A sad day for DIY's...

[Brian F]

Well, today, my first attempt at an X-Kilt was stillborn.

I threw it in the washer, per Alan's instructions, and it comes out...well, I dunno'. It is bleached out in some places. I think there may have been some residue left in the washer...that's what I get for using the school's stuff?

Any help? I still have the other half of the fabric to work with (I split it in two and locked both edges in so they wouldn't fray). I figure it is either bleach residue in the washer (which I don't know what to do about), or the fact I am using Wal-Mart clearance fabric (which means I'll have to wait until payday, and then make the long drive to Huntington).

Thanks in advance.

~Yeti

[ccga3359]

Can't whether it's the fabric or washer (although I'm suspecting the latter). Your second will of course be better than your first by virtue of experience alone. If you've got the time maybe make the second with the remnant piece regardless.

[ChattanCat]

I say, go for the tie dyed look, or maybe the weathered look, ... You can always die it again.

[Kid Cossack]

A perfect opportunity to make a 'painting' kilt.

[Brian F]

Well, I made something out of it. I may use a few scrap pieces and test some dyeing and bleaching techniques.

Here are the pictures (cell phone in a mirror...very low quality).

The front view:


The money shot:


It isn't a true X-Kilt. It actually has very large knife pleats (I believe the appropriate terminology is "5-inch pleats with a 3-inch reveal"). It is more styled like a traditional kilt. All I have to do tomorrow is add on the waistband, belt loops, and velcro (and wait for my fiancee to decide whether she likes cargo pockets or not).

Anyhoo, it'll get use in the woods and in the garage, if nothing else.

~Yeti

[Alan H]

I think it looks pretty good, though maybe a little bit short. But heck, if you like it that way, then that's what counts.

[Arlen]

I think it looks really sharp.
Seriously, wear it. Make another one when you have time and run something else through the washer first to make sure there's no residue.

[cessna152towser]

Looks like you have a perfectly wearable kilt there.

[Packhound]

Looks great!!
At the very least you got the practice (that's the way I look at my first attemt.) (Note to self: Got to post pics.)

Lets see the next one!!!

[Perldog007]

I have had mixed luck with Wal Mart "remnants of unknown origin" I am wearing my fifth creation @ work right now - photo post to follow. I really like the way it came out and wish I had put some dinero into the fabric. This stuff won't even hold a crease.

It's wash, drip/hang and iron. So is the cotton canvas I got from Wally world.

The first two pleated disasters, they hold up fine. Wash, throw on the line and wear. But they are only suitable for roughing about the yard and such.

Oh well, now that I have my assembly technique near where I want it, I will bash out another cheap kilt or two then buy some nice poly/cotton fabric.