"Lassie's Kilts"

[swat88eighty]

Hey everyone-
I wanted an opinion on this.
I know the major difference between a girls kilt and a guys kilt is that a girls kilt open on the left, not the right. Well, I was thinking. In all honesty, most people don't even know what a kilt IS. So, what would you all think if a guy wore a girls kilt (haha that's a funny question.) I mean, I got this "modified" kilt off ebay, and he basically did nothing but reverse the way the kilt opens, by switching the buckles etc. BUT it's front apron is the under apron, so it's real tiny and looks like *****. But when you put it on the way a lass would wear it, it looks REALLY good, plus it's wool (a lighter wool, but wool nonetheless.) and it's scottish made and it is a BEAUTIFUL tartan.
So, what do you all think??!

[Barb T]

Hi swat88

I think if you're happy with it, you should wear it. It sounds like it's a nice tartan! Alternatively, it's not such a hard job to have someone who knows how to sew take both the apron and underapron off and exchange them, hiding the seam in the deep pleat next to the apron and underapron edge. That way, you could have a kilt that opens on the right.

What follows is something I wrote in another thread about the issue of a "man's" kilt and a "woman's kilt":

If we're talking _traditional_ kilts here, then there's only one kind of kilt, and it's a man's garment. Traditionally speaking, women aren't supposed to wear kilts. So there's really no such thing as a man's kilt and a woman's kilt. There's just a traditional Highland kilt that is hand stitched, typically has 7-8 yards of tartan, opens on the right (from the perspective of the wearer), comes to the top of the knee cap, etc. Now, before anyone gets all lathered up, remember that I'm talking about traditional kilts here!

There is another garment called a kilted skirt (or sometimes a hostess kilt) that opens on the left, is commonly longer than top-of-the-knee, is made of lighter fabric, is usually machine-stitched, and has much less fabric and none of the traditional internal construction of a traditional kilt. This isn't a "woman's kilt" (which is really an oxymoron), but it is a garment that women commonly wear.

Having said all this, lots of women wear kilts. I mean real, traditional kilts described in paragraph one. Any woman in a pipe band wears a traditional kilt, and all girls (except the wee ones) and women who compete as Highland dancers wear traditional kilts that open on the right and have all of the same kind of construction as a "man's" kilt. That's one of the reasons it costs so much to outfit a Highland dancer - they aren't dancing in costume but rather in the national dress of Scotland.

Cheers,

Barb

[swat88eighty]

I will see my seamstress about modifying it... I was just wondering (this question is for you, rocky, bear, jimmy, etc.) how did you all learn to be kiltmakers? EVERY time I try to do something like widen an apron, etc, I get all confused and pissed off! I want to know where I could learn the skills involved with kilt making so I can make them for myself and others.

[bubba]

I can give you two options. Get the Scottish pattern set from www.folkwear.com or get Barbara Tewksburys book from http://www.celticdragonpress.com/ . Folkwear is an easy to follow set of instructions to make a kilt while Barbs book will be much more in depth. Folkwear will show you how to make a nice formal kilt while Barbs book goes to the next level with a real traditional. I have and use the Folkwear instructions and am waiting for Barbs book to arrive.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Take Bubba's advise. Eventhough I've made a load of kilts, I'm in the middle of intensive instruction by four retired Scottish Certified Master Kiltmakers in New York. Even after I finish my schooling, I'll STILL have to serve an apprenticeship in order to get my "stripes". Anyone can learn to make what looks like a kilt. It's not a big deal, and there's PLENTY of proof out there. Learning all the tricks and traditions in making a proper kilt (in the eyes of those who really know) ain't something that you can get in a month either.

In order to make a REAL NICE kilt, you really should snag Barb's book. I have it, and it's really clear, concise, and correct. Plus, if you have any questions... we know where the author is!

[swat88eighty]

just wondering, how much would barbs book cost? anyone got a used copy???

[Barb T]

Jimmy:

Your comments about my book mean an _enormous amount_ to me coming from you! Made my holiday season! Hogs and quiches to you! And congratulations on your upcoming (kilted, of course!) wedding!

Swat88:

My book is $34.70 shipped to a US address via priority mail. You can order it from me at http://www.celticdragonpress.com. I honestly don't know where to get it used. I think somewhere I have a defective copy with two front covers (!). If I can find it, you can have it for half price!

The Folkwear pattern is about $20 plus shipping. It contains basic directions for making a kilt, plus a pattern for a Prince Charlie jacket and vest and directions for knitting argyle hose. I'd buy it just for the jacket pattern - the kiltmaking part of the instructions aren't very detailed. Hard to really explain all the ins and outs when you're constrained to the back and front of one large sheet of pattern directions! Lots of places carry it. Here's one: http://www.earthguild.com/products/f...r/folkwear.htm

If you decide eventually to get a copy of my book, you know where to find me if you have questions!!

Cheers,

Barb

[bubba]

Barbs book, The Art of Kiltmaking, is about $35 including shipping. From what I've seen and heard I doubt you'll find a used copy and it's only available from Barb at the URL I gave in a previous post. If you decide to make your own kilts you'll be referring to it alot. I'm still waiting for the post office to get my copy to me, hopefully today. Judging by what others here who own a copy have said, it's worth every cent and then some.

[Rigged]

Can anyone identify the tartan shown on the folkwear website? I think it would look good on me. It looks similar to the (very expensive) California tartan, but it doesn't look like an exact match.

[Rigged]

Here's the picture of the tartan in question: