[QUOTE=Riverkilt;250992]"I'm realizing I asked a two pronged question. My original intent was to find out how people learned to sew traditional kilts. That's sort of evolved into how individual kiltmakers learned their craft."

Hey to all from Savannah, GA. I'm a longtime kiltmaker, first time poster.

I've been making kilts in various forms for ten years or more. I started because I wanted a kilt and didn't want to pay retail. I had learned to sew as a young lad -- my mother thought I wouldn't find a wife -- so now I sew and she doesn't.

I tackled my first traditional kilt several years ago after purchasing the now famous book by Barbara Tewksbury and Elsie Stuehmeyer. After about 40 hours of head scratching and stitch pulling I was able to make a pretty darn good kilt.

Since then I've made hundreds of kilts that have been worn by diaspora Scots, Irish Emerald Society members and even a chap in the Washington DC Ballet. If I recall correctly there are a couple of Germans and a Dane in the group as well.

It has been fun and a bit of hard work.

My suggestion for those who want to learn:

If you know how to sew, buy the book. It's a great course in itself. Learn to do it Elsie's way, then modify to your own method.

If you've never sewn, find someone to apprentice under or take the Keith course. It will be worth the time.

When you do start making kilts, be particular. Non-kilt wearers will not see much of a difference between great and just okay. Those who wear kilts regularly will spot a crappy kilt in an instant.

The most important thing about making kilts -- have fun doing it.

J Byous
Savannah