Thanks so much for the suggestions and comments.
JimB, thanks about the lining. Chattancat, thanks for alerting me that this fabric probably wouldn't hold a crease. Rex, thanks for your idea of using frogs. They would be absolutely beautiful and elegant. I like your other ideas, too. Tyger132, thanks for your comments on the frogs. Arlen, thanks for your good advice on sewing the pleat edges all the way down. Jamie, thanks for your idea about an inner kilt. I can't do that for this project because the swing and sway of the pleats is extremely important for highland dancing. Monkeyarms, thanks for your good suggestions. Actually, I was quite puzzled which category would be best for this thread. I thought the kiltmaker one really focused on traditional woolen tartan kilts, so not appropriate. I almost put it in the DYI, but then thought the Contemporary might get responses from people who use unusual fabrics. Is it ok to put this same thread in the DYI ? XMTS is such a wonderful forum and I love checking it out every day (although I'm still timid about posting).
Thanks so much.
...bonnie heather