Barb's posse

[Uncle Ricky]

Actually, b&w photos are much _easier_ to put into a manuscript than taking the time to draw, scan, and label a line drawing. Particularly if you start with a digital photo. And the publishing isn't any different because it's all done digitally. But Bubba is right, a line drawing is easier to work from than a photo (if the drawing is good, that is!). Too much extraneous detail in a photo - the reader doesn't really know what to look at and focus on.

Barb

Photoshop can turn a photo into a line drawing. It's a relatively simple matter to delete any extraneous detail.

Cheers

[Barb T]

I've worked extensively with PhotoShop, and, yes, a computer can take a photo and turn it into a line drawing, but it isn't smart or selective about which lines to draw. So, it takes _a lot_ of manipulating of the PhotoShop file to get a line drawing that would be as simple and effective as what you'd do if you started with a hand drawn sketch. Just as an example, if you're working with tartan, PhotoShop would draw lines for many of the tartan lines, and you'd have to get rid of those because the drawing would be too busy.

Cheers!

Barb

[Uncle Ricky]

I've worked extensively with PhotoShop, and, yes, a computer can take a photo and turn it into a line drawing, but it isn't smart or selective about which lines to draw. So, it takes _a lot_ of manipulating of the PhotoShop file to get a line drawing that would be as simple and effective as what you'd do if you started with a hand drawn sketch. Just as an example, if you're working with tartan, PhotoShop would draw lines for many of the tartan lines, and you'd have to get rid of those because the drawing would be too busy.

Cheers!

Barb

I totally agree. The real way to go is to draw the illustration if you can. Not being an artist, I try to think of other ways to get the job done. I have used the photoshop method with some success, so I figured I would pass it along. It's the "More than one way to skin a cat" philosophy. (Apologies to cat lovers)

Cheers Mate

[beerbecue]

Went to the local Hancock Fabric's today, they had Tailor's Pride for 4.59 a yard, and 50% percent off...

Got six yards for $14 after taxes...

May be a similar deal at other ones.

[kiltie as charged]

I had some difficulties with some of the drawings my self. I wonder if you use b&w photos using a light coloured material and black thread.
Or perhaps breaking the steps down a little bit further.

No Uncle Ricky I did not give up sleeping I just have a hard time putting down a project that I enjoy doing. Since my surgery I don't get much sleep at all.

Barb, I was wondering if in the revised edition, if you could include a section on box pleating? I like the looks of it and would like to try one myself.

As far as photos go I am not digital as of yet but as soon as i can I will get some photos done and get them posted.

[Phil Wright]

Congrat's there Kiltie. I too shall look forward to the pics.
In support of the previous comments, it took a while for me to get the idea of the sitting position from the diagrams. I have to say that I am 6 ' 4" and gangly, so I didn't have a problem with the pose.....just extra backache!
I've got a clear week or two of evenings ahead so plan to make a start this weekend.It's reassuring to hear comments and tips. My first attempt without the book, which I felt quite pleased with, is now resigned to 'slob about' wear at home. Sure am looking forward to doing the proper one. Can you do 'jonesing' for kilt making
Phil

[Colin]

The real downside of reading Barb's book (initial read throught) is that I have gone back and looked at the kilts I already own. One of them will now be ripped apart and fixed.

I noticed that the waistband tartan does not line up with the tartan on the front apron, the straps holding down the buckles do not blend with the tartan at that stages and now look "off" to me, and the pleating and the front apron need some reworking. It was a more traditional style than my Bear kilts, but will soon be made into a real traditional style. This will be one of my dry runs before I attempt my wool kilt. Barb's book is very informative, but highlighted faults that never stood out to me before.

Kudos to you Bear, other than one belt loop, I could not find fault in the work that you had done on my 3 kilts from your company.

[Barb T]

Hi guys

Good idea about the section on box pleating. I've never made a box-pleated kilt, but I'm going to ask Matt Newsome if he might like to be a co-author and help me put together a chapter on box pleating a kilt. Great idea!

I can't wait to have a section about "Barb's Posse" in the acknowledgements of the 2nd edition!

Barb

[beerbecue]

I was looking at my first kilt last night (pics are still in my gallery), and I noticed, really noticed, that the apron doesn't lie nice and flat, instead it curves around.

Now, is this because it is not 100% wool? (55 poly, 45 wool), or because I don't have a ham for the pressing part?

Is it possible to use interfacing to stiffen it up, or does it need to be pressed differently?

I know poly/wool isn't traditional, but does the fabric have to be treated differently. And if so, is this sort of topic appropriate for the book??

[bubba]

Barb, I think you could delete Chef's from the suppliers list. They really don't have anything more than a couple irons and a steamer.