Advice/help needed

**Stoff** · 29th November 16, 01:53 PM

OK Guys,

I am looking for some advice/help. This last weekend my brother gifted me with the kilt that our mom made for him, I think approximately 20 years ago. What I want to do it make any repairs needed and resize it to fit me. I would consider scrapping it but, because this was the last major sewing project that our mom did there is a considerable sentimental value tied up in it.

The kilt fabric is wool with a white denim lining. There are no belts or stabilizer. Because my brother is a rather large lad it is a bit of a whopper. It has a 60” waist. There are 35 pleats, which have the back cut out, and are 4-1/2” deep with an approximate 1” exposure. There is one join in the fabric, this join is about 228” from the edge of the front apron. The complete pieced fabric is about 11-3/8 yards long.

Oh yeah, on top of everything else this kilt is in serious need of a bath. I have no idea how long it sat in my brother's cedar chest but, it is gritty to the touch.

I am trying to attach photos as well.

Thanks,
Christoph
Front:

Back:

Inside of Outer Apron:

Inside of Inner Apron:

Damage to Inner Apron:

Pleat cut outs:

**Terry Searl** · 29th November 16, 04:34 PM

What a huge undertaking your Mam did....and really as it was her last major project it is truly a treasure......Good Luck in "restoring " it

**cck** · 29th November 16, 05:39 PM

You certainly have plenty of fabric. It should be no problem to find a good kiltmaker in your area and get a professional opinion.

**McMurdo** · 29th November 16, 06:54 PM

Have you thought of taking it to Matt Newsome in Franklin NC? He might just be able to do all the repairs needed.

**bonnie heather** · 30th November 16, 04:52 AM

It's a lovely thing that you want to restore this kilt that your mother made. If you need help on that, I'd be happy to give it the TLC it deserves. I've done hundreds of kilt alterations and repairs. Some were via The Scottish Tartans Museum in NC. (I've been making box pleated kilts and doing work for them for several years, after the wonderful Matt Newsome moved on.)

**Stoff** · 30th November 16, 11:19 AM

The big problem with having a professional kilt maker tackle this job is budget, or lack thereof. So, my current plan is to tackle this project myself. I have several advantages over the average person trying this as a DIY; I am a historic clothing tailor, I have made two kilts in the past, and just if not more important I have your book Barb. I have read it and greatly appreciate the instruction therein.

I plan to come on here as I start and progress through this project to report and to seek help.

Thanks to everyone,
Christoph

**Pleater** · 30th November 16, 01:13 PM

It also seems to have no shaping at the edge of the apron but goes straight on into the first pleat - but that is one huge kilt.
The tartan is rather nice. With a gentle bath and then a skilful reworking it should look splendid.

Anne the Pleater

**Stoff** · 30th November 16, 01:23 PM

Yes it is huge but, My brother is a rather LARGE lad. I am not the smallest guy around but he makes me look tiny.

Originally Posted by Pleater

It also seems to have no shaping at the edge of the apron but goes straight on into the first pleat - but that is one huge kilt.
The tartan is rather nice. With a gentle bath and then a skilful reworking it should look splendid.

Anne the Pleater

**Stoff** · 30th November 16, 01:37 PM

Yes this is a very attractive tartan. I have no idea if is anything other than a fashion tartan (what we use to refer to as MacBelks) but, I like it.

Originally Posted by Pleater

It also seems to have no shaping at the edge of the apron but goes straight on into the first pleat - but that is one huge kilt.
The tartan is rather nice. With a gentle bath and then a skilful reworking it should look splendid.

Anne the Pleater