Bare bones 2 layer IX top quilt 7.8 oz

**MAD777** · 03-07-2011, 22:38

I am a gram weenie backpacker, so I did not cover the IX at all. It has a simple draw string footbox.

The top layer is 2-1/4" wider than the bottom to allow the quilt to lay over me in an arc - same concept as an underquilt differential, but opposite. My IX is cut 72" long and the top layer is cut 51.75" wide and the bottom layer is cut 50.75" wide. The finished width of the top layer is 44.25" wide and the bottom layer is 42" wide.

Both top and bottom layers have small folds, 5/8" high when finished (picture 1). These are sewn after pinching the fabric together, running from head to toe, about 7-3/8" apart on the top layer and 7" apart on the bottom layer. The bottom row will begin and end with a half spacing which will be offset the bottom folds from the top row of folds, such that there will be about 3-1/2" +/- spacing between the folds when you put the top and bottom layers together (picture 2). The sewn folds in each layer face the opposite layer, creating the "space" between the layers (picture 3).

I tucked the top hem in to give a smooth edge where it will be next to my face and I created a "box" hem along the sides to give support so that the two layers stayed apart (picture 4). I sewed a piece of silnylon along the bottom hem to create a channel for the drawstring (pictures 5 & 6).

I folded, then rolled the quilt, then wrapped with a piece of velcro (picture 7) to control it while I placed it into the stuff sack I made (picture 8).

I will take it on it's maiden voyage the following weekend on the Florida's Swamp Runners HammockForum hike. Right now the lows are predicted to be in the mid 40's, so I hope to be warm. I'll report the results after that excursion.

**Redoleary** · 03-08-2011, 05:42

That came out great. Well done. I'll be looking forward to the trip report.

**MAD777** · 03-08-2011, 05:56

Thanks Red. It looks like our quilts were running in parallel production. You know what they say about great minds ...

**Redoleary** · 03-08-2011, 06:11

Yeah, scary innit. Its cool to watch it all evolve. Keep up the good work.

**islander** · 03-08-2011, 07:02

Wow! Really nice job Mike. Your attention to detail is awesome.
Looks comfy too.

**southmark** · 03-08-2011, 07:16

As a gram weenie myself I can't wait for your report. Nice job! Could be my next project.

**richtorfla** · 03-08-2011, 08:32

That looks really nice. Can't wait to hear how it works. I liked how you made the pleats to create the air space. Really nicely thought out. You all have got me to a point I am gonna have to learn how to sew! Gonna have to watch to ramblinrev vids again!

**Big Wheel** · 03-08-2011, 09:19

right on gram weenie...
great idea on creating the airspace, well explained
So..... How much does your baby weigh?

**Big Wheel** · 03-08-2011, 09:20

Whoops,
7.8 oz awsome

**rjcress** · 03-09-2011, 01:25

Looks good.

Can't wait to hear your temp reports.
I opted for much shorter 1/4" longitudinal pleats based on reports from the IX experts that only a very small gap is needed. Very interested to hear if the additional pleat height proves valuable to you.

You'll get a kick out of this, especially since I expect mine to weigh in at about double what yours weights.
I asked my wife to try mine and she looked at me like I'm crazy (which is getting more common lately). She said, "that thing won't keep me warm."
Well, I just spent the night in mine to just above freezing with just the 2 layer TQ (before adding a fleece TQ inside)... so I KNOW it will keep her warm in our house. I said "what do you mean, why do you think it won't keep you warm?"
Her answer?
she picked it up and said, "feel it, there's nothing to it. HOW COULD this keep me warm?"
So, I expect mine to weigh in around 16 oz, based on the weight GvilleDave reported on his that is slightly smaller. If the thought MINE was lacking sufficient heft to insulate, imagine what she'd say about yours.