Weathered Yet Well Cared For!

[James]

Could I suggest that a kilt slightly faded by weathering can look better than one that is brand new: for the slight fading of the colours gives a softer and more pleasing appearance.

I'm not suggesting going as for as the Mackenzie suggestion of burying a new kilt in a bog for a couple of years: but a few of weeks hung up where the sun and rain can work on it appears to give the right effect.

A similar effect in respect of the leather work - belts/sporran etc, can be achieved by a combination of use and regular polishing with a good wax polish.

James

[Colin]

Good suggestion James. I am just not sure I am brave enough to put a new kilt out in the elements.

[TimC]

I agree with Colin. It sounds like a great idea but I'm not sure I'm willing to put my kilt(s) out in the weather....but the belt is going out today.

[James]

Hang on, sorry if not clear-the leatherwork need not be exposed-regular wear and polishing does the trick. Think here of a well worn and cared for Sam Browne-it looks far better than a new one.

I've yet to find weather that can harm a kilt-having worn one from Arctic to tropics in all weathers. Certainly if given choice of going out in teeming rain in a new kilt or trousers-it would be the kilt.

James

[TimC]

Ahh! Thanks for the clarification on the belt...well, one night in the dew didn't seem to harm it none ;-)

[Riverkilt]

Cringe...

Would be like hanging five one hundered dollar bills out to weather....and....what is this thing called "rain?"

Have lots of sun here...not sure the intensity would be good for wool. Have some pieces of a wool Pendleton blanket that were made for seat belt protectors that didn't work so tossed them on the dash of my car. The sun has already faded them significantly in just a few months...of course that's Arizona high altitude sun under a windshield.

There's an idea. :rolleyes: Spread your kilt out on your car's dashboard like a dashmat for a few months to achieve the faded/weathered look...

Ron

[Blu (Ontario)]

Could I suggest that a kilt slightly faded by weathering can look better than one that is brand new: for the slight fading of the colours gives a softer and more pleasing appearance.

So true! As far as I'm concerned, this is a truism. I have found that some tartans which may look are downright gaudy in modern colors can be quite attractive in the old colors.


blu

[Pleater]

I was just working on one of the first kilts I made - the fabric is not a tartan but could be called a plaid with fine crossed lines and stripes of colours which are mostly strong burnt earthy Summer colours. I was thinking of throwing them out, as they have faded but somehow ended up taking them apart and remaking them for my smaller circumference.

They are showing signs of age - they are 'only' polyester cotton in a 50/50 mix, but even so they are two 7 yard kilts. They are now being resurected in a reverse kinguisse style, with some reinforcing of the waistband.

They were deliberately left rather unstructured originally for making smaller, and that has resulted in more wear than would have been the case if I had reinforced the tops of the aprons.

I might even make the apron double thickness to give it a bit more weight. Most of my kilts seem to come out at about 7 yards even without planning.

The repeat of the pattern was huge - 24inches, so I just pleated it evenly - the new versions every 7 inches and it looks alright. The colours are now even more varied as there are both sun bleached and close to original colours visible. They are not exactly smart looking, but I think that they will still go with sandals, Tilly hat and tee shirt.

Although the fabric is quite flimsy for a kilt, a liner - or in my case a petticoat, makes an improvement, as does a hem. The extra layer holds the kilt out, so it looks as though it has more body, and also helps it to move freely. The weight of the hem causes it to oscillate rather more than it would with just a selvage edge.

With the 'improvements' I've added I think I can get away with calling the result 'weathered' rather than just plain old and faded.

[way2fractious]

...I was thinking of throwing them out, as they have faded, but somehow ended up taking them apart and remaking them for my smaller circumference...
...They are now being resurected in a reverse kinguisse style...
...The colours are now even more varied as there are both sun bleached and close to original colours visible...
...I can get away with calling the result 'weathered' rather than just plain old and faded.

I love reading your posts of experimentation in kiltmaking. Do you have any pictures posted of some of these works of textile art?

[Pleater]

I don't have pictures - but I can take some. There are cameras, phones, USB cables and the like all around the house.

Just a matter of catching up with all the technology.