Hi folks,
I admit I've not participated much in the forum, but have learned a lot and had a great time reading comments and suggestions from many of you on different topics. What a great group of people!

Anyhow, I started making kilts later last fall, beginning with Barb and Elsie's phenomenal book and Matthew and Barb's box-pleated supplement. No sewing skills to begin with, so it's been a tough uphill road for me. My first couple of totally hand-sewn attempts seemed to impress other folks but I thought they were dismal, so you're not going to see those. I have gotten better at it, namely because my students have been willing guinea pigs for getting box-pleated kilts. I worked out a pattern for a casual 5-yard kilt later, and I've graduated to doing some 8-yarders as well. Still got lots of details I'm trying to work out for myself to improve the appearance; but for the most part I've been able to tailor every kilt (since the first 2) to fit right. NOTE: purists, don't read; I've given up on doing totally hand-sewn kilts and finally adapted patterns for all three styles to use machine sewing, mostly in areas that don't get seen on the outside. The rest is hand sewn (lots of basting, geez!) So, for what they're worth, here are three of the kilts I've made for myself most recently, box-pleated, 5-yard casual, and 8-yard formal. Finished 9 in total so far, working on 3 more at the moment.

Blah blah blah! It's a thoroughly engrossing hobby, man! I'm enjoying the heck out of it. Hope to have enough kilts by next summer (got 5 now, 4 I made) to go mostly pants-less at work and around town!

My recent box-pleated, in Argyll District (aka Campbell of Cawdor) Modern from House of Edgar


Here's the first 8-yarder I attempted, in Isle of Skye from Marton Mills; front view


Isle of Skye kilt; back view


Finally, one of the casual 5-yarders I worked out, in Spirit of Scotland from Marton Mills; front view (my head got in the way so I chopped it off )


Spirit of Scotland kilt; back view


As I said, I've got lots to work out in the details to improve on them. Thanks to incredibly patient people, I'm making baby steps in progress. Having fun with it, though!
Happy kilting folks, and Happy New Year