P/V vs Wool for Kiltmaking?

[flyingpiper]

After having cruised the forums for the last 2 hours, I couldn't find the answer.... If it has been previously posted, my apologies.

I am considering making up a kilt before Kilt Kamp 2016, as a skill-building practice exercise. I have already blown the budget on my 16oz wool for my trad tank for the actual Kamp, so am considering making a P/V kilt for practice.

What sort of differences can one expect in working with P/V vs Wool? (True Marton Mills P/V)

Does the P/V fabric make up in the same manner as wool?

Are there special considerations needed, like when pressing the pleats?

Are there any other significant considerations when making a P/V kilt as per TAoK?

- Cheers and Thanks in Advance!

[The Wizard of BC]

Well,as you are using TAoK as your text, I guess if you wanted to get technical and picky about it - As soon as you move into P/V you are no longer making a Traditional kilt.

P/V is a great material. Almost a miracle fabric. Real Tartans in a light but acceptable weight, that is stain and wrinkle resistant and machine washable and dryable.

When making a kilt with P/V, if you get the temperature setting on you iron just right, the creases in your pleats are permanent. You may never have to plug in your iron again.

But it is not wool. It will not feel like wool and it does not sew like wool. Most people who work with P/V prefer to machine sew the kilts. I mean at right about 1/3 the cost of wool, the overall cost of the finished product is one of the advantages of P/V. The added labor expense for hand-stitching sort of defeats the whole idea.

But your question - is would P/V make a good alternative to wool for a practice kilt?

And my response to you is "What is a practice kilt?" If you are going to go through all the work to sew a kilt why not have something you can be proud to wear when you are done? If you want to work on and practice your techniques before Kamp, come on down and pick out some fabric from my scrap bin and stitch away. We can work on all the techniques and concepts that you will learn from Barb. Then when Kamp starts you will be miles ahead of someone walking in cold.

Some Kampers are in their third and fourth Kamp. They are not continuing to attend so much to learn to make a kilt but to continue to refine and improve their kiltmaking skills. Some have made half a dozen kilts and still attend just to learn more from Barb. (and partly because my wife brings home baked cinnamon buns for breakfast)
No one learns it all and makes a perfect kilt the first Kamp. Well, except Barb of course, there is something uncanny about that lady.

So, my answer to your question is no, P/V is not a good substitute for wool to practice on for kilt kamp. The techniques will be different and the material is different.
If you want to make a P/V kilt I can help you there. But do so because you want a P/V kilt not because it is cheaper. You will be making a wool kilt at kamp. Practice your technique for kamp on wool.

[flyingpiper]

Thanks for clarifying this for me. I wasn't sure with P/V being a woven fabric if it would substitute or not. You've cleared that up. I may still make a P/V kilt for everyday wear... I'm practicing on some wool tartan scraps for now, and will continue to practice the stitching leading up to Kilt Kamp... I'll be sure to visit again sometime, and possibly discuss the differences in construction.

Thanks!

[KyleAisteach]

I hope y'all don't mind if I piggyback on this as someone who is planning to attempt a P/V kilt out of the Marton Mills fabric.

Does anyone have a good source for kilt straps/buckles that are machine washable? It makes very little sense to me to build a kilt out of a washable fabric only to make it not machine washable because of the straps.

Thanks!