Barbs book

[bubba]

Well, I went and ordered Barbs book, The Art of Kiltmaking. Hopefully it will be here before too long. You guys jones over kilts, I jones over sewing supplies, books and patterns.

[mcnice]

u are my personal hero doing so and i mind about starting myself sewing my own kilt hopefully next summer when i have more time.
wish u lots of kilts created by ur hand blu

[Blu (Ontario)]

Barb is a pretty sharp girl so I imagine that her book is quite comprehensive. Right up your alley methinks, Bubba. Way over my head I'm afraid. I do appreciate the end result though.

[bubba]

I expect it'll get into much more detail than anything I have now. This might turn into a little side cash eventually, maybe not, but it's something I want to learn better.
mcnice, when you do try it make your first 1 or 2 out of inexpensive fabric so you won't have much tied up when you make mistakes. Remember, it's a learned skill and takes patience and effort to master. I'm sure you can do it. If I can anyone can.

[Rigged]

I have it. Great book!

[richardljohnson]

Bubba you will like it. I got mine a year ago and used it while I was active in making kilts. I put it away for a while but now it's by the bed again and I'm starting to use it as bedtime reading again. You know, for those sweet kilt dreams!

Richard-

[beerbecue]

My copy should arrive in the next couple of days, and my remnant of Hunting Stewart (poly/wool) from Kirkbright should follow a few days after that.

I can't wait to make a kilt! It will take some time (quite some time, actually), but my wife told me I needed a hobby.

I am also trying to convince a friend, who is an expert wood-worker, to fashion me a set of pipes, I need to find details/dimensions/plans to convince him further......

[GMan]

Bubba,

You will definetly love the book, it is a wealth of information on the whys and wherefores of kiltmaking, but also a wealth of information on kilting in general. And now that Barb posts here, it makes it even more special to have.

[mcnice]

that a good tip bubba. last week i saw a green tartan for around 9 USD similar to the irish national but in 100% viscose, i belive the pattern printed on it and i m sure i would get a lot of sewat wearing that, really not nice looking. thats my choice for beginning ;)

[Sciuropterus]

You will never look at a kilt the same after reading that book. I use it mostly as an appraisal guide when I deal with used handmade kilts.

One conclusion I drew from that book is that for most people, it is probably a false economy to make your own high-end wool kilt using traditional methods and workmanship, just do the math. That doesn't mean you should not attempt it (it can be vrey rewarding if it turns out good), just go into it knowing you will likely not save any money and consider it a learning experience.

I would say there is not much price difference between making it yourself and having a traditional kilt made to measure by someone who does it professionally. Buying the proper fabric and all the incidentals to make one kilt can add up quick, especially if you are paying retail! Not to mention the value of your time, which should not be ignored, especially if you have a family.

Plan on spending a lot of time with no guarantee the first one will turn out like you hoped. Or the second one. Factor in a LOT of "head-scratching" time while you study the book during the project. If you are really interested in kiltmaking, and plan to make a bunch of them, invest the time and go for it. Each one you make will be better. If you just want a kilt, start saving up and buy one from a professional kiltmaker and be done with it. I don't know ANYONE who has put on their new hand-tailored worsted wool kilt and said "Gee, I wish I had just made one myself instead of buying this".