Eyes Open but Taking the Leap Anyway!

**CyanMoonStars** · 11th February 15, 06:24 PM

Hi! Let me preface my first post by telling you ALL that I think your care, consideration and dedication to the 'wearing of the kilt' is amazing! I have often poked my nose in when I have had questions and have found a great deal of great information! Thank you all - mods and members alike

So now, to my main issue. I'm going to jump right off the deep end and make not one, but TWO kilts for family members for my daughter's wedding in August. Because of financial restrictions, they will not be full wool, but poly viscose. They will most likely be worn for the wedding and after that, hang in the closet. That said, I'm not going to let the content of the Canadian Air Force tartan that I will be using to hold me back. I have ordered my copy of "The Art of Kilt Making", done some research online as to how long the dang things are gonna take to baste (O M G), will be off to hunt my threads and notions once I receive the yardage. I have a great machine, a large sewing area, huge cutting table to assist in basting. A great steam iron, linen press cloths and lots of weights to keep things stable while I press. My sewing skills are very strong...background in flat pattern design in high school has stood me in good stead for 35 years of garment construction. I have created everything from wedding gowns from Vogue Patterns (including my own) to sweats and t-shirts, to fancy dresses and costumes for our daughters and their school. So...am I missing anything in terms of prep? Measurements will be taken shortly, so that I have that covered.

All recommendations are welcome (except the ones that tell me I'm nutz for doing two kilts at once, lol)!

**sydnie7** · 11th February 15, 07:02 PM

Good for you! I made my first real kilt by the book, alone at home, and you can always pop in here to ask questions along the way (I sure did). Do you have hair canvas? There are good/better/best grades available and at least one thread here discussing current sources. And buckles, which might be easiest for you to order from Steve at Freedom Kilts (vs U.S. Suppliers).

**CyanMoonStars** · 11th February 15, 07:10 PM

Thanks for the source, Sydnie. I did see another source on the forum as well, B. Black. I'll check them both out. From what I understand, I'll need two metres at 100cm width, one metre per kilt, correct?

**Liam** · 11th February 15, 07:24 PM

I have always admired the members here who have both the talent and nerve to make a kilt. The RCAF tartan is a wonderful tartan. I have long considered having one made to honour my father and 3 Uncles who served during WW 2. I am curious, where did you source the material in PV?
Slainte

**Dughlas mor** · 11th February 15, 07:30 PM

I don`t know much about sewing, but it sure sounds like you have plenty of experience. Should be a fun project for you.

**CyanMoonStars** · 11th February 15, 07:34 PM

I will look up the name of the seller for you, Liam, and send you a PM

**Mike_Oettle** · 12th February 15, 02:51 PM

CyanMoonStars, I take my hat off to you!
While PV is not the same as wool (and is usually lighter than the traditional heavyweight wool tartan cloth), it is a fine material for kilt-making.
I say go for it (and don’t forget to post the pictures!).

**Ballangigh** · 12th February 15, 03:37 PM

I'm a novice at sewing but I have successfully crafted waistcoats and knee breeches (from patterns) which I am happy with. What is your source for cloth? Are you drafting your own patterns from "The Art of Kilt Making"?

**CyanMoonStars** · 28th July 15, 08:48 AM

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Q...ew?usp=sharing

I'm thinking that a lot of this will be sorted out when I press the fell over my pressing ham. Am I right??