Late to the dance (A newb here)

**MNlad** · 18th July 12, 11:52 AM

Greetings from Minnesota:

First, thanks for the welcome, Steve.

After cruising X Marks the Scot for the last year, I felt it time to become more active since I have learned so much from your great posts and pix. Hopefully you will find my occasional posts worthy.

I started visiting X Marks as part of a search for information about creating your own utility-type kilt. I had some ideas, but it just wasn't jelling. That changed quickly as I started reading about the X-Kilt. A big thanks to Alan Herbert, sydnie7, kmehrtens, vorpallemur, Panache and the F.H.C.A.G., Barb T. and all the others who have contributed to the creation and refinement of the X-Kilt. It was only through your thoughtful encouragement to others that I felt confident enough to proceed with my own creations. (This from a guy who thought a basting stitch had something to do with barbecue sauce and a 3-lb. sirloin.) I had to keep telling myself that a sewing machine was nothing more than a drill press with thread. My 50-year-old Singer even looks like a piece of industrial equipment.

I wanted to produce a knock-around kilt with some traditional touches. They were all there in the X Marks posts—hidden slash pockets, back pocket, wide apron, etc. A hip strap, a couple D-rings, and a bit of embroidery to replace a traditional kilt pin, courtesy of my daughter, Cat, and I had just what I wanted. The beauty of the X-Kilt is it’s a great starting point if you want a little something extra or something different.

I started with the original box pleat design, and that gave me the confidence to tackle a RevK. I won’t say it’s addictive, but I’ve started looking for a nice piece of tweed that will get the strap and buckle treatment rather than the Velcro—cut down a bit on that thick layer in front (Heaven knows, I’ve got enough of my own). I know I’ll never get to the level of perfection found in my wool USA kilts or those produced by other first-line makers, but it’s been a fun trip. Now for some pix (hope I do this right).

The two side by side.

And the kilts with a few accessories I cobbled together over the last couple of years--dagger and sheath, sgian dubh, sporrans, and belt.

And finally, the runway shot.

Thanks again. It’s been a great learning experience. By the way, I did chalk my lines using a framing square. Now if I could only cut the fabric using my air saw I’d really feel comfortable.

MNlad

**tulloch** · 18th July 12, 01:00 PM

Welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts.

**Father Bill** · 18th July 12, 02:16 PM

Welcome to the Great Rabble!

**Kiltboy** · 18th July 12, 04:09 PM

Welcome! And thanks for posting those pics. Those kilts look sweet!

**Chas** · 18th July 12, 04:47 PM

Hello MNlad,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

Regards

Chas

**dougle** · 18th July 12, 06:09 PM

Hi & welcome from Worcestershire England

**ThistleDown** · 18th July 12, 07:19 PM

Welcome, from Inverness-shire and British Columbia.

**Skiballa** · 19th July 12, 05:51 AM

Welcome from Western Massachusetts, that is some impressive work, I hope you'll post some more details of the construction of those two kilts in the DIY section.