Temporary expansion of a kilt - X Marks the Scot

**Squeaky McMurdo** · #1 12-15-2009, 07:46 PM

....Well technically a kilt skirt but it's the same construction as a 5 yard casual wool kilt worn at the p@nts waist only shorter and I figured someone would have some ideas as to a solution

So here's my problem: Due to a certain condition (pregnant) my waistline is expanding by the day and I can probably expect to add several more inches within the next 17-18 weeks.

My first thought was strap extenders, but they don't sell those for ladies' kilts. (at least I haven't found any!)

My second thought was temporarily attaching some black elastic to the straps for some "give" depending on whether I'm sitting or standing, or whether the baby decides to be high or low that particular minute.

I think that might work but I don't know if I can do that without hurting my 16 oz wool.

So what's the prognosis? Do you think I can rig something up or am I doomed to have to buy a sash instead so I can wear tartan too? (my husband is a little shy to wear his kilt out in public unless I wear mine

)

--Chelsea McMurdo--

Edit: I want to wear it UNDER my belly so the expansion there will only be about 3-5 inches...I hope.

McMurdo · #2 12-15-2009, 07:58 PM

Firstly, congratulations it's good to hear. Secondly I was thinking about it for a bit and I thought of the sporran straps I've made, the leather and buckles come from Tandy and are not as thick as kilt straps so I was thinking you could make your own extender. I'm not sure if you will have enough material but you could give it a try.

Bugbear · #3 12-16-2009, 04:59 AM

Hi Squeaky. Highland X Press has three-quarter-inch straps and buckles for lady's skirts. http://www.highlandxpress.com/patterns.html part way down the page.

I think you could attach a buckle to one of the straps, and make an extender without too much trouble.

Hope that helps.

**Pleater** · #4 12-16-2009, 07:17 AM

Possibly the best way to cope with this would be to take a strip of 3/4 or 1/2 inch elastic say 7 to 8 inches longer than the strap, and sew it behind the strap - anchoring it to the wool of the kilt, then either melt holes through the elastic with a hot nail or put in those little metal eyelets, so you can buckle it.

Secure the strap to the elastic with figure of 8s of thread, through the hole and around both elastic and strap, with the elastic slightly stretched so you won't distort the holes in the strap when wearing it.

Another way to attach the strap and elastic could be to use white wood glue (aka PVA poly vinyl acrylate) - I know it makes an excellent glue for leather, and it is soluble in water - unless you get the waterproof one of course which might cause problems later - but I am not sure if it will glue the elastic.

If it does, a damp sponge and a little time will separate the elastic from the strap.

The inner strap - if there is one, can be extended using a loop of round elastic passed through the last hole of the strap and then over the prong of the buckle from the back, so it is held securely.

I hope all goes well for you.

Anne the Pleater

MacLowlife · #5 12-16-2009, 07:36 AM

Echoing Pleater's suggestion, or at least starting there, you might make a set of extenders using elastic, but clad the elastic in black fabric, scrunchy- style. In fact, if you are clever ( and I know you are) you can start with one long black sock. Turn it inside out. Run a couple of seams down the length of the leg, creating two stretchy knitted tubes. Cut them apart and turn them right side out. Run your elastic through those, then attach buckles at one end and short leather straps at the other. Voila les extendeuses enceintes. Or whatever the adverbial form of the blessed condition may be...

If you want or need to, you might also be able to velcro in a panel to extend your under apron.

Earl D- · #6 12-16-2009, 02:20 PM

No suggestions from me but congrats on the new addition Chelsea!!

unaspenser · #7 12-16-2009, 02:45 PM

The advice above sounds top-notch... just dropping by to say congratulations to both of you!

Highlander31 · #8 12-17-2009, 04:22 PM

I can't add anything to the above. However, I did want to say congratulations.

Dixiecat · #9 12-18-2009, 01:01 PM

Hey Squeaky.

Grats on the addition to the family.

My suggestion would be for buttonhole elastic. Obviously, it's elastic with buttonholes in it. Lots of kids clothes come with it in the waist band now and you can usually pick some up at Joanne's or somewhere similar. It comes in black and white.

If you can't find any, drop me a pm.

**Squeaky McMurdo** · #10 03-12-2010, 09:16 AM

Well, I did it!

I used black elastic, punched holes in it and used eyelets to keep it from fraying, then tacked it to the leather straps where those holes are.

It pooched out in the front on that picture but it does hang well.

I did the same thing with the kilts I traded Ladygriffen for....they were a 30 inch waist, didn't fit too well before my treatment. Tehehe!

--Chelsea McMurdo--