The changing of seasons

[Pleater]

Twice a year I change the kilts in wear, as down here on the south coast of England there are only two seasons, warm and not so warm - at least to me who grew up in the hills of South Yorkshire.

I take the opportunity to check over the ones being removed to the East end of the rail, to rinse if not wash each one, check the fastenings, look for any seams showing strain or damage and to make any small repairs before they become larger ones. Sponging with warm water seems to help reduce worn places, particularly where fabric is being polished or becoming threadbare.

This process pushes the whole collection of garments to the left, bringing the kilts which were put away around 6 months earlier closer to the door. Hopefully they have survived the period of hibernation but it is an opportunity to assess their usefulness and their more general condition - deciding if they are going to be worn in the coming months or should I start to think about replacements. I find it more effective looking at them with fresh eyes rather than trying to assess things I have worn recently. My hanging rail is some 8 feet long, so position on it can be fairly significant.

I also look at garments I wear with kilts, particularly knitted or home made, but those which are being stored, so that I have time to knit or sew something new to replace it. Sometimes finding the right shade of a colour can take time.

I have just completed the last bit of sewing - renewing the tape within a waistband as the original had begun to show weakness, so all the lightweight garments are back in service. I try to get everything done before the last of the apple blossom fades at the start of summer, and the last of the apples are picked in the Autumn. I grew up where there was an orchard and birthdays and apple blossom, harvest and Christmas coming were the milestones of my childhood.

The next job is to wash my old waxed cotton jacket, make a repair and proof it ready for the rains we will - hopefully - get again. The start of the year has been very dry.

Anne the Pleater

[Kitfoxdave]

First and foremost, I loved your description of seasonal change! (Used to have a small orchard when I lived in New England)
I live in Florida in the USA where summer temps appear about the beginning of May (Ripening of Peaches). In this heat (90 degrees F) I spend a lot less time working on woodworking projects (NON A/C workshop) and switch to working on kilt resizing and repairs...in the A/C of the house until the weather moderates again in October.

I wear a kilt every day... mostly PV casual kilts in the heat.

Again thanks for your descriptions, brought back a lot of memories...