So I want to learn to make my own kilt

[Barb T]

And this forum is a great place to ask questions as well.

And Matt Newsome and I have written a supplement to The Art of Kiltmaking on how to make 4 yard box pleated kilts. Here's the link with the info:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...x.html?t=43498

[calanacrafts]

Great reading, I am thinking perhaps I should go and see someone actually making one up. I have been emailing the lady in Ben Wyvis Kilts in the City of Inverness (Highlands scotland) and as I am going to the mainland in April/May I think I will phone to see if I can actually visit her, my local kilt maker really put me off, as if she did not want any competition so to speak, but I would be making for pleasure, my 3 brothers all wear the kilt for family functions so it would be cool to have them kilted up in mine, I would also like my wee boy and nephews to wear tho one nephew will not wear a"girls" skurt as he says.....

[Pleater]

As a long time maker of things I have come across quite a few people who seem to think that no one else should attempt to make anything, as it is somehow stealing from them - yet their eyes light up and they almost fall over rushing to get a good look at things I have made when they realise they might be able to copy and sell the idea.

This is a world away from the good folks inhabiting X marks, who seem generous to a fault.

For a child you might find that you need to use braces to keep the kilt in place, as wee ones just don't have a waist and hips to keep things in place. another alternative is a waistcoat with buttons, and buttonholes in tabs sewn to the kilt.

A child's kilt could be made almost straight, if you intend to sew down the fell only a small amount of shaping at the back to bring the waistband into the small of the back would be required. Not that I have made a child's kilt, but I dressed my own two when they were small, so I know the problems of fitting things for them.

You might find that making an outfit rather than just a kilt will persuade your reluctant nephew that it isn't a skirt.

Anne the Pleater

[Barb T]

You might find that making an outfit rather than just a kilt will persuade your reluctant nephew that it isn't a skirt.

Particularly if you get him one of those wee sporrans and a spiffy little belt!