Kilted Young--Carter's new Dutch Friendship kilt by Bonnie Heather Green

**ForresterModern** · 27th March 11, 03:39 AM

As many might remember, Ron (Riverkilt) and I went in together on a Dutch Friendship Tartan purchase a few months ago that took a bit of an effort, what with a language barrier both on their website and in email, finally resorting to an early morning phone call to consummate the deal. However 12 yards of 16 oz DW tartan eventually made its way to my home, with 4 of that going directly to Kathy Lare for Ron's kilt already reviewed here. 5.5 yards of the remaining went to Bonnie Heather Green to work her magic on (no I am not THAT big) for a kilt for my 3 year old son Carter, as well as one for myself. That took just a bit longer but they came last week before I had to go out of town on a business training trip, so I just now get to review them, Carter's first, and mine to follow, not to steal any of his.....thunder. Carter's mom is full blooded first generation Dutch-American, and my family name traces back eventually to the Counts of Flanders, part of the lowlands now in Belgium, so we thought the DFT was appropriate for us to wear as a "family" tartan of sorts.

First, Bonnie worked very hard with me to deliver a childs kilt (he is only barely 3 right now) that will be able, with some revisions, to be worn by him for several years to come. From the 4 inch hem that can be let out as needed, to the 8 inch reverse pleat, 4 inch deep foldover front apron edge, to a couple hidden extra pleats, she was able to put a whole three yards of tartan around this little boy's waist in a nice concise package in such a way as to look grand right now yet allow for maximum future expansion as the boy grows, which we all know he will do (his daddy is 6'5 and 270#). Same attention to detail as on my kilts, handsewn, two straps and buckles, comfortable lining, pleated to sett as I just could not settle on a particular stripe out of all those beautiful tartans colors. In Carter's size it is pleated to the sett, but only about a sett and a half in length overall. Same deep and plentiful pleats, same perfect alignment of the tartan, and she was even able to build in a decent fell despite the fact the boy's torso is shaped like a stovepipe, ain't hardly got no butt at all.

Don't have a proper kilt belt in his size, have a sporran but no strap small enough for him yet, no proper brogues or other dress shoes, and his kilt hose are still a couple sizes too big---and cream colored at that---and I forgot to put his Winnie the Pooh kilt pin on before taking the photos, but here he is in all his wonder:

He does a decent version of the Hamish view then adds one all his own:

Fell and pleats

More to follow in next post (too many pictures for one post)...

**ForresterModern** · 27th March 11, 03:40 AM

continued...

4 inches of extra tartan for future expansion hidden in the foldover for the front apron fringe edge

Extra tartan hidden in the 8" reverse pleat as well as a couple hidden pleats at either side

4 inches of hem to allow for a bit of vertical growth.

I kept an additional 2.5 yards DW of tartan (Lochcarron 16 oz if I failed to mention that sooner) for his next kilt when he does finally outgrow all the expandable features of this kilt. Now Carter and his papa can wear the same tartan as the Wife/momma (she has a custom DFT scarf in silk as she is allergic to wool) for many years to come. Review of papa's kilt to come.

Thank you Bonnie for doing such a wonderful job with a well thought out child's kilt leaving plenty of room for future growth. I would never have thought it possible to put that much tartan onto that little boy's body and still look grand as you did. Something for the whole family to be proud of for years to come, maybe generations, we shall see. And to the best of our knowledge only the third DFT kilt in North America, after Robert Pel (Canuck) and Ron (Riverkilt). As soon as the boy learns to read, write, and type we will have to get him his own "handle" for the forum--for now he's just "the boy".

Jeff

**Brian K** · 27th March 11, 04:54 AM

You have a fine looking lad, Jeff, and he looks splendid in his new kilt! Kudos to Bonnie for her amazing work!

**CMcG** · 27th March 11, 05:07 AM

There is quite a bit of consideration that needs to be put into a child's kilt re: future growth, eh? May he not grow out of it too quick!

**McMurdo** · 27th March 11, 05:37 AM

Wow he looks so pleased. Well done on all the features of the kilt for future growth. Of course the next time you are in Toronto we'll have to have another kilt night with hopefully 3 Dutch Friendship Tartans in attendance. Great looking kilt.