Finished Kilt #2 - MacLaren Ancient, 13oz, 6yd

**Liam** · 30th March 15, 05:23 PM

Great looking kilt! I like your choice of hose and garters as well.
Well done.....

**Hipbilly** · 30th March 15, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Liam

Great looking kilt! I like your choice of hose and garters as well.
Well done.....

I was half expecting "matchy matchy" chants! Hahaha... I have these blue ones and some lovat green ones, plus some Cheviot Bowmore braken hose. I like these for the "Easter" look. As for garters, I was hoping these would be more "mustard" than "marshmallow peeps", but they do... I have some ancient green garters too.

**Hipbilly** · 1st April 15, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

....another good pressing will do it good.
.......see what the back looks like without the lower buckle fastened.

^^^This. I did it. I pulled the 3rd (hip) buckle and strap off last night, and basted and pressed the whole thing again paying special attention to the fell on the ham. The bumps are less apparent (they'll never go away), but the stress valley from the extra buckle is gone; it lays a lot flatter, and is actually more comfortable. Once I figured out how to smooth the apron to get the center stripe straight, its way better.
I have the unfortunate gift of "love handles" that leave a narrow spot at my trouser waist; the top buckles are above the spare tire, and the hip buckle was just below it, so it magnified the effect by pulling the kilt into that narrow spot...

No pics, but ya'll will see some more eventually!

**kiltedtom** · 3rd April 15, 01:54 PM

I think you did an excellent job! And I love the colors. Congratulations on all your work.

Tom

**Alan H** · 6th April 15, 03:32 PM

Very nice. That's a job to take pride in.

**mrok** · 17th April 15, 01:41 PM

I believe you have mastered it. Indeed nice kilt.

**Mike S** · 17th April 15, 03:31 PM

Lose weight? Boy if you think you have to lose weight you should get a load of me! I'd call you positively svelte.

Anyway, great job on the kilt.

**tpa** · 17th April 15, 04:22 PM

Really nice job and lovely tartan.

**Barb T** · 20th April 15, 05:42 PM

Really nice job!

Heres a bit of advice. It's actually amazing how much you can take in the waist by putting on the stabilizer to draw in a set of pleats that have been stitched too big. I've taken in more than an inch on a number of occasions.

The problem comes in when you add the top band, when you would likely spread things out again as you baste on the top band. If you really have to draw in the pleats a lot with the stabilizer, do it in the following order. Put on the stabilizer, then press (BEFORE you put on the top band!!!). If you're careful, the pressing will shape the pleats to the smaller size. One you have the top looking good, THEN put on the top band, and be sure not to stretch the top of the kilt when you add the top band.

**Hipbilly** · 21st April 15, 05:45 AM

Originally Posted by Barb T

Really nice job!
Heres a bit of advice.......

Thank you!

I believe the main thing i'll do differently next time is hand-sewing the top band. A machine sews fast, but it also makes booboos fast....

I like your plan for getting the fell pressed and straight/even before capping the top of it; that makes a lot of sense actually.