Kilt Kamp 2017 - who's up for it?

[Barb T]

Magnifique!

[The Wizard of BC]

I have made arrangements to borrow one sewing machine for the use of those students who wish to partially or fully machine stitch their kilts.
But as I am flying I cannot bring another steam press.

If anyone who wishes to attend the contemporary course, and is driving, could pack a sewing machine and/or a steam iron that would really help.
I will bring pressing cloths to protect the classroom tables.

You can of course hand stitch a contemporary kilt. What defines a contemporary kilt is not how it is stitched. For example I will be bringing two completely hand stitched contemporary kilts to class so people can look at them.

But some parts of a Contemporary are better sewn by machine. Machine stitching is stronger so conforms to the first criteria of a Contemporary kilt - Durability.

[derosa]

I'm interested if I can get the time away. Not much of a drive for me.

[Barb T]

I'll say! You're really close!

[Mike in Dayton]

Steve,

As I plan on taking your course this time I will bring my sewing machine. I will bring my Reliable steamer. It is the 1.1 Liter model. I will also have the steam pad you used the last time you were in NY. Since I am driving up I have room to bring those items.

Mike

[Steve Ashton]

Mike,

Would you pleas PM me with the instructions on how you made your pressing pad. It worked really great and protected Barb's tables really well.

[Michael A]

Mike,

Would you pleas PM me with the instructions on how you made your pressing pad. It worked really great and protected Barb's tables really well.

I'm in New South Wales, so the USA is a bit far for me, alas. But I would also be keen to know how to make such a steaming pad, as I was wondering how I was going to be able to lay out my plaid for pleating on an ironing board without it falling everywhere. Please please please?

[Steve Ashton]

Michael,

A pressing pad is made from materials from your local fabric store.

The top layer is called "Ironing board cover" It is a metallic type of fabric that resists heat yet allows steam to pass through.
Under that is a layer of "Ironing board padding". This is just like it sounds.

Both of these are available in in bulk from almost any fabric store. You can then custom make a table and cover it.

If you wish a portable pad or if the table under your pad could be damaged by steam Mike added a layer made from a "Space Blanket" as a vapor barrier. This is one of the very light metallic looking things often sold in emergency kits.
And finally on the very bottom layer he added some regular Poly/Cotton fabric.
This was all bound around the edges.

[Taskr]

Michael A,
I do not know of this pad they speak of, but I've been wondering the same thing. My intent is to put a coated cloth on the bottom to repel moisture - a picnic table cloth type item. Two or three layers of wool blanket - maybe a fleece layer and then a woolen layer; want a pad but not too mushy - and then a top cover of very good cotton. Heat/moisture down into the table top is a concern but I think (I think) two woolen layers over a moisture barrier should be able to absorb that, especially if the pad is large enough that repetition over any one area is limited. Would use a quilting stitch to keep everything aligned during use along with a good machine stitched edge. I might forgo the fabrication since I don't see travelling with it and simply place those layers on the kitchen table when its time for pressing.
Everything I need is currently in the linen cupboard, less the bottom cloth. If I looked around I'm sure there's something in the tablecloth collection. Oooooohhhh, including a table pad that goes under our holiday table cloth (don't want to be sewing that one up, though)

Or, what Steve said while I was typing that

[Steve Ashton]

Please be very careful about any plastic for a vapor barrier. Melting plastic is not fun and smells awful.