Bonnie Heather Handsewn Kilt

**tyger** · 13th September 10, 02:11 PM

As a person who creates hand-made jewelry and art, I have a keen appreciation for the works that are made by the hands of others. When Forrestermodern (Jeff) posted his review (here) of the kilt that Bonnie Heather (a member of this forum; www.bonniekilts.com) made for him, I knew that I was going to have Bonnie make a kilt for me.

The process that we go through as kilt buyers and makers is not very complex; however, there are many pitfalls, and these create ample opportunity for error. Experienced kilt-buyers, and kilt-makers, know the pitfalls. However, nimrods must either suffer a trial-and-error education, or profit from the experiences of others. A good kiltmaker is valuable in many ways, and will help the unitiated avoid making costly mistakes. Good advice from good kiltmakers can also be found in print and is well worth reading:
Matt Newsome on general advice regarding tartan selection. and Matt again on making sure you do your own research.

I found that Bonnie Heather has extraordinary skills that transcend the tactile sewing skills that are central to the process of kiltmaking. Being so bold as to judge, I would award to her the following scores: communication = A, knowledgeability = A, timeframe = A, construction = A, appearance = A, price = A.

First, I chose a tartan. Then, Bonnie inquired of mills in Scotland for 16 oz wool fabric. Colors on computer monitors always vary, so Bonnie obtained a swatch of fabric from one mill, and threads that would be used to weave the fabric in the other mill, and mailed them to me. Based on the colors in the swatch compared to the threads, I asked Bonnie to have the mill weave fabric from the threads.

I wanted this kilt pleated to stripe. With tartan in hand, Bonnie presented me with possibilities via photographs, and email. Bonnie, Matt Newsome, Ronan McGregor and I discussed the merits of each, and despite the challenge that Bonnie would have to endure, I chose set to the double purple stripe.

Here is the kilt:

Bonnie sent me photographs as she built the kilt, and as her cat watched. It was next best to actually being there.

In my mind, satisfaction with an outcome is largely based upon one’s expectations. In this case, Bonnie and I had a great deal of coincident high expectations of each other, and our satisfaction with how this kilt turned out is in absolute harmony.

This is one fantastic kilt, and I will wear it to the Stone Mountain Highland Games next month.

Thank you, Bonnie. And I am looking forward to working with you soon on that green-and-yellow tartan that we talked about.

**BLHS209** · 13th September 10, 02:18 PM

Very nice looking kilt. At first, I thought the hose was a little much but them remembered the yellow-green thread and stripe (doesn't show up too well on my monitor).

Although I am biased, nice looking sporran too!!!

Chris Shepherd

**artificer** · 13th September 10, 03:49 PM

Very nice write-up for a VERY nice kilt!

You should both be congratulated.

**2a5t2f7** · 13th September 10, 03:53 PM

What a wonderful kilt with a great story behind it. It looks fantastic!

**tulloch** · 13th September 10, 03:59 PM

That is really, really nice. Good to see Bonnie's work. Thanks for the post.

**English Bloke** · 13th September 10, 04:12 PM

Beautiful kilt. I bet you're chuffed.

**ForresterModern** · 13th September 10, 04:39 PM

Beautiful kilt, Tyger, and a great write up for Bonnie, but then I cannot imagine a poor one about her work. By the way, I am not familiar with the tartan----what one is it?

I will be attending the Stone Mountain Games myself, possibly in my Forrester Hunting tartan sewn by, who else, Bonnie Heather. We shall have to make arrangements for a meet up and a beer or six.

Bonnie has sewn two kilts for me, the Forrester Hunting 16oz and another Allen 1996 13 oz---both are pretty spectacular, IMHO. I will most definitely use her again, when I get around to my next kilt.

jeff