I went and did it now

**usonian** · 23rd February 15, 09:07 AM

Yeah - TAOKM instructions are hand-sewing (except for the waistband, optionally) and for a traditionally constructed 8 yard, heavyweight kilt I can't imagine adapting too many of them for machine sewing - at least, not on a first attempt.

But definitely check out the X-Kilt guide by Xmarks' own Alan H (with Reverse Kingussie addendum by Sydnie7!) It's downloadable as a PDF at http://cmgm.stanford.edu/~ahebert/Xk...t2ndedRevK.pdf (Fair warning, it's picture heavy and weighs in at about 43 megabytes.) It's all about machine-sewing, and if you're not philosophically opposed to contemporary style kilts it might be a pretty way to get your feet wet.

Good luck!

**Richrail** · 23rd February 15, 10:42 AM

I do like doing things by hand, so I do look forward at taking my time and stitching by hand. Many years ago my H.S. offered a class in titled bachelor living, that taught hand sewing and cooking. I really did enjoy it and it was an easy A to raise the GPA.

**kiltedtom** · 23rd February 15, 04:00 PM

Richrail,

When I was in the 8th grade (1972) boys had to take 9 weeks of homec, and the girls had to take 9 weeks of shop. Most of the boys complained that they were doing "women's work." Most of the girls found their time in shop useful. Now that men and women often do not marry until well into their 20's or later, it definitely is a handy thing to know how to sew, cook, clean, and all that other stuff. Though I admit, I must not have done too well in the class as I rarely cook. That is what delivery is for.

Good luck with the sewing and have fun doing the kilt.

Tom

**Cyd** · 13th March 15, 08:26 AM

Congratulations!!

I recently bought Barbs book too. Spent 4 days solid reading it cover to cover and doing further research on the few things that still were not clear to me. I promptly removed the tartan I was weaving from the loom and turned it into a scarf. Researching ahead with Barb's book gave me so much more insight into the whole process, including the tartan design elements I needed to achieve the effects I want in the final kilt. I redesigned the whole thing and am starting the weaving process afresh.

Barb's book is a must read for anyone contemplating making a kilt, or commissioning a kilt to be made. Understanding the process will effect all your decisions and make you a much happier camper at the end of the day. Thank you Barb.

BTW, if you haven't done it already, go to Barb's website and get the supplement to the book on traditional box pleated kilts! The gift that keeps on giving!

**Richrail** · 13th March 15, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Cyd

BTW, if you haven't done it already, go to Barb's website and get the supplement to the book on traditional box pleated kilts! The gift that keeps on giving!

I did the download the day I got her book, so another option to consider

**marypenny** · 3rd March 15, 01:02 PM

It's a wonderful book. The class I attended went 'by the book' page by page. Read it through two or three times so you are not doing as I did, turning a page and having to call my sister, Sydnie, and ask "did we do this at Kilt Kamp?" You and your wife CAN make a kilt. Having some sewing experience is a good thing..keeping lines straight, sewing with invisible stitches, etc. Good for you! Chose a tartan with a symmetric sett, please. Don't make yourself crazy with your first kilt with an asymmetric tartan. Best wishes!

**Richrail** · 7th March 15, 03:02 PM

My wife asked me how far I'm into the book, and if I now know all about kilt making. I told her I'm to chapter 7 and jokingly say I may have bitten off more than I can crew. She tell's me sarcastically "why don't I just order $500.00 worth of fabric and just jump right in". She is pretty funny sometimes, but I could place an order and just use the excuse that she said "just buy $500.00 worth of fabric and jump right in"

. Then ask forgiveness so I could have a place to sleep out of the cold.