Kilt jacket for Aracos

**McMurdo** · 28th June 08, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by Nick the DSM

I like that braiding thingy on the shoulder! nice, job!

Those "Braided Thingies" are known as eppuletts, as with quite a bit of Highland wear they are a hold over from the Military. They are not as rare as some seem to think.

**ChattanCat** · 28th June 08, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

Those "Braided Thingies" are known as eppuletts, as with quite a bit of Highland wear they are a hold over from the Military. They are not as rare as some seem to think.

Yes, I agree that eppuletts (Fr.) are a hold over. But I have only seen the eppuletts (Fr.) made from the same flat material or with a celtic weave. The braiding is new to me.

**Aracos mac Domhnaill** · 3rd July 08, 07:08 AM

My jacket arrived in fantastic condition last night. It was wonderfully made, packaged and shipped and all very quickly. At these prices We should all make Victoria a very busy woman!

In the photos below I wore my cheap Acrylic MacDonald to show you all how desperately I need to get a MacDonald SemiTrad from Rocky! Other than the 4 yards of Weathered MacDonald 13oz that I belt to a plaid, this is my ONLY tartan/traditional kilt. The staff is the one that has been with me faithfully at all manner of events and rituals for well over a decade now. The sporran is one that I made several years ago before I had any other sporran, from scrap black leather I had on hand and a bit of a Silver Fox that my dad caught on his trap-line. Boots are the black Cocoran Marauders that I usually wear for summer. The overly smug expression in the last two photos...all mine!

Photos as promised....

I asked Victoria to provide me with longer than normal sleeves because my arms are usually in this position or actually holding a camera to my face. If my sleeves aren't longer than they should be, I end up with that Frankenstein Monster effect with the cuffs half way to my elbows. That drives me mad. These are exactly where I like them. While I think the braided epaulets are unique, I think the next jacket that I ask Victoria to make will have the more standard flat epaulets. I was very excited to learn too that the pockets at the waist are still functional! Perfect to hold keys and/or business cards!

If you can't tell...I'm a very happy customer and I will have at least one other (if not a few more) of these in my closet eventually!

**vmac3205** · 3rd July 08, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by ChattanCat

Yes, I agree that eppuletts (Fr.) are a hold over. But I have only seen the eppuletts (Fr.) made from the same flat material or with a celtic weave. The braiding is new to me.

The braiding is my own little idea to make my jackets different. Of course, I would make a flat eppalette if one desires. I have also removed the pocket flap and made a braided button loop, which looks pretty nice as well.
Basicaly, each jacket is unique, as what I do to it depends on the coat. I hate to say that the jacket tells me what it needs, lest you think me a nutter, but that is sort of what happens.

**Arlen** · 3rd July 08, 12:00 PM

Very nicely done. It's a handsome jacket, well converted and well worn!

**Mael Coluim** · 3rd July 08, 06:42 PM

That is one good looking jacket! Michael you wear it well.
I like the braided epaulets and the cuffs. Super!

**SFCRick** · 3rd July 08, 10:56 PM

looks great

**sydnie7** · 4th July 08, 03:20 PM

If you don't mind sharing a detail -- on the cuffs, how far up do the ridges go? I've also looked at McMurdo's close-up photos of cuff measurements, but the tweed makes it hard to determine. Do the ridges taper out and end under the buttons, or do they go all the way "up and over" the top edge of the cuff?

I found a lovely thrift store jacket to hack away at

plus one to practice on first. The "practice" jacket is too big for Bob, so if it turns out well I may have a bargain to list for sale in the 44-46 chest range. But it will be a long while before I have time to tackle any of these projects, just want to get this detail squared away while the topic is fresh.

Thanks!

**vmac3205** · 4th July 08, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

If you don't mind sharing a detail -- on the cuffs, how far up do the ridges go? I've also looked at McMurdo's close-up photos of cuff measurements, but the tweed makes it hard to determine. Do the ridges taper out and end under the buttons, or do they go all the way "up and over" the top edge of the cuff?

I found a lovely thrift store jacket to hack away at

plus one to practice on first. The "practice" jacket is too big for Bob, so if it turns out well I may have a bargain to list for sale in the 44-46 chest range. But it will be a long while before I have time to tackle any of these projects, just want to get this detail squared away while the topic is fresh.

Thanks!

I run my ridges up and over the edge. They are so small that you wouldn't even notice a taper. Also, how big the cuff is depends on how much fabric is left from the cut away for the sporan. Each jacket is different. Good luck. I'm eager to see the photos.

**sydnie7** · 4th July 08, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by vmac3205

I run my ridges up and over the edge. They are so small that you wouldn't even notice a taper. Also, how big the cuff is depends on how much fabric is left from the cut away for the sporan. Each jacket is different. Good luck. I'm eager to see the photos.

Thanks for the clarification! It will most likely be MONTHS before I get to these, but I'll post when the time comes.