Dude, it's not that hard or I couldn't manage it!
FINISHED!!!
Here's the under-apron strap. I took a page from Matt Newsome's internal buckle system and used 1.5" nylon webbing, a 1.5" plastic "slider" used to shorten backpack straps, and some velcro. The result is a "trucker's hitch" arrangement that, since the strap turns the corner on the slider, is twice as strong as velcro in direct tension. Not that strength is a big issue, but it does mean that you can use a lot less velcro!
Here's the under-apron strap all tightened down.
And here's the same system employed on the over-apron. If one wanted a more traditional look this could be replaced with a leather strap and buckle as usual. I wanted a system that was tough, washable, and not lumpy under my pack belt. I think this will work quite well.
Now that was a fun project. All told it took me about 12 hours, but a lot of that time was trying to figure out just what to do next. I was in too much of a hurry to see if it would actually come together, so I have a few pleat seams that aren't ruler straight, but hey, it's a hiking kilt after all and the fabric wasn't that expensive. Next time I do this, with a nice 13 oz. wool, I'll be a bit more careful.
No way can I take full-length shots of myself, so final "action shots" will have to wait until tomorrow or Tuesday. I'll probably wear it to class tomorrow night and get a review from my students.
Alan H, I've got some pics and notes for you. Will send them along when I get a chance.
Ta!
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