Hey guys... just purchased some fabric to wear as a great kilt. Following the recommendations of Matt from the Tartan Museum, I ordered 5 yards worth. Now I can say, as an experiment, I picked up 5 yards of a polyester cloth, that had a blackwatch like pattern to it, and messed around with that for length comparisons. I can honestly say, that I think much more than this, for anyone would be too much...that is a LOT of cloth to manage, period.
I am asking around for tips on how to pleat the thing, whether to go straight by hand, or perhaps a mild press with an iron to make them nice and sharp? Tips for arranging the material above the waist? I am thinking of either tucking it into the belt, or slinging it over the shoulder (I also think it would make a suitable foul weather garment here in the PNW). In which case, if someone knows a good place to get pins/brooches for this purpose, sharing would be nice. Once this thing arrives, it will be my first great kilt, and honestly, I am pretty stoked about it. Not only are they "period correct" or "historically correct" depending on what time period you fancy, but I think a well done belted plaid looks good (or at least, will make me look better), and I see no reason as to why this couldn't be used as more formal attire with some attention to pleating, and arranging the rest of the plaid in a clean/tasteful manner. Just looking for suggestions, tips and whatnot. I know I turned this into a bit of a ramble. Now, the order was just placed today, so I have plenty of time to read more. I have started soaking in some info, but there is always more to learn.