First time/First kilt

**Juggalotus** · 17th August 06, 09:00 AM

Well, for the sake of saving money, my wife has convinced me to make a kilt rather than purchase one. I'll put some pictures up later when I get some taken. Right now though we just have it laid out and the length cut.

Did I mention this will be my first kilt? So, I don't really have a reference and we're doing it as we go. I do have to say thank you to everyone in the kiltmakers forum as you have really helped me with ideas tips.

I'll put pictures up once it is completed.

**cessna152towser** · 17th August 06, 09:09 AM

Welcome from Scotland.

**MacWage** · 17th August 06, 09:30 AM

I would HIGHLY advise Barb's book:

The Art of Kiltmaking by Barbara Tewksbury and Elsie Stuehmeyer

As seen and available:

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/books.htm

Also, several of the other books on that page are very interesting and useful. I either own or am planning on purchasing most of them.

I make my own kilts (see below). For the first few, some "cheap" $10-20/yard (US) wool for the first few as you improve your skills. Otherwise, the Scottish Tartan Museum (see above link) is a good source, as is The Scottish Weaver for wool and cotton. These are both in the US, so easy to ship. International shipping is a pain and $$$$. I'd highly advise real worsted wool for them once you get used to the process and techniques of construction. It really does make a difference enough to be worth the cost.

Also:

Wecome from the Deep South (US)!!!!!

**Juggalotus** · 17th August 06, 09:33 AM

I guess I should mention that this is a modern kilt. Its a dark green fabric similar to what a couple of my cargo shorts are made out of. I do plan on making a tartan kilt once I've got a little more experience with the process.

**pdcorlis** · 17th August 06, 09:34 AM

I guess some folks jump into the deep end... Good For You and Welcome to the rabble! I'll second the recommendation for Barb and Elsie's book - its the resource for kiltmakers!

**Juggalotus** · 17th August 06, 10:41 AM

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to try and pick that book up.

**way2fractious** · 17th August 06, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by Juggalotus

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to try and pick that book up.

It is, indeed, an excellent book, directed to the making of a traditional kilt using worsted wool fabric. You will want it for that project when it comes time.

Your previous post mentioned a modern kilt. If you are using fabric other than wool, consider kiltmaking instructions found on websites such as this:
http://users.telenet.be/jbruyndonckx/kilt_making.html . The basic construction of kilts, traditional and modern, is the same, but the different fabrics do have significant differences in the way they can be handled.

I have made all kinds of kilts for various purposes, and did each one a little bit better than the last. The fun is just beginning for you. Welcome to the addiction!