Charlotte, NC Observer. Kilt Article Today

**fudgeman** · 16th November 08, 10:30 AM

Wow! An actual article about a Scottish kilt maker in our Travel Section today.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/554/story/336537.html

**beloitpiper** · 16th November 08, 11:01 AM

Good article! Am I correct in thinking that 2-3 days to make a kilt is really fast?

**McClef** · 16th November 08, 11:25 AM

Obviously the kilt maker hasn't heard of people like Hamish

**Carolina Kiltman** · 16th November 08, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

Good article! Am I correct in thinking that 2-3 days to make a kilt is really fast?

I remember reading somewhere, (maybe on this forum) that a skilled kilt-maker takes about 20 hours to make a kilt. That would be two long days, or three slightly shorter ones. I imagine that the complexity of the sett would have a bearing on that.

If you factor in tartan fabric at US$75-US$100+ per yard, and add 20 hours of skilled hand labour, the price of a "Tank" is truly reasonable.! (I know, it is still expensive, but certainly more understandable.)

**turpin** · 16th November 08, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

Good article! Am I correct in thinking that 2-3 days to make a kilt is really fast?

I wouldn't think so if the kiltmaker is taking a full work-day to do it. Barb T says it takes her about 20 hours to make a kilt. that's 2.5 work days.

**hospitaller** · 19th November 08, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

Good article! Am I correct in thinking that 2-3 days to make a kilt is really fast?

I wouldn't think so, it took me less than a day to make my first 'tank', the traditional way (less hand sewing the fell), and it took me a bit over full day to make my second kilt (the mil box pleat) hand sewn.

Of course, I was in a hurry and wasnt really concerned with tolerances being over 1/16" and so on.

So, 2-3 days for a kiltmaker that has been doing it for years is not out of the question I'd say.

Of course you can take 2 weeks per kilt if you so choose, but for a normal paced construction, I'd say fine with me.

duchessofnc · 16th November 08, 11:30 AM

Or McMurdos... Daily kilt wearers are increasing in numbers.

**Highlander31** · 16th November 08, 11:37 AM

Any article that reflects well on kilts is always welcome.

**Riverkilt** · 16th November 08, 04:42 PM

Good article for sure. Anneke is a member of the Traditional Kiltmakers Guild.

She'd be the one to sew up a Dutch Friendship tartan kilt eh?

Ron

**Mael Coluim** · 16th November 08, 06:40 PM

Interesting article. Thanks for posting it. It was interesting to read he went to school to learn his trade as it was declining. What I see on this forum, it appears the ranks of kilt makers are growing.