First Attempt - Not bad but improving.

[panhandlephillips]

About 3 months ago, while looking for a new kilt for my daugher to wear while Highland Dancing it was remarked to me that kilt making was extremly difficult and only professionals with YEARS of experience could make one. It was also suggested that I had nieither the skills or the "smarts" to make one.

I love a challange!!!

I must admit, it wasn't nearly as difficult as it was talked up to be. But that being said I do have an appreciation on what it does take to make a really good kilt, and can understand how it can take years of experience to get the necessary skills.

Here are a couple of photos of my first attempt, and some lessons I learned.

I was in such a hurry to try it on I forgot to press it!!






1) Don't buy cheap material. I went to the local fabric store and bought the CHEAPEST tartan like material they had. I ended up buying stuff that had a lot of lycra in it. It will stretch almost 50% in one direction.

2) Invest in an Even Feed or Walking presser foot for your sewing machine. It makes sewing multiple layers of fabric MUCH eaiser.


I am now in the process of making an X kilt.

[McFarkus]

from Chicago.

[Moosedog]

Great job! "Taking the challenge" is the hardest part, as you have already discovered. And welcome to xmarks from the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Moosedog

[ccga3359]

Welcome from just down the road. Firstly search SOKS for a kilt night near you, we've had a few at the Ivy Arms when Hunting McLeod play. Our next scheduled event is a Global Kilt Night October 27th in Oakville. Meet the lads and show off your new kilt. Speaking of your kilt, it looks like you did a tremedous job. I'd press the pleats though, they look box. A good scorce for tartan is Len's Mills, there is a store in Hamilton. Also someone just posted about some Maple Leaf material on ebay.

[Jock Scot]

Welcome,from Inverness-shire.

[David Dalglish]

Welcome from Carlisle Cumbria-England--you are a brave man to attempt a kilt.

[McMurdo]

Congratulations on the kilt, and thanks for the pictures.

[B Hall]

welcome from Ohio

[Sean_the_Kilted]

Welcome from Heidelberg, Germany

[panhandlephillips]

Welcome from just down the road. Firstly search SOKS for a kilt night near you, we've had a few at the Ivy Arms when Hunting McLeod play. Our next scheduled event is a Global Kilt Night October 27th in Oakville. Meet the lads and show off your new kilt. Speaking of your kilt, it looks like you did a tremedous job. I'd press the pleats though, they look box. A good scorce for tartan is Len's Mills, there is a store in Hamilton. Also someone just posted about some Maple Leaf material on ebay.

Thank you all for the welcome.

And thanks for the tip on Lens Mill. I am not at all pleased with both the selection and the customer service at my local Fabricland. I'll check them out soon. I've been commissioned to to make a kilt for my 5 yr old daughter in green Erskine