Hi I am the recent new kid on the block

[Jeannine]

I have been lurking around for a few weeks.

I have a older daughter just learning pipes and wanting to get some real gear.

I have contemplated making her a kilt, in the meantime I am altering a good used one that is a wee bit long.

I do have a question..She wants a pair of Gillie brogues. I believe them to men's footwear but am told that women also wear them, can someone confirm that for me please.

So about me, and my daughter.. first me. I married an Aberdonian ...long time ago...I do sew just about anything and did make a couple of child's kilts many years ago and a few dance waistcoats so once I feel I have educated myself enough I will have a go at the new kilt for her. I also knit so she is hankering after kilt socks as well.

My daughter is really interested in all this piping and "stuff" but we need to get the right stuff of course and I am a bit out of my depth.

Meanwhile I am enjoying your site very much and I thank you for all the info I have already found, wonderful forum.

XX Jeannine:

[Kiltedjohn]

Hello, Jeannine, and welcome from a Scotsman living in the West Midlands of England.

Looks as thought you are going to be kept very busy with your various kilt-related enterprises! Look forward to seeing pictures of the results.

I'm not able to offer a great deal of learned advice, but I'm sure there are many others who can.

[The Wizard of BC]

The short answer is - If your daughter is in a pipe band she will wear the band uniform. If that uniform includes Ghillies then she will wear Ghillies.

Otherwise she may wear whatever she likes. The kilt, in and of itself, is not a uniform. There is nothing about wearing it that is set in stone or a rule. She will not go to jail or be looked down upon for wearing regular girl or girl street clothes.

In the beginning many people view this whole thing as some sort of uniform and some solo pipers do dress in what looks like a uniform. But that is their choice. It is what they feel most comfortable in.

If your daughter will be playing for the public at weddings or funerals she may, if she wishes, dress more towards the pipe band uniform look. It is sort of expected as most pipers do belong to a band and will get the gig from or through the band so will wear their band uniform when performing.
It is also expected that the piper dress well and in a manner fitting the occasion.
Especially at a funeral. Just as a military honor guard will usually be in military uniform the piper is expected and considered to be part of that honor guard.

Our own OC Richard would be a good example of how a solo piper would dress for those more solemn or ceremonial events.

But if your daughter wants to busk on the corner all expectations are off. Street performers usually dress flamboyantly to attract a crowd. "The Unipiper"is a good example. He dresses in a Utlikilt with a Darth Vader mask on a unicycle.

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

[Wareyin]

Welcome from Atlanta, GA, USA. It sounds like your daughter will be keeping you busy with all that sewing and knitting! Lucky girl to have a crafty mother.

[Profane James]

Greetings from Alabama!

[Tarheel]

Well met my dear Jeannine. One item to consider is your daughter's age. If she hasn't finished her growth spurt, shoes will become smaller before the piping lessons are over. The "Mary Jane" style shoes can be found readily and affordably. They are compatible with most uniforms and certainly are dressy enough for performances until proper brogues are necessary (if she finds a band to join.)
If the lass is dedicated to the pipes, then she will understand the wardrobe logic because the need to play is in her heart and not a reflection in the mirror.

On a side note, thank you for the XX in your post. You made a this old man 50 years younger for a moment.

[tulloch]

Welcome, Jeanninne, from the highlands of central Massachusetts here in New England.

Women and men wear gillies. They can be ordered online from several sources. You can look at them at highland games and other music competition events. There are nearly always vendors selling them.

Get Barb Tewksbury's book, The Art of Kiltmaking. You will find her on the right side of the page near the top. She is an advertiser here. It will tell you all you need to know to alter, maintain or make a fine kilt.

Your daughter should be working with a teacher and should find a local band. Have you been to highland games? Attending is the best way to learn, become inspired and to challenge one's self. As to your daughter's interest in piping and all that stuff; after a couple years she will have a huge collection of tools and spare parts for pipes. That is a lot of stuff before you begin donning the clothing.

I am concerned about possible mistakes in making hose for her. You might do a practice pair for me first before you dive in for her. I knit but still have not turned a heel. Hmmm. Have to get to that this winter.

Again, welcome.

[Tomak]

Hello and welcome from Southern California.

[dougle]