when I'm home from work.

[AaronAlso]

OK here goes...
I'm no expert, and I don't know how accuracy these links are in their claims, but I hope it helps you on your project,


Squeeze Test
Down Bedding FAQ
Fill Power Wiki
Downmark

[G.L.P.]

no tags and the quilt weights 36oz it is 6' x 8'

at that weigh and size i would say it's very low fill power....
i say go for it ... but your going to need to use most of it in your quilt ..
it might get alittle heavy

[LisaJ5227]

I have two 1980ish North Face down coats I bought at thrift store I plan on harvesting down from these so just a reminder to look in that section of store for quality down. FYI saw another post where poster uses a tent to open whatever he's harvesting down for, to keep them confined.

[Jazilla]

What have you got to loose really, $5. I would recommend washing the quilt first. You will need a down conditioner. I think this will bring to life the down in the quilt before it goes into the TQ. Also its a good way to start with fresh down.