Buckskin Cilt ?

[weeknee]

Thinking of making a buckskin cilt, any ideas on why its not a good idea. Opinions either way would be appreciated.

[Ryan Ross]

I have no idea, one way or the other, if it would be a good idea.

...I'd love to see it tried, though.

[piperdbh]

Do you mean real, deer-leather buckskin? I don't know if it would hold a crease, and it seems like it would be hard to sew, but I hope you post pictures of it when as you go along.

[Riverkilt]

I have a saffron leather kilt from Robert Pel at RKkilts. I love it - and would prefer he called the color buckskin. Don't think the kilt is made out of buckskin - rather cow leather, but dang its a great kilt. Have three leather kilts and they're all great - two from RKilts and one from Utilikilt when they were making them back when.

I do know you'll need some very good thread and a sewing machine with the power to penetrate leather. Maybe you could hand sew, but wouldn't wanna be the one. I think RKilts has a step by step demo of how the leather kilts are made on their website, or blog.

[Whidbey78]

I don't see any reason it wouldn't work. As Ron points out, leather kilts are already out there. Go for it. I think it would be cool as heck.

[McClef]

Not seen one here in Wales but if I do will let you know.

[Jackson]

Interesting. As my very first response to anyone on this forum, I thought I'd get my feet wet--finally, and answer this question. As a nearly lifelong Mountain Man Living Historian, I've enjoyed wearing leggin's and a loin cloth for years. The wimmin get a kick out of the deerskin leggin's and I get many of the same questions about the loin cloth as you lads do who wear a kilt. I handle the questions in much the same way.

I'm also of Scottish ancestory and have finally ordered an Air Force tartan kilt and look forward to wearing it. Recently had knee surgery, so have to wait until the hair grows back on one knee.

But, to answer the question, I think a kilt made from really nice garment grade deerskin would be a pleasure to wear and I'd like to see a photo when you get it done. I've done a lot of making of my outfits and deerskin is not hard to sew and some standard sewing machines will actually do it. I've always hand sewn my stuff, but, that's the nature of the costume.

In short, go for it!

[Ryan Ross]

I think, with deer skin rather than bovine, the swing might actually be rather interesting. And you might get somewhat of a barrel pleat effect, as the deer hide will not take a crease... just one step beyond the "soft press" pleats the I've heard Bob Martin mention.

I think this idea is really worth a try.

[be da veva]

Recently had knee surgery, so have to wait until the hair grows back on one knee.

Why? Just shave the other one so they will grow together, people won't notice.
BTW, Never hide or be ashamed of a scar. It's part of you now.

[Ryan Ross]

BTW, Never hide or be ashamed of a scar. It's part of you now.

Word.

Meet Lillian...