Hi All,
I have used information on this forum to help me make my first project, which is a quilt based on the instructions here: http://www.backpacking.net/makegear/make-quilt/index.html
You've provided this lurker with some good insight. Thanks.

I am extremely happy with the results so far, since this was the first time i have ever used a sewing machine. My wife gave me some pointers, showed me how to thread the machine, and let me at it.

I broke a needle. I tried to sew with the feet up. I ran out of thread in the lower bobbin and didn't notice for a good 2 feet. Things got tangled. I cussed and spat. The cat kept walking across the material as i measured it. But, it's almost finished and I think it looks pretty good!

I used some $1 ripstop from Wallyworld and Primaloft Sport. Everything is done except for the quilt loops. I haven't bought the materials for this yet, and i am wondering if there is a specific type of yarn i should buy?

If you use yarn, pick any synthetic.

I don't like using yarn loops. They tend to snag and untie in my experience. I've been using standard sewing thread in my recent poly quilts. I quilt to the inner shell before joining the inner and outer shells so there are no quilting stitches in the outer shell. I tack the thread at a point on the inner shell, maybe 6 inches from the edge, loop it over the poly with a back stitch thru the poly only, then tack it in place on the inner shell again,several inches away from the first tack, repeating until the thread runs out and I reload the needle. This has worked better for me than the yarn loops. I keep the loop loose, but do not mess with using a spacer to maximize loft. If you try this for a couple of stitches, you will see that the thread does not compress the insulation unless you pull it tight. If it conpresses a little, the adjacent insulation will fold over the compressed area to eliminate the potential cold spot. The 'tack' I refer to is nothing more than a 'star' of stitches over each other through the shell only and finished with a half-hitch before placing the next loop over the insulation. I work from side to side. The length of the loop - the length between tacks - will vary with the thickness of the insulation. Thin insulation needs shorter stitches. For 2 inch insulation 6-8 inches to 12 inches seems OK (I have used up to 12 inches with no problem) and for 1 inch insulation, 4 to 8 inches works OK. The back stitch is also loose and seems to keep things together than just a straight arc over to the next tack. Most current insualtions do not require much quilting.

Sounds like you had as much “fun” on your first quilt as I did on mine, right down to the cat “helping Daddy” to measure and line things up accurately while trying to get a straight cut.

Actually, you can be very proud of yourself. I say,”Well done!”

As for the quilting yarn, I didn’t use any on my latest quilt (nylon shell with climashield fill) and have had no cold spot situations this winter.

Keep up the good work!

Eric

Hey there Vick.

Have you found any actual problems resulting from a non-quilted quilt?

Seems like there may be a potential for shifting or tearing fill, but have you or anyone else experienced this?

My last quilt I used climashield without the quilting, and without any discenible unfavorable results. It's true I am careful while stuffing and removing, and I also avoid "fluffing" at night.

Your thoughts please...

Eric