Making a Kilt

Some time ago, when I first started making kilts, I did considerable research. Not only did I look at modern methods but looked at old methods and history. Out of all this, one thing is for sure. The form of the kilt most people are familiar with is the form adopted by the military. Many people regard that as the only true kilt pattern (undoubtedly because that is all they've seen) but such is not the case. The only similarity in the many styles through the years is the pleated back with overlapping flaps in the front and the only real reason they were not pleated all the way around is that they (the pleats) tended to fall out when you put it on. (remember, the pleats were not originally sewn in). The military pattern tradition of the pressed and creased pleat is also a relatively modern development. Most were not pressed (non of mine are). The pattern of the cloth was most commonly a plaid but not always. The length was not so rigidly fixed as is common today with somewhat shorter lengths being more common. Considering all this, a kilt is what you make it. In any case, the Utilikilts are American pattern (made in Seattle). Slight European influence but just that, slight.

I would imagine that handwoven fabric, like Harris Tweed, for instance, is much narrower than our 60"-wide wools today.

Thanks for sharing this info, CW. While I doubt that I'll ever make a kilt, I've still followed this and other threads on kilts with interest. They fascinate me, for some reason (and not just for prurient reasons, either, Miss Cea! LOL)

About 12-14 years ago, I made one of a beautiful Pendleton wool. I pleated out a color bar, and then had to adjust the waist for my hip differential. It's still one of my favorites.

Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

The old handlooms tended to be about 27" to 30" wide, which is why wider machine woven cloths became known as 'broadcloth'. Harris Tweed (TM) is still hand woven on these narrower looms. A goodly bit of tartan, machine woven, is produced as 'single width' tartan, for kilt making, and is 75cm/28" wide. 'Double width' is 54" wide. As a real kilt should not have a seam joining lengths of fabric, you might need to find another person to make the other half of the length into if you end up buying wider fabric. If you could sell the other kilt, you could pay for your own doing that, and make a real saving!

I have a lovely bridal project coming up, for which I well need to get a miniature Furgason tartan specially woven, for use in bridesmaid dresses and a waistcoat/vest, cravats, whatever else we can get out of the minimum order!

Re: Making a Kilt snipped-for-privacy@aol.comspamless (SewStorm)

Thanks for sharing this info, CW. While I doubt that I'll ever make a kilt, I've still followed this and other threads on kilts with interest. They fascinate me, for some reason (and not just for prurient reasons, either, Miss Cea! LOL) About 12-14 years ago, I made one of a beautiful Pendleton wool. I pleated out a color bar, and then had to adjust the waist for my hip differential. It's still one of my favorites. Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Well, I started this thread and pretty soon I will be starting my kilt project. I apprecaite very much all of the helpful suggestions which many have offered. I have also enjoy the fun some have enjoyed pondering the age-old question of what one wears beneath the plaits.

LWilson

ROFLOL!! More than skin, I'll just tell you!

But then, I don't have a drop of Scottish blood, unless you count the single malt I enjoy on the rare occasion. ;->

Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Which one do you like? My preference is for the smoke and iodine and salt flavours of Talisker and Laphroaig.

oooh laphroaig!

liz young in starry california

My husband gave me the Laphroaig one year for Christmas; it's definitely an acquired taste! By the end of the bottle I was used to it, and found that I quite liked it, Kate.

My stepdad used to say he didn't like scotch because of the "smoky" taste, which I never understood until my first sip of the Laphroaig.

The very best I've ever had was 25-year old MacAllan, neat. Lovely smooth stuff.

And all of it reserved for special occasions, I hasten to add! LOL Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Like sunrise, sunset and the traffic light changing color

I don't drive, so I just drink it when the mood takes! At the moment I have to stay away from it because of the gall bladder disease. Wah! Sob!

Geez, what kind of a drunkard do you think I am, Mike--drinking at sunrise! LOL

And since I'm ALWAYS the designated driver, I won't be toasting the traffic light turning green, either.

Call me "ol' one-drink Karen".

Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

If it's the right beverage, one is all you need. ;-)

I'm with Kate here - Laphoaig is my personal favourite, but when in a lighter mood I have the Talisker. We also keep in Wild Turkey for the DH and Jamesons for making Whisky Macs - my chosen winter aperitif (and don't we need it now!) Brrr. Oh, and for hot toddies - they don't cure your cold but they do make you forget about it!

When I worked on Stuff magazine we were fortunate enough to do a single malt tasting. Nothing like the hundreds of varieties they have up in Scottish pubs, but not bad, nevertheless, and they auctioned off the bottles for 4 quid each...hic.

:) Trish