Art on a Natural Workmans kilt

[Geoduck]

This might be better posted in the UK forum, but I would rather spend my time around here.

Last week I was able to obrain a workmans kilt from UK. For those of you who are unaware, this is an undyed white kilt in the UK workman mold, without leather (it has been found to bleed). Being a typical man, I am positive that it won't stay white long, in my hands. I already spilled a splash of bloody mary on it Saturday night, which I was able to quickly remedy (no stain, thank the Lord).

So I'm wondering if anyone here has suggestions on how to deorate it. LeighAnne has designs on batiquing (spelling) which is basically using wax and dye to create designs. She was thinking about maybe going around the bottom fringe with a West African eye design (think hyroglyphics, but West African) and they dying the rest of the kilt.

I'm just trying to get some ideas before I stain a new kilt beyond recongintion. I love the white, but keeping it white isn't going to happen, thanks for the help.

[Dreadbelly]

This might be better posted in the UK forum, but I would rather spend my time around here.

Last week I was able to obrain a workmans kilt from UK. For those of you who are unaware, this is an undyed white kilt in the UK workman mold, without leather (it has been found to bleed). Being a typical man, I am positive that it won't stay white long, in my hands. I already spilled a splash of bloody mary on it Saturday night, which I was able to quickly remedy (no stain, thank the Lord).

So I'm wondering if anyone here has suggestions on how to deorate it. LeighAnne has designs on batiquing (spelling) which is basically using wax and dye to create designs. She was thinking about maybe going around the bottom fringe with a West African eye design (think hyroglyphics, but West African) and they dying the rest of the kilt.

I'm just trying to get some ideas before I stain a new kilt beyond recongintion. I love the white, but keeping it white isn't going to happen, thanks for the help.

TIE DYE!!!

Oh yeah!

You know you want to! :grin:

[Geoduck]

TIE DYE!!!

Oh yeah!

You know you want to! :grin:

The idea has come up, however, she isn't comfortable tie dying a $200 garment.

[Rufus]

Batik is really fun to do, and looks really cool when you're done. When I did batik, my friend and I used the dye like paint to make more designs around the wax.

This could make for a really cool (and original) kilt George.

[jjoseph]

Bath dye it a dark color (rit dye from the market) then wet it, crush/wad it FIRMLY into a small pail, pour just enough hot water in to cover it then add a cup of bleach and let sit for 10 seconds to a minute depending on how the bleach is reacting with the dye.
Immediately rinse and launder WITHOUT BLEACH, VINEAGAR, OR ANY additive besides a bit of detergent.

It's quick and easy. It gives a mottled tyedye look. If it turns out bad, just redye it in the same dark color and it's all good.

[lrpddrummie]

How about trying some pictish designs. You get the link to celtic heritage with a interesting conversation piece. Just a thought.

[Riverkilt]

Of course its your kilt and your cash that bought it, but I am very much infavor of personalizing comtemporary kilts.

Kate over on the UK board has encouraged me to add patches on two of my UK workmans. I like the look. Something more than the "plain jeans" look...shades of my hippie past...

My first thought was of a scene, like on the side of a motorhome...then remembered the pleats....

The pockets of the UK workman's do offer a bit of a canvas to play with...and even the front apron.

I've really enjoyed seeing creativity brought to contemporary kilts by people like Kate and Jeff at PK....and anyone else I'm overlooking.

For me, it just fits well with the joy of being kilted, strutting proudly, and adding just a little extra swing to the pleats.

Good on ya lad.

Ron