OK, a crazy idea: Kilt Camp

[Alan H]

This has been on my mind for about 3-4 days so why not go public with it. WHAT IF...WHAT IF...??????????????

This coming summer, somewhere (maybe one on the East Coast and one on West Coast) we had a "Kilt Camp".

I'm dreaming this up as I go, OK? So bear with me. NONE of this is set in stone, here.

You show up with 2 to 2 1/2 yards of double width tartan (or solid) of your choice, a package of needles and thread to go with your tartan, and a length of 3-inch wide velcro.

"Camp" lasts three days, make it a 3-day weekend. During "Camp" you spent 6 hours a day making a simple 4 or 5-yard casual kilt. I bet most folks can finish off a 4-5 yard machine-sewn kilt in 18 hours, since there'd be coaching right there. It took me about 19 hours to do my canvas kilt and I hadn't a clue what I was doing. The kilt would basically be a "traditional look" but maybe with velcro closures, 'cause that's easy to do an fast. If you wanted to add pockets and belt-loop doo-dads on your own later, you could.

Evenings are spent 'round the fire, at the pub, wherever with your kilted mates an their partners, if they come. You get 3-4 hours off each day to visit town, go hiking, whatever seems approparite for the location. One "professional" kiltmaker would supervise each session. They have to get paid. Hmmmm. How about $450 for three days? Minimum attendance would be 8 people, maximum is 10... cost for "Camp" is $60 a head.. Lodging, meals and transportation are up to attendees.

I haven't a clue what to do about getting the sewing machines. I've got one, I'd bring it, but it's just an old straight-stitch singer.

The last night is spent at the local pub, showing off the new kilts, of course.

OK, like I said I'm just imagining something, here. NONE of the above is firm, whatsoever.... XMarks the Scot kilt camp.

I'd go to Kilt Camp if it were for a three-day weekend, say in July, somewhere in California. Anybody else?

[Alan H]

OK, fantasy time....TOTALLY off the top of my head here...what woul dit cost to goto Kilt Camp if there was one within a 6-hour drive of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Transportation to and from...uh...a tank of gas: $30
Two nights, oh, heck...make it three, in the hotel.... $300
Three days grub...@$25/day...$75
Beer at the pub, three nights worth... $300 (or thereabouts, har!)
2.5 yards poly-viscose tartan... $65

or

2.5 yards wool from The Scottish Weaver... $100

assorted junk...$20

OK, so I could do this for $500- $600, which is one EXPENSIVE kilt, but it would sure be fun.

[The Wizard of BC]

I think that is a fantastic idea.

I offer my shop as the site for the first annual X Marks Kilt Kamp.

Four sewing machines with three more available and support from a machine repair guy with 13 more machines.

A LARGE stock of fabric in house.

Enough B&B's within walking distance to house 60 or 70 people, and nothing in the city more than a 45 min. walk away.

Three Traditional Kiltmakers who could, possibly, be brought on-board for those who want to do Trad's.

And to top it off a great vacation venue. "More British than the British"

[Robin]

A pitty it's a bit too far for me

Sounds like fun though...

[Livingston]

hmmm....very interesting but that would be one heck of a drive for me.

[Hamish]

hmmm....very interesting but that would be one heck of a drive for me.

And, alas, an even 'heckier' one for me!!!

[michael steinrok]

OK, fantasy time....TOTALLY off the top of my head here...what woul dit cost to goto Kilt Camp if there was one within a 6-hour drive of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Transportation to and from...uh...a tank of gas: $30
Two nights, oh, heck...make it three, in the hotel.... $300
Three days grub...@$25/day...$75
Beer at the pub, three nights worth... $300 (or thereabouts, har!)
2.5 yards poly-viscose tartan... $65

or

2.5 yards wool from The Scottish Weaver... $100

assorted junk...$20

OK, so I could do this for $500- $600, which is one EXPENSIVE kilt, but it would sure be fun.

YOU FORGOT TO ADD BEING IN GOOD COMPANY........ PRICELESS

YOU COULD ALWAYS DO IT AT ONE OF THE GAMES AROUND THE BAY AREA

SLAINTE ;)

[Eujeankilt]

I've got to stop hanging around here. You guys are costing me plenty. First it was kilts, then kilt hose, then an Argyll jacket, then I tasted Laphroaig. Now it's Kilt Camp. I'm going to have to moonlight my moonlighting! Just say no, just say no, just say no, just say.............

Hmmm. I've always wanted to visit BC. "Hey dear, let's go visit Victoria! We can see the gardens (Mwu-haa haa) "


Dale

[David Thornton]

Two thoughts, I rely on your collective honor to remember that these were my suggestions.
1) Adam could produce the CD there as well. Everyone would have a great digital scrapbook to go along with their kilt. Additional copies could be sold, bartered, given away or whatever.
2) You'll need an example kilt, teachers book so to speak. I have a solution, make my next trad! I will graciously provide my measurements and show off the final product!
Not bad huh?
David

[MacMullen]

I think the camp sounds like a great idea. I doubt I'd be able to make it, but it sure does sound like it would be great.

Keep us posted. You never know...