Alt.Kilt

[Erisianmonkey]

I would suggest deeper pleats as a first step. A second would be to sew down the fell. It would stop the pleats from simply looking like gathers at the waist like the center back pleat on your blue denim looks. Mind you, I'm no expert, I've only made five kilts and a kilted miniskirt. I don't have Barb's book myself, although I would recommend it, as I learned what I did the hard way, by way of a few web sites and sitting down at my own sewing machine.

I'll also add my voice to those asking you to not take Hamish to heart, while he is a much respected member here, we need all the kiltmakers we can get in the world, especially those willing to learn.

[MysticMead]

grain of salt... grain of salt...everything on the internet needs to be taken with a grain of salt... please don't let harsh comments turn you away from kilt making.. the more kilt makers there are the wider the selection we'll have..

[Hamish]

Oh dear! I am afraid that I have unwittingly put my foot in it. Without hesitation therefore, I offer TechDragon my unconditional apologies for the unwarranted harshness of my earlier post.

I confess that I did not see TechDragon's post, nor most of the other posts in this thread. In my haste, having seen Mr. MacDougall's opening post in which he asked if anyone had bought anything from Alt.Kilt, I used the link he provided and went straight to the Alt.Kilt website. I am sorry but my initial reaction was that here was someone who was virtually copying, but with minor adjustments, the fine products of two already well-established and successful kilt-making companies. I was also unimpressed to see such creased garments being used in the promotional photographs.

Quickly scanning back over the last few postings (I usually go to the end of a thread to make my contribution), Archangel's words, "Wait for Hamish" caught my eye, but I did not read more than a few lines of his post. It was that phrase that led me immediately to express the opinion I had formed moments before.

I am extremely sorry that I jumped in with both feet without reading the entire thread and therefore being unaware of TechDragon's appeal for helpful criticism and advice. I assure you that it is not in my nature to be so blatantly rude and I have never before been accused of being undiplomatic.

If I have learned a lesson from this, and I hope I have, it is not to contribute to a thread without first reading EVERY post within it. If I do not have time to do that, then I should refrain from posting.

Finally, now that I am aware that TechDragon is just starting on the kilt-making road and that she is keen to learn from those of us who wear them, I should like to offer her my moral support and to advise her to listen to what so many here have already suggested. I may have a lot of kilts; I may have been wearing them for well over 50 years; I may have an eye for colour, balance and co-ordination, but I am not a technician and I do not understand the complexities of kilt-making. I earnestly trust that I may be forgiven for any discouragement, or hurt, I have caused.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

A sincere apology Ham and I'm sure I'm not the only one that's relieved that post was a mistake - everyone makes them.

The kilts look good but perhaps a little samey to my eyes - I haven't looked at these contemporary kilts in great detail though - maybe you should try to improvise and make the design a little more unique.

Welcome TechDragon (cool name BTW!), it's good to see another kiltmaker about.

[Archangel]

Well, Hamish, you've restored my faith in you.

[ccga3359]

The kilts look good but perhaps a little samey to my eyes - I haven't looked at these contemporary kilts in great detail though - maybe you should try to improvise and make the design a little more unique.

I tend to agree that with the snaps and narrow apron I'm seeing utilikilt.

[The Wizard of BC]

Maam,

As you can see you will get more advice in just a few days than you ever expected.

Some will like what you have created and some will not.

All I ask is do not copy someone else. Do your homework. Create and produce a product that is totally yours.

If someone asks why you do something a certain way answer honestly. Explain your reasons for why you chose one style or feature over another.

Then be patient. Some will buy what you have created and some will not.

Hopefully you will be with us a long time and you will prosper.

And maybe you can teach some of us something new.

Good luck.

[mddock58]

As we know, we can all let our fingers run off and respond without reading the whole post, and we have seen many members here totally slam a kiltmaker or an aspiring kiltmaker more times than we care to remember.
Many of us probably had the same initial reaction to the alt.kilt site, but upon hearing from the kiltmaker, and her desire to improve the product, and her open ears to this rabble, we give her the courtesy of our collective wisdom (or at least our personal advice/preference).

Techdragon - your kilts look good, maybe not presented the best on your site, but you have clients and they keep buying from you, that's a great start. I as well encourage you to pick up "The Art of Kiltmaking" Co-Authored by Barb T. one our members here. It will help in more ways than any of the online kiltmaking instructions can. There is a great foundation of information on the hows and whys of kiltmaking that you can adapt to your own style.

[Perldog007]

Well Mr. Macdougall,

I have not worn or bought an Alt.Kilt, but I emailed some questions ( I almost always do before buying any garment from any etailer) and the response was timely and ALL questions were addressed. There is a tendency amongst some to just read the first inquiry and fire a response. This clears that email fast!

Quick is good, thorough is great. I am not sold on the lack of reversed first pleat and the skinny apron, but it might work with a fabric I have in mind........

[fluter]

from sultry South Carolina. I thought I had posted this Saturday, but I must have been distracted (it's easily done).

You know how to make a gal feel welcome!

We certainly try. We have few enough ladies as it is and one cannot have too many kiltmakers.