Quote Originally Posted by James MacMillan View Post
This lady wouldn’t even listen to my desires. She stated that she only makes “regulation” kilts.

...this lady has only one pattern for making a kilt...

Now, if I want another kilt custom made, I will have to do it by mail, just like always.
Somehow, I doubt she has a pattern for her kilts. She more likely took her training in traditional kiltmaking from someone and has a customer base consisting of pipe bands, wedding parties, and Burns Night celebrants, among others. Don't think badly of her.

Some of us on this board got into kiltmaking just playing around with different fabrics, and a few moved on to tartans and traditional kiltmaking methods as our confidence and interest grew. There have been many discussions about really deep, deep pleats.

And Velcro?... oh, my! There are very strong opinions on both sides of that argument. As an (ocassional) maker of all variety of kilts, I think hook-and-loop fasteners have their place. Most of my camo kilts have small patches of hook-and-loop to aid in donning the kilt until the plastic side-snap buckle can close the webbing belt. As a downside on wool, I see how the hook half could really tear up the opposing fabric.

What your maker of "regulation" kilts may not realize is that older military kilts very often had no strap on the underapron, and therefore no buttonhole and buckle on the left side. Rough wool generated plenty of "tooth" (gripping power) under pressure from the belt. Heck, one time I even wore a not-quite-completed kilt made of 16 oz material that had no straps and buckles yet; it stayed on just fine with only the belt - just a little tricky to don.

What that means, perhaps, is that there is a kiltmaker or two that would be happy to make you a kilt that is traditionally constructed, in its basics, but modified according to your desires. Keep hunting. Ask around of various pipe bands who they utilize as kiltmakers. And post your desires over in the kiltmaker sub-forum or DIY sub-forum. If you can find such a kiltmaker locally, you'll be set; if not, post any travel plans you have and meet up with one of the fine kiltmakers on this forum.

w2f