A keen kilt newbie

**Bobby Gordon** · 24th October 12, 04:45 PM

Hi There
I just thought I'd introduce myself.
My name's Bobby, I'm 31 and I'm now into kilts in a big way. I got married in September and as I've long believed there no better outfit for a groom to wear for a wedding I thought a kilt is a must. But as times are tough and I'm good with a needle and thread I thought I'm make one myself rather than buying one.
So I bought myself Barb T's 'Art of Kiltmaking' and ordered and collected my Tartan from Lochcarron, and before I knew it I was making three of them! the other 2 for my brothers, and I absolutely love it! it took me ages, but was well worth it. I hate just watching the TV, so I've been into tinkering with a bit of tailoring for a while in my evenings. And then the big day came and it was blast! I totally loved wearing it and I can't wait to wear it again and make more. I'd actually quite like to get an apprenticeship from someone so that I can learn a few tips for getting quicker, because they take about a month to make in my spare time, whereas kiltmakers in Edinburgh tell me they do one in a day!
Anyhow. I’ve been reading posts on this site for a while. but I thought it was about time to sign up and say hello :0)

**neloon** · 25th October 12, 02:55 AM

Hi Bobby,
Welcome! Cogratulations to you and your lass on your wedding and congratulations on your tailoring. Do you know about the Keith Kilt School?
http://www.kiltsandtextiles.org/page/about_us

**Bobby Gordon** · 25th October 12, 04:12 AM

I have, yes. I once spoke to someone who had done that course, but he said that his still take approximately 40-60 hours, which is what mine take me at the moment. I've found 'The Art of Kiltmaking' to be pretty comprehensive, so I think I just need more practice!

**Laird_M** · 25th October 12, 04:22 AM

Bobby, welcome to the Rabble.
You've started on a slippery slope my friend...

**Chas** · 25th October 12, 04:25 AM

Hello Bobby,

Welcome to XMarks from south of you in the middle of Thetford Forest in Norfolk.

Regards

Chas

**McClef** · 25th October 12, 04:33 AM

from South Wales!

**Spartan Tartan** · 25th October 12, 05:02 AM

from Oklahoma, in the central United States.

**KenB** · 25th October 12, 05:09 AM

Welcome from Presqu'ile (sealladh bòidheachd) in Ontario. Good luck and best wishes in your kilt endeavors.

**tulloch** · 25th October 12, 05:10 AM

Welcome, Bobby, from the highlands of Central Massachusetts, New England, USA. You're living the dream! Looking forward to photos of the kilts and your further adventures.

**Tobus** · 25th October 12, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby Gordon

I'd actually quite like to get an apprenticeship from someone so that I can learn a few tips for getting quicker, because they take about a month to make in my spare time, whereas kiltmakers in Edinburgh tell me they do one in a day!

Welcome, Bobby!

I'm not a kiltmaker, but I've read enough of Barb T.'s posts on this forum to know that any kiltmaker who is making a kilt a day is not doing it like she describes in her book. These chaps who are telling you this are probably making machine-sewn kilts. So don't try to compare your labour productivity to theirs if you're hand-sewing them. It's apples and oranges.

That said, I'm sure you could make them more quickly with some practice. As I recall (and I stand to be corrected here), the usual time for an experienced kiltmaker is somewhere around 20-25 hours for a hand-sewn kilt.

I look forward to seeing photos of your work!