Wednesday, May 16, 2007

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:

Lars said...

Nice work! I am a seamstress too. Someday I am going to get my own machine.

Jill Homer said...

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?

Simmons said...

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.

FixieDave said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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.

Brian said...

Looks comfy for snuggling at Afton.

Doug said...

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.

Simmons said...

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 :)