Random weight loss yammering about kilts.

[Alan H]

A couple of weeks ago, after returning from a backpacking trip where I had significant trouble on the hills, I started a serious...if simple....weight loss program. The first week, the scale reported shocking good drops in weight. I've hit the inevitable weight plateau and seem stuck between 293 and 294. I started at 300. I've been there all week. Ah, well, this is a long race, not a sprint. I'm not quitting.

On the upside, the X-Kilt that I made for myself probably 7 years ago, that I can "get into" but which really doesn't fit any more.....is almost back to the correct size. I've definitely lost girth from my "spare tire" even if the scale is stuck. In another 5-6-7 pounds, I'll truly fit into the thing again. The Lindsay, modern 6 yard machine-sewn kilt that I made about 5 years ago is looking better, too. I can see progress in getting into "Moms Kilt"..the Gray Stewart kilt I made five-six years ago.

I have to decide whether I'm going to take in my Gold Brothers Scottish National kilt, by changing the over-apron width. The thing was made by completely ignoring the notion that there should be a prominent center stripe on the over apron. If I unstitch the waistband and rip out the blind stitching on the folded-over edge on the right hand edge of the over-apron, I can take in about 2 1/2 inches. That would even out the tartan pattern such that it would be symmetrical on the over-apron. The kilt would be 2 to 2.5 inches smaller, which at this point would be a little bit small but not bad. Since I'm just going to get smaller, maybe I should do it.

However, at the same time, I'm also considering just giving the thing to the Scottish Heavy Athletics group as a "rental" for new athletes. Sometimes we get guys out who decide that they'll try out the events and are willing to pony up the $$ and sign the waiver but don't have a kilt. This could cover that need for one "Big Guy" at least. If I give it away, I'll be down to 8 kilts, with the Wildcat Tartan as my last kilt, still to be made. At one point I had 13. Eight is plenty... more than enough.