Greeting from NE Arkansas

**mrdad8802** · 24th October 11, 07:43 AM

Hello all! My name is Davis Austin and I'm of course new to the page. I live in Piggott, AR which is a very rural town. I have a wife and we have 3 children. I'm 41 yo and not exactly new to kilts. I've owned 2 of them for over 2 years now and like to wear them whenever I can. But, living in this part of the U.S., it can be very difficult to say the least. I get looks that would kill, and almost everyone stares like I have leprosy. A few are alright with it, and my wife and our youngest son are very supportive of me. Our 10yo would like to have a kilt himself, but I'm afraid of the put downs he will endure wearing one. I have a hard time not being ashamed myself because of the way people around here treat me when they see me in one.
On a side note, I still love wearing one and would love to wear one everyday. My biggest problem is the cost. Anyone know of a good place to get patterns to where I can have some kilts made? On that some thought, anyone know of a good place to get reasonably priced fabric that won't tear up after the first two or three times I wear my kilt. I prefer the "traditional" style of kilt, with buckles on the sides. Any help in these endeavors is greatly appreciated.
And I almost forgot, Clan Keith checking in! Veritas Vincit

**Baldybrown** · 24th October 11, 07:47 AM

Welcome!

**J_Mimbs** · 24th October 11, 07:53 AM

Greetings from the Gulf Coast of Florida! I know there is a kilt pattern floating around the board. There are also some good kilt makers on here with very reasonable prices.

**davidg** · 24th October 11, 08:01 AM

from West Lothian, Scotland

There are some good resources around on how to make kilts yourself. The Art of Kiltmaking by Barbara Tewkesbury is one of those and is well recommended, although I have not seen a copy myself

As for fabric, most of the mills will sell direct to you. Marton Mills, Lochcarron, DC Dalgleish (via Scotweb) etc. You should also be able to purchase the same fabric from any kilt maker, including those advertising here on this forum, and that may even be more economical for you as you would not have to worry about exchange rates or import duties

Start off by looking at the forum advertisers and you shouldn't go far wrong

**macwilkin** · 24th October 11, 08:09 AM

Greetings from SW Missouri; I've always wanted to visit Piggott and visit the Ernest Hemingway historic site there -- his second wife Pauline was from Piggott.

T.

**cruiser348** · 24th October 11, 08:01 AM

Hello and welcome from Ohio. As far as information for making kilts get a copy of the book "The Art of Kilt Making" it was written by one of the members here and is a great reference for those looking to make kilts. It is available through the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop. You'll find a link to their site at the top of the page. As far a materials I'm no help as I haven't quite gotten brave enough to undertake making a kilt just yet so haven't done the fabric research.