Kilt makers in the SW?

**MovieKilt** · 28th April 14, 03:13 AM

Hey y'all, still pretty new here so thought I'd post here first and let y'all tell me where to go from here. Put on some weight and my WWII era Canadian blackwatch and utilikilts no longer fit.....I think I can remedy the utilikilt, but the blackwatch may have to go up for sale or trade....that aside, I recently bid on and won an unfinished kilt. It's "
THIS IS A REAL AUTHENTIC KILT. MEASURES 60 INCHES TOTAL WIDTH
THE PLEATED PART IN MEASURED AT 18INCHES
EXCELLENT CONDITION
NO PIN INCLUDED"
It's without liner, straps, holes and belt loops but he says:
This is not just the material. It has a sewn waist, It does not come with any buckles or pins or belt loops. But the pleats are finished and measure at 18inches. The total width of the fabric is 60 inches and the length from the waistband down is about 26 inches"
Any thoughts about where (I'm in AZ, but visit CA for work quite a bit) to get this finished?

Pic of the tartan/fabric: Aaand I just realized I don't know how to get pics on here from my iPad.....

**sydnie7** · 28th April 14, 07:56 AM

Welcome to XMarks!

Unfortunately the work you are describing is much more than "finishing." I did almost exactly the same project a year or so ago -- purchased a sewn-up length of wool, pleated, with waistband and buckles. The original maker had worn it this way but I knew that wouldn't last -- the wool can't take the strain, it needs stabilizer and interfacing.

Here's my posted description of the work involved: Finishing a Kilt for Bob

Hours of work involved and if you're not doing it yourself, probably cost-prohibitive. But you might find somebody on the forum here willing to take it on -- not me, too many personal projects in the queue! Best of luck with the quest.

**dougle** · 28th April 14, 04:08 PM

Hi

**WillowEstate** · 29th April 14, 08:59 AM

Hi and a warm welcome from sunny Queensland!

Not in the USA, so can't help with a kiltmaker but I agree with Sydnie, there sounds to be still a lot of work to do. Would be worth investing in Barb. T.'s book to see the work involved if you want to tackle it yourself. Kiltmaking is more art than science and each artist (kiltmaker) has his or her own style and may want to undo the work so far and start with a blank canvas (tartan cloth). For sure, (s)he will want to tailor it to your measurements.