Sweeping Pleats

[ronin6290]

A quick question for the Rabble: I was wondering how long it took folks to get used to 'sweeping pleats' when sitting? I understand the theory of sweeping with the right hand and pressing down the sporran with the other but I'm horrid at it. Any practical advice is welcome and wondering how long the learning curb was for others? My skill level at the sweep leaves me feeling like this

[brewerpaul]

You know you are there when you go to sit down in the dreaded pants and still habitually reach back to sweep.... As far as practice, time is your friend. Use a chair and practice, practice getting in and out of your car.... It will soon come natural and you will have to explain why you do it when you have jeans on..

[MacMillans son]

Practice, practice, practice

I use the two handed method, and let the sporran take care of the front. For reference, you never see a woman sit down while pushing down the front of her skirt, right? And there in lies part of the challenge for some men (me included), getting used to performing a motion that we have only seen women perform throughout our life.

Practice at home with different sitting arrangements, sitting on a sofa or other soft seated furniture, sitting on a dining room chair, sitting and sliding as if getting into a booth etc. The most challenging for me are bar stools, as they tend to put your exposure more in line with the eye level of those seated at tables near you.

Be cognizant of where you are 'pointing', and keep your legs reasonably close together. The trick is to be aware of what you are doing without letting the world know your are. For most of us (those not with a kilt wearing family history), the women in our lives best modeled the grace and poise possible when wearing skirt like garments. I've learned a lot by watching them (like how to handle the kilt in a strong wind)

After your practicing, relax, be confident, and enjoy!.

[ronin6290]

Thanks that is sound practical advice from both of you. You know I was doing better until I watched a video about the 'proper way to do it' Before that I was using the two hand method and doing much better. I guess to each their own. I found I could just press the sporran down after sitting if need be. Seems a bit more natural to me personally. As you stated using two hands is what I have observed women doing which for many of us is the only similar example we have seen. As you both stated so well practice takes care of a lot of it I imagine. New chairs and situations also. Perhaps a bit of a sense of humor helps also. Baring law suites and short prison terms of course. Ha! The adventure continues.

[Liam]

You know you are there when you go to sit down in the dreaded pants and still habitually reach back to sweep.... As far as practice, time is your friend. Use a chair and practice, practice getting in and out of your car.... It will soon come natural and you will have to explain why you do it when you have jeans on..

Great response... I find myself sweeping my pants occasionally!

[mookien]

Yes, it does feel awkward at first, but it won't take long before you're not even thinking about it. I use both hands and pay no mind to the sporran.

It's a bit more difficult if you are entering a higher-clearance vehicle with a step bumper, eg truck. I first stand with both feet on the step. Then I put my right leg onto the floor board, while supporting my upper body by with my right hand on the steering wheel. Without lowering myself onto the seat (and thus messing up the pleats), I put my left leg onto the floor board. This leaves me with both legs holding my nether regions above the seat and my back supported by the seat back. I can then use both hands to sweep the pleats while I lower myself onto the seat.

It's a lot harder to write about than it is to actually do. It just sort of comes naturally if you keep in mind that you do not want your pleats to touch the seat until you are in (an almost standing) position to sweep before you lower yourself onto the seat.

One additional advantage of this technique is that when you do it in public, you often draw both a crowd and applause. Just smile, but don't try to bow.

[andycwb]

I thought I'd replied to this but it doesn't seem to be there. I'd echo the practice, and, if you are new to the kilt, wearing it at home and getting used to it will pay dividends when you go out in public.

I did exactly that with the hire kilt I wore last year to get used to sitting and sweeping, and, as a "special occasion" kilt wearer, will do the same before going out again.

The first time out, I did my research, got all dressed up (Royal Stewart Kilt, Prince Charlie, Gillie Brogues... the whole nine yards, both literally and figuratively). I confess to a very deep breath as the lift doors opened, and then walked along Gloucester Road in London almost disappointed at the lack of reaction. But the event - a black tie company Christmas party at the Science Museum in London - made up for it and I decided I'm never going to a black tie event in trousers ever again. But a couple of evenings wearing the kilt and getting used to it paid dividends in my confidence out in public, so yes: practice, practice, practice!

[McElmurry]

Great advice above. The only thing I'll add is I wear my sporran lower if I am going to be sitting a lot and higher if I am going to be walking a lot.

[ronin6290]

Thanks I've been dreading trying to get into the 4-wheel drive and now I'm really dreading it. Ha! Great description! After reading that I'm going to give it a try this week. It's only fair. Perhaps in the dark, on a moonless evening.. somehow I see myself ending up on the ground looking up at stars and wondering how I arrived there. *note to self* Do not park over mud-puddle. All great advice. Wearing the sporran lower for setting and higher while walking sounds like a good habit to get into.

Yes, it does feel awkward at first, but it won't take long before you're not even thinking about it. I use both hands and pay no mind to the sporran.

It's a bit more difficult if you are entering a higher-clearance vehicle with a step bumper, eg truck. I first stand with both feet on the step. Then I put my right leg onto the floor board, while supporting my upper body by with my right hand on the steering wheel. Without lowering myself onto the seat (and thus messing up the pleats), I put my left leg onto the floor board. This leaves me with both legs holding my nether regions above the seat and my back supported by the seat back. I can then use both hands to sweep the pleats while I lower myself onto the seat.

It's a lot harder to write about than it is to actually do. It just sort of comes naturally if you keep in mind that you do not want your pleats to touch the seat until you are in (an almost standing) position to sweep before you lower yourself onto the seat.

One additional advantage of this technique is that when you do it in public, you often draw both a crowd and applause. Just smile, but don't try to bow.

[mookien]

Thanks I've been dreading trying to get into the 4-wheel drive and now I'm really dreading it. Ha! Great description! After reading that I'm going to give it a try this week. It's only fair. Perhaps in the dark, on a moonless evening.. somehow I see myself ending up on the ground looking up at stars and wondering how I arrived there. *note to self* Do not park over mud-puddle. All great advice. Wearing the sporran lower for setting and higher while walking sounds like a good habit to get into.

Don't dread it. Embrace it. You'll have a great time learning and it won't take all that much time.

I practiced a bit, ie a couple of times, in my garage. The worst that will happen is you'll plop down on your pleats before you intend to. They're pretty resilient. It won't hurt them. Just boost yourself up with your legs and sweep again. The only thing to worry about is getting your tartan caught in the seat belt clasp, so be careful about that. Good luck and have fun! That's what it's all about anyway.