Finished!! - APEX TQ - Observations & Tips

[PopcornFool]

I just finished making a Climashield APEX Top Quilt using Argon 90 Fabric I bought from Dutch. I wanted a lightweight synthetic for my sweaty summer backpacking trips. Although I've sewn some converted quilts (converted from Costco blankets and Army Poncho Liners), this was my first "from scratch" build.

Specs:

• Cut dimensions: 78" x 54" with 45.5" circumference (14.5" diameter) circular footbox cap
• Final dimensions: 75.5” x 52.5” with 44” circumference circular footbox
• Outer fabric: Woodland Camo Argon 90 (15D)
• Inner fabric: Dark Olive Argon 90 (15D)
• Fill: 2.5oz Climashield APEX
• Final weight: 391g (13.79oz)

Photos:
IMG_3771.jpgIMG_3772.jpgIMG_3773.jpg

Some observations and tips:

• There are many videos, instruction guides, HF posts, etc. with directions and tips; read/watch as many as you can for hidden ideas
• Argon 90 is very easy to work with
• Sewing with tissue paper under the APEX really does help keep the insulation from binding up in the machine
• With a printed layer and a solid layer (like I had), sewing with the solid layer on top makes it easier to see the stitching as you go
• Argon 90 has two different sides; be careful to ensure you stack things so that the correct sides will show in the finished product
• Measure the foot end of the quilt after it's sewn but before you cut the end cap to ensure you cut the circle the correct size
• Cut end cap larger than you need and it will be easier to sew on to the quilt because you won't have to sew so close to the edges
• Creating a round footbox isn't difficult, but the sewing can be challenging (particularly if you haven't sized correctly)
• Pinning the end cap to the quilt body first helps keep things aligned when sewing the footbox
• Pin pin pin pin!! Pin everything both inside and outside the lines before you cut
• Trimming excess material near the sewn seams before you turn things rightside-in will make the finished product look cleaner
• The opening that you plan to invert through should be at the foot of the quilt; the external stitching won't show once the footbox is created
• I only tapered about 8" total because I'm a big guy and like it roomier for my legs; with a more traditional taper, it would have weighed even less
• The footbox really does stand up on it's own just like it looks in the picture (an unexpected but pleasant surprise)

I welcome comments and questions.
And if you've made your own synth TQ, I encourage you to share your own observations and tips.

[Ospreydog]

That’s a nice looking quilt.


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[Tato Spud]

Perhaps we have witnessed the start of a new cottage vendor? Your TQ looks really nice. Congratulations and enjoy!

Kudos on sharing so many tips from your experience.

[monty33]

Do you have a picture of it in a stuff sack? Curious to see how compact it can be.

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[Longwinters]

Looks great. Nice work.

[rmcrow2]

That is really awesome. I have been wsnting to try one.

I was also wanting a sewn foot box but wasn't sure that was feasible.

You have inspired me to try it and not go with a gathered end.

我宁愿在山上。

[Heavyhiker]

Very nice build!

[tlfillingim]

Good job! Looks nice.

[Boston Fan]

Well done! I really appreciate the observations and tips. I have been contemplating taking a crack at making one of these, and am inspired by your great outcome. I hope you enjoy it for years to come.

[PopcornFool]

Do you have a picture of it in a stuff sack? Curious to see how compact it can be.

I've added two pictures.

First is my new DIY TQ hanging on the wall with some of my down quilts.
IMG_3776.jpg
The new FIY TQ is the one on the right in the mesh bag. (I haven't had time to sew it's own cotton bag yet.) It just barely fits in the mesh bag without compressing, but I'll probably sew a cotton bag that is slightly larger (something between the Yeti bag and the HG 40* bag) to give it just a bit more room.



The second shows it compressed in a 15L Sea to Summit eVent compression dry sack in between a 1L Platypus and a 700ml Smart Water bottle for scale.
IMG_3777.jpg
I'd say it's about the size of a large canteloupe melon. I could have compressed it more if I had a smaller compression sack. I'd pulled the straps on the 15L all the way to their ends, so really couldn't test the extent of compression. A 10L or 12L compression sack (if you use them) would probably be better for this quilt and would probably take it down to a large grapefruit.