What should I do first?

[Alan H]

So many projects, so little time.

1. six yard lightweight kilt in poly/wool, Lindsay tartan from Fraser and Kirkbright.

Pros: A.) it's the same tartan as the F-H.C.A.G's miniskirt so I will look good standing next to her at beer night. B.) the cloth is basically ready to do, though I'll have to finish a raw edge on the machine and hem it. I will pleat this to "no stripe". Cons none, really.

2.) six yard lightweight kilt in wool, Grey Stewart tartan with smallish (4 1/2 inch) sett

Pros: I've had this material *forever* and it would sure be nice to get a kilt done out of it before the moths eat holes in it.. Cons: The material is actually two kilt skirts. I've cut out the waistbands, but I have to match the two pieces together and iron the skirt creases out of it before I start on the kilt. I might join the pieces, trim off the bottom so they match, and then take it to the cleaners and have it pressed flat. So it's more work than the Lindsay kilt. I will pleat this to sett, which will be good practice for my Ultimate Tank"....the MacNaughton that's coming soon from Fraser and Kirkbright.

3.) Adapt the beautiful grey camels hair sportcoat I just bought to a kilt jacket.

Pros and cons: It was beautiful, it was listed at $40, marked down to $20 at the thrift store. It was in the "44" row and I thought *no way* but I pulled it out anyway. Son of a gun, but it fit....just a tiny little big tight, like is probably best for a conversion, anyway. It had patch pockets. Now, it did only have a single vent in the back, but that's easily remedied. So I bought it. I like my tweed jacket, but it's a bit too small and the re-set of the lapels kind of never really worked out the way I wanted it to. I'll probably sell it here on X-Marks after I have the gray one done.

OK, which project first???

[Pleater]

Visualise yourself wearing each of the garments in turn, in its finished state - with whatever other garments decency requires, maybe several times - and whichever one gives you that special feeling, that's the one to start.

I never really remember the amount of effort it took to make a particular garment, only the satisfaction of putting it on for the first time and preening in front of the mirror.

Vanity, vanity, all is vanity.....

Anne the Pleater

[BEEDEE]

No contest - you need to look good standing beside the F-H.C.A.G. Imagine the photo with Panache on one side and you on the other. Talk about a rose between two thorns!

Brian

[Bugbear]

Sorry, nevermind.

[pdcorlis]

The Grey Stewart would be my last choice - too many fiddle sticks for a "rust busting" project if you get my drift. Since its mid-August, there maybe no pressing need for a kilt jacket right about now so I guess that leaves us with...

[sydnie7]

Do the jacket first, so you can post lots of pictures and get me inspired to start on at least one of the three jackets I have sitting waiting for conversion. . .

What, you expected rational, disinterested replies?!?!

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

You all think I'm going to reply, "Do the Lindsay", but I think you should do the jacket first. Conversions are so fun, and so much easier than they look.

Be well,

[ChattanCat]

It sounds like you need a new kilt jacket to me.