Ray Way
After reading about Ray-Way quilts on Dave Nice's blog, I couldn't wait to get one and try my hand at sewing. First I had to find a sewing machine. Mr. Sears helped me out there. Thanks Dave! Then I had to learn how to use it. Thanks to my mother-in-law for that. It took me about 10 hours total to finish it. I just did a little here and a little there. Not sure the exact weight yet. Just a little over a pound if I go by what it says on the Ray-Way site. I think it will be pretty warm. They claim a 40 degree rating. I'll have to test it out and see how low it'll go. Should be good for a couple bike camping trips this summer. Here are a few pictures.
8 comments:
Nice work! I am a seamstress too. Someday I am going to get my own machine.
Looks very nice. I haven't looked at the Web site yet, but I don't understand why they make you sew the thing. Can't they just sell it already finished?
That's supposed to be part of the fun. It also cuts the cost of a pre-made one by having you or a young child you might know do the labor :) Also a sense of ownership and accomplishment of making something with your own two hands. That is one of the main reasons I got one. I wanted to see if I could do it.
My mom got it done in like 3 hours... She pretty good at that stuff though...
Prob would have taken me 18 hours =)
Glad I could help you get another peace of gear!
Nice work Dave!
If you have any small relatives(or need a partner for the bag), I have a really cool pattern for a teddy bear that will test your sewing skills. If your skills are so-so you will have a stuffed rodent that you can scare the cats with.
Looks comfy for snuggling at Afton.
Looks good, nice job Dave! I don't think I'd have the patience. Back in 2001 when we thu-hiked the Appalachian Trail the people that followed the Ray Way were like some religious cult that preached the Way of Ray until you wanted to puke. In March I saved myself the trouble and bought a Marmot Arete 40 degree bag. 800 fill down with weather resistant nylon shell. Packs down really, really small and just 1 lb 7 oz. With all the features Ray keeps adding to his "quilt", by the time he's done, do you know what he'll end up with? A sleeping bag! A well built bag is still the best method to control drafts and maintain warmth.
pw - I'd like to try that varmit pattern.
brian - You know we'll be snuggling a lot at Afton this year. Especially since we're doing the team thing :)
Doug - They do seem kind of cultish. I really like the idea of making your own gear though. It definitely tried my patience :)
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