Cunningham kilt--big pics

[Ancienne Alliance]

Sometime back, my brother and I purchased about 9 yards of double width 16oz Cunningham tartan from Tartan Store. The beautiful wool was shipped to my Grandmother Cunningham to make tanks for us both. She has never made a kilt before, but armed with a copy of Barb's book (a Christmas present from yours truly) and her years of sewing experience she set out. Technically this is not a DIY for me, I cant sew a stitch but I figured you all might like to see the progress. She sends me pics every now and then on how the kilts are coming. Here's the progress so far. (Sorry for the big pics, I tried to edit but to no avail).

Pleated to the stripe


pleat cut-out


Interfacing?



Now, she has told me there will be 2 yards or so extra. I'm not real sure what to do with those. I wouldnt mind having a fly plaid for my brother and I, but is that enough wool? or I was thinking a pair of trews for each of us? Again, I have no idea how much fabric these kinds of things take. Any input and comments welcome. I think my Grand Mum is doing a wonderful job so far!

Regards,
Bishop

The photos are also fantastic. The light makes everything easy to understand.
2 yards extra, hum ?
...a box pleated kilt is something fantastic to wear !

Best,
Ancienne Alliance

[andyfg]

Looks great work.

[BEEDEE]

Great work - your grandmother has a real talent.

Brian

[cacunn]

Bishop
Look at the cutouts and see if there is enough material to make a Cunningham new boy hat. Six to eight wedges to make a circle, put a band around the bottom to and a brim and you have a nice hat.


Also do any of the Cunningham's in your family come from the Elkins West Virginia area? If I can't manage to connect to your Grandmother by way of the family tree do you think she will adopt me? Please..please..please

[pdcorlis]

Lucky duck - your grand mum is doing a bang-up job and you sir will have a treasure that will last a lifetime. Very beautiful indeed!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'd opt for the trews if there is enough yardage. Otherwise I'd go for two waistcoats: one scoop neck for wear with a doublet or coatee, the other a standard six button for day wear or wear with an argyll jacket. And I'd definately have the tartan matched on the bias!

[berserkbishop]

Originally posted by cacunn
Also do any of the Cunningham's in your family come from the Elkins West Virginia area? If I can't manage to connect to your Grandmother by way of the family tree do you think she will adopt me? Please..please..please

From what I know, most of the family is from PA. I was born in Pittsburgh and I know that I had family in Washington, PA. I would say that she might adopt but I already have to share my Grandma with 3 sibs and a bunch of cousins.

on the bias

What? I dont know what that means. . . .Anyway, she just e-mailed me and said that she hoped they would be done by the end of the month. I will tell her you all send compliments, she will be glad to hear. I am very proud and honored to be receiving a gift with so much love incorporated into it.

I like the idea of a waistcoat? Anyone know how much yardage one of those puppies takes? I have to make sure that whatever I get my bro does as well, we went halfsies on the material. And as to giving the extra to Grams, she already purchased some lighter Cunningham tartan when she was in Scotland a while back and has yet to decide what to do with it.

Cant wait till she's done!

[cacunn]

From what I know, most of the family is from PA. I was born in Pittsburgh and I know that I had family in Washington, PA.

This is interesting. I have/had an Uncle that lived in Stubenville, OH not far from Pittsburgh. He would nave been in his late 80's by now. On the other hand I have an Aunt and Uncle that lived in Washington, PA. A cousin is now in the house. They are from the other side of the family, my Aunt, on my mothers side was an Ashby before marriage. It is always interesting how small the world is and how lives intertwine.

[Mark Keeney]

I like the idea of a waistcoat? Anyone know how much yardage one of those puppies takes?

Most vest patterns I have used called for 1 yard 45" material with a different lining material for the back.

[cacunn]

On the bias is diagonally. Lay the material down so the stripes run up-down and left-right and turn it 45 degrees and it be on the bias. Instead of the pattern being in blocks it will appear to be in diamonds.