Hunting Mactrailer ver 0.4 alpha

**Perldog007** · 6th August 07, 05:31 AM

Well, I have had three near kilts. Finally turned out something I would call a kilt and wear pretty much anywhere jeans would be worn. Unfortunately I will not be wearing it at all.

Fortunately, we have a new kilted man. I would like to introduce my good friend and neighbor. He is a gentleman of the old school and a scoundrel of the finest sort. We will call him Jim.

Jim is not in the online world and had some concerns over privacy. We agreed that I would not use his name or show his face in any pictures until he learns more about our little world here.

I made this kilt for Jim, he is semi-retired and spends long hours driving a station wagon transporting clients to medical appointments for the state. When we met he was quick to recognize that freedom from trouser tyranny would be more comfortable in his work.

Cost was a concern, so I told Jim that I was an aspiring amateur kiltmaker and would craft him one the best I could. Jim asked for a long drop, below the knee and we decided on camo. The pictures are pretty bad, we may have had a beverage or two. That's just how we do.

Here is my fourth and best attempt, the Hunting Mactrailer

http://www.doublebad.net/nkmkilt.JPG

and our best effort at a pleat shot (under the conditions)

http://www.doublebad.net/nkmpleat.JPG

Easy care was another concern, so I went with four inch box pleats. The cargo pockets were based on the xkilt design, with quick release plastic buckles instead of velcro. A key keeper was attached to the right front apron beltloop as this is a driver's kilt.

Nine beltloops were used, nine pleats making 36 inches and a 12 inch apron. the under apron runs a bit further and the aprons are secured with 2 inch velcro tabs and four inches of "fuzz" at each end of the apron to give some adjustability.

Jim measured 42/46/22.5 but I went with a 6 inch taper and the long drop to suit his style requirements. Since Jim transports some varied and interesting folk, longer hem means modesty protection in a job where one complaint could be big trouble regimental or not.

Still a ways from workmanlike but by far the best one I have produced. Mine own Hunting Mactrailer is next. Then we move into beta production......

Of course now Jim's wife and three of his sisters' in law want one. His son is my age but does not seem to surprised by Da's new wardrobe.

Kilt on,

Doug

**Arlen** · 6th August 07, 07:25 AM

That looks really good. And he'll certainly be more comfortable, now.

**ConfusedPollock** · 6th August 07, 07:28 AM

Not bad at all! You should be proud that you are working hard at perfecting your methods.

**Alan H** · 6th August 07, 02:18 PM

Excellent...I really enjoy your writing style, too...

**McMurdo** · 6th August 07, 02:26 PM

That is great news and it looks good too I hope "Jim McDriver" (Sorry just had to give Jim a last name) loves his new kustom kilt. Good for you for seeing a need and filling it. I bet your new kilt is even better you seem to be learning a bunch with every kilt you make, thanks for sharing the pictures and progress with us.

**James MacMillan** · 6th August 07, 03:21 PM

You probably shouldn't read this is you don't like criticism, but from my viewpoint, what you made has a couple of big problems. What is in the photos isn't a kilt at all.

It's way too long. You say that this was done because the wearer was afraid of exposing himself. I can tell you that I have been wearing a kilt for years, and it just doesn't happen! You would have to be involved in really active highland dancing with all kinds of twirls for this to be a problem - and those guys wear shorts underneath. It sure doesn't look like a kilt.

There is much too much material in the front. The front apron of a man's kilt is flat! The front shot looks like a woman's skirt, not a kilt. of course from the quote below, maybe that's the look that you were going for.

Originally Posted by Perldog007

Of course now Jim's wife and three of his sisters' in law want one. His son is my age but does not seem to surprised by Da's new wardrobe.

I think what you have come up with would be better called a surong, not a kilt.

Sorry for the harsh truth, but don't go to beta yet.

**Perldog007** · 6th August 07, 06:59 PM

Thanks for the input James. I thought the length was a little extreme but that's what the wearer wanted. It won't be hard to hem if Jim Mcdriver's fashion sense changes.

The courtesy of being blunt is one that I appreciate when trying to learn something. Your honesty is apprecated.

It does look better properly worn with a belt. A sober photographer would help. We kind of threw that together in the midst of our weekend drinking/eating time. I had just put the pockets on and Jim was tending the stove. He is in fact still in his burmuda shorts in those photos.

I will post my camo kilt next weekend. Have pockets and beltloops ready and the pleats have been pressed and pinned. Should be able to finish it up next Saturday - would be interested in your comments with the Mrs. operating the camera and a more conventional light, sober photographer etc.

Edit - I just read James' profile. For a Senior Enlisted Marine that was far from harsh.

My son just picked up corporal and his comments on seeing pictures of my first kilt, now that was harsh

**James MacMillan** · 6th August 07, 09:47 PM

Perldog - I used to call myself a curmudgeon (spelling?) in training. But the Battle Axe says that I no longer am in training, I have reached instructor status.

I retired from the Corps in '94 right after the last flair-up. I live close to Camp Pendleton and keep in touch with the younger crowd of Marines. They are still the finest in the world, but then I am biased!!!

If your son ever gets stationed out here, I would be glad to have him over for a dinner. The Battle Axe still likes young Marines. She still teaches a few classes on base. We have several active duty Marines in my Masonic Lodge also.

I really shouldn't have been as harsh as I was, because I surely can't work her sewing machine!

I really didn't know how to say it any other way. I look forward to your next kilt.

By the way I posted several flix of me in some of my kilts, so that you can get an idea of my tastes.

**Perldog007** · 7th August 07, 04:43 AM

Originally Posted by James MacMillan

Perldog - I used to call myself a curmudgeon (spelling?) in training. But the Battle Axe says that I no longer am in training, I have reached instructor status.

I retired from the Corps in '94 right after the last flair-up. I live close to Camp Pendleton and keep in touch with the younger crowd of Marines. They are still the finest in the world, but then I am biased!!!

If your son ever gets stationed out here, I would be glad to have him over for a dinner. The Battle Axe still likes young Marines. She still teaches a few classes on base. We have several active duty Marines in my Masonic Lodge also.

I really shouldn't have been as harsh as I was, because I surely can't work her sewing machine!

I really didn't know how to say it any other way. I look forward to your next kilt.

By the way I posted several flix of me in some of my kilts, so that you can get an idea of my tastes.

No offense taken. I also told My friend that with the narrow apron, long drop it would be more skirt like than kilt like. But a 68 year old that outworks me... well that is all the lip he will likely get from this corner.

My new corporal should hit Pendleton again in the next 60 days. It would be great to have him meet other kilted folk, especially another leatherneck. Right now I am sure that he suspects that this kilt madness is some form of cross-dressing invented by old busted up squids.

I will have to P.M. you his AIM nick when he gets stateside.