Looking for first kilt and I have questions

[chasem]

Okay, Jimmy. You've got me curious now. I've got Barb's book, and a little over 6 yards of MacLachlan material coming to me. Before I Start on that, though, I've ordered 4 yards of stewart hunting to try my hand at first.

I was planning on doing a casual/traditional (wider pleats, being as it's less material) with the Stewart (pleated ot the stripe), but I'm a little unsure now, reading what you've wrote.

I guess my question is, will following Barb's book for traditional instructions still work, as long as I widen the pleats, but keep them uniform?

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I was planning on doing a casual/traditional (wider pleats, being as it's less material) with the Stewart (pleated ot the stripe), but I'm a little unsure now, reading what you've wrote.

I guess my question is, will following Barb's book for traditional instructions still work, as long as I widen the pleats, but keep them uniform?

The repeat/pattern will answer that better than I can. It will also determine whether you can pleat it to the stripe or sett. ALWAYS remember that you need to allow for the under-apron when you're doing the math. Too many people forget that material when they're adding-up the available amount.

Whether you're making a "casual" or a "traditional" kilt, Barb's sewing techniques are the best to use... and are what's taught when you learn from the "Master Kilt Makers". I had to open my mind to the new hand-sewing techniques that they taught me, and they do it because it works BEST.

Use her sewing techniques to make a truly beautiful and quality kilt. Use YOUR calculations for the pleat depth and width to get the best use of the available material. Combine the two and you just can't go wrong!

For what it's worth... I actually LIKE the look of a handsewn casual. The hidden stitching and the drape are exceptional on a casual, and are rare to see. Do the math carefully so that you have a beautiful kilt!

" Measure Twice... Sew Once."

[KMacT]

Use her sewing techniques to make a truly beautiful and quality kilt. Use YOUR calculations for the pleat depth and width to get the best use of the available material. Combine the two and you just can't go wrong!

I've created a simple spreadsheet that helps do the calculations for pleating to the stripe and takes into consideration the size of the sett, the size of the waist and the number of yards of material. Very helpful to me and great for comparison purposes. Anyone who wants it should send me an email (not a PM, only an email - see below for my address).

Kevin

[chasem]

wonderful, thanks Jimmy

[yoippari]

So basicly I'm not going to be able to find a pattern but rather instructions.

I just ordered Barb's book, but I need something to show my grandma sometime this week, probably before the book arrives. How similar is this page compared to the book?
http://users.telenet.be/jbruyndonckx/kilt_making1.html
Or this one?
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/chegc/kiltsite/page2.htm

And I will shoot you an e-mail for that spreadsheet when I get back to my own computer.

[bubba]

Those websites are fairly good. I used them to make my first kilt. They'll give your grandma a real good idea of kiltmaking. Barbs book takes it to a whole new level and is even better to work from.