If I were to write out directions, who would make a mini-kilt?

[Alan H]

I'm sorry, but I've been asked to not contribute to actions which would negatively impact the sales of X-Marks advertisers. Specifically, writing the Skirt Manual was OK'd (which only makes sense, I mean, how could someone stop me from doing that!?) , but direct encouragement on the forum of individual people making their own garments, and thereby not purchasing from forum advertisers has been nixxed. I was asked most politely about this and while I'm not delighted about it, I'm not angry about it, either. I'm happy to comply.

Upshot is, I have started a process with Dirka Skene whereby she will be making her own tartan skirt, and since I've started the process I think it's only fair to complete it with her. However, I won't be expanding that coaching/advising/encouraging process, publically, beyond Dirka, so as to comply with the request, and not negatively impact the sales of X-Marks advertisers. If, after seeing Dirka's skirt, anyone has questions about it, then you're certainly all welcome to PM me and ask and I'll do my best to answer. At that point, Dirka will be *the* authority, so you might want to be asking HER!

As in all things like this, my main goal has always been to encourage learning, growth and experimentation. To put it simply, Dirka says she can't sew a stitch. She says she's never threaded a sewing machine. But I have sworn to her that by the time we are done, she will have made herself a nice pleated skirt. The message is clear. if Dirka can do it, YOU can do it.....Just like if Tartan Hiker, who'd never sewn before he made his first X-Kilt....if he can build an X-Kilt, then YOU can build an X-Kilt. Once you've done that, you will know, intimately why you pay good money for the high-quality garments our advertisers offer to us, and you will know EXACTLY why they cost why they do. What seems like and extravagence now, will seem reasonable after you've done it yourself.

I will still cheer mightily for those in the DIY forum who create their own garments, blades and sporrans. I will still share pictures of my own creations as I have time to make them. I will of course publically answer questions about making X-Kilts, as that project has been widely adopted by X-Markers for quite some time. I just won't be personally, publically encouraging others to do create non-X-Kilt garments of their own, publically on the forum. In PM's, that's a different story!

Cheers, and carry on!

Alan