My first X-Kilt attempt

[swagmore]

I just wanted to say thanks to Alan for the X-Kilt instructions and post a few pics of my first attempt to make one. I love to DIY so my desire to do so brought me to X Marks and after much searching and thinking decided on features/designs I wanted to incorporate into it. I posted a few different pics in the Newbie section (because I am one) but I think it better to post some pics here as well since this thread is what that is really for. I went with the Rev. K in black Duck canvas for the main body with Hunter Green and Light Grey in an inverted Chevron on the front apron and pocket flaps. The front apron is reversible and I will soon be making a slight modification to make the pocket flaps be reversible as well. That way I can get more than one look from the same kilt. Plus, I can make new aprons and pocket flaps going forward if I want different colors/designs just to mix it up a bit. I also incorporated a separate hidden cell phone pocket inside one of the larger ones to help keep it from getting beat up by other things I may carry in the pocket. I love the feel of it on as it is very weighty and solid and the deep pleats definitely deliver on the "swoosh" factor as mentioned in the instructions. I have wanted to do this for a long time and I am happy that it finally happened....now some of my boys want them too. Thanks X Marks for helping to make this a reality. My little neck of the woods will be seeing more of this out and about as the weather warms up a bit. I have lived near Asheville, NC for over 25 years and have only ever seen one other person wearing a kilt in public. I hope to bump that up a bit very soon.


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Steve

[Elizabeth]

Very creative! Love the idea of interchangeable pieces to give different looks!

[usonian]

Nice work, really sharp fit and finish! I like the parachute clasps, I'm planning on going that route on my next attempt.

[swagmore]

Thanks! I wanted to maximize the functionality but give it as much of a sporty look as possible while trying to keep the Steam Punk appearance to a minimum. Not sure if I succeeded or not... I had a blast making it though and anticipate more to come. Starting with my boys.

Steve

[ratspike]

Sweet barking cheese! Nice to see that you tackled a simple design for your first kilt. Anything worth doing is worth REALLY doing, right?

Really well done Steve. I think your interpretation of this design is simple and clean looking. I'm not usually a fan of big blocks of color but I like the way you've incorporated it here. How is it to wear with the big straps and buckles? Does it feel a bit like you're strapped into the kilt or do you not really notice it?

[swagmore]

Thanks Bob! I love how it feels but honestly it is my first experience with not just making a kilt but... wearing one as well so I don't have anything to compare it to. However, to answer your question I don't even notice the straps and buckles and I like how snug it feels. After reading the X-Kilt instructions I felt like I understood it well enough to go ahead and tackle it. I actually grew up just South of you in Corvallis, OR.

Steve

[Hawk]

Thanks Bob! I love how it feels but honestly it is my first experience with not just making a kilt but... wearing one as well so I don't have anything to compare it to. However, to answer your question I don't even notice the straps and buckles and I like how snug it feels. After reading the X-Kilt instructions I felt like I understood it well enough to go ahead and tackle it. I actually grew up just South of you in Corvallis, OR.

Steve

Looks snug and we'll fit, but I defer to Bobs experience and know how.
If you grew up in OR, what are you doing on the east coast Steve?

Hawk

[swagmore]

Ahh...good question. I am here due in part to my X-Wife who did not like the more lush Oregon climate. OK, ok...she didn't like all the rain and had friends in Asheville so I ended up here and after we split up I decided to stay because she was right about the climate and Asheville actually has more of a four season year instead of the 9 months of rain and 3 months of sunshine I had become used to. Little did I know....

Steve

[The Wizard of BC]

If I can offer some constructive criticism from experience.

If you look at the photos taken from the side you will see that your lower straps pull the entire kilt in below your butt. This could be one of the reasons you pleats are splaying out and the apron has puckers in the front. This will get worse as the fabric is washed and breaks in.

In future try leaving off the bottom straps and raising the bottom of the Fell up to the crest of your buttocks. (About equal to your hip joint). I really think this will help your kilt to hang and move well. Another big help would be to build on some significant taper to the apron. Apron taper not only helps the apron shape but allows just that little extra to the hips that makes the whole kilt look sharper.

If you don't like the look it would be easy to put the lower straps back on and take the taper out of the aprons.

[swagmore]

Hey Steve, thanks a bunch for the feedback. It is important and very welcome. I think your suggestions are certainly worth a try. I anchored the lower straps just above the bar tack stitches at the top of the pleats so I wouldn't have expected it to pull like that. I can easily move the bar tacks up more inline with my hip joints as you suggest and remove or move up the lower straps as well. Part of the puckers on the front apron could be due to how snug I have it since it is free floating but I agree with you that over time it will likely get worse. I have washed it once since finishing it and it took me about 30 minutes to iron it out good. It might help if I get a better iron someday. As far as the apron taper is concerned, I did this one straight but because it is removable I could easily make a new one and change the shape to add some taper. What would you consider to be "significant"? 3" wider at the bottom...2"? Thanks for the input. I really apreciate the good advice.

Steve