Hmm... interesting suggestion...

[BLAZN]

Keep up the good work. Perhaps, soon you can make them full time! GOOD LUCK!

I won't be making kilts full time any time soon... I still have 11 years left in the Navy.

[Robin]

Good quality...a fair price...and you're in business.

[BLAZN]

Good quality...a fair price...and you're in business.

I hope to turn out both. I'll be making my kilts using a machine, so I won't need to "pay myself" as much due to less time spent. My camo "psuedo-trad" took me about 10 hours to make. The other kilt, seen in the very first post to this thread, was made in about 14 hours... the pleating was a bigger job thanks to actually watching the pattern.
I'm really hoping Barb's book can improve on my kilts. I understand that her book is written for a more hand worked kilt, but I'm certain my wife can help me translate hand worked stitches over to the machine.

One thing I am planning to do is a hidden back pocket, very similar to what Union Kilts has done. I don't intend to have flaps though. I was also thinking of a built in sporran. Not entirely sure how that would go over, though.

The thing is... I'm not really sure what I could do to my kilts that would set them apart from any others... outside of making them to a high quality standard.

[davedove]

I won't be making kilts full time any time soon... I still have 11 years left in the Navy.

Sounds like you're in for the long haul. Sorry I don't know the equivalent Navy term, but the Army word is "Hooah!!" You've got my admiration and respect, and as a DoD civilian, I've got your back.

[Paco500]

As you've said you're not looking, at this time, to make it a full-time occupation, go for it. As long as you are enjoying it and not losing money, it's a great way to spend your time. If you look at it as a hobby that brings yourself as well as others a good deal of pleasure (and has the potential to make a little income on the side) how can you go wrong.

The only thing I would caution is that you don't let it overwhelm you. Start out very slow, under-promise and over-deliver, both on the time it will take and the quality of the product. If you take on too much you run the risk of raising your own resentment in the venture and disappointment in your customers.

[BLAZN]

As you've said you're not looking, at this time, to make it a full-time occupation, go for it. As long as you are enjoying it and not losing money, it's a great way to spend your time. If you look at it as a hobby that brings yourself as well as others a good deal of pleasure (and has the potential to make a little income on the side) how can you go wrong.

I actually do rather enjoy making kilts. I also rather enjoy when someone wishes me to make something for them, especially in return for money.
Doing things for others is a big part of who I am. I have lost count how many brake jobs, tune ups, and oil changes I have done for people with only a 6 pack of Smirnoff Triple Black being my "payment." And never have I had an unhappy "customer."

The only thing I would caution is that you don't let it overwhelm you. Start out very slow, under-promise and over-deliver, both on the time it will take and the quality of the product. If you take on too much you run the risk of raising your own resentment in the venture and disappointment in your customers.

If there's one thing I have learned in my 12 years in the Navy, it's to ALWAYS overestimate time and to always deliver quality. That way, when a job I say will take 3 hours actually takes three hours, I'm fine. When the job takes 1 hour... I'm a stud!

[davedove]

If there's one thing I have learned in my 12 years in the Navy, it's to ALWAYS overestimate time and to always deliver quality. That way, when a job I say will take 3 hours actually takes three hours, I'm fine. When the job takes 1 hour... I'm a stud!

Ah, the Montgomery Scott (Star Trek) method of work estimates!

[Alan H]

I've crunched the basic numbers on my calculator about three-four times, Knowing what I need to make to make a living herein the San Francisco Bay Area....

No Way. It's next to impossible, unless you find a very dedicated niche market that will pay top dollar for whatever-it-is. As a part-time busines/hobby for friends and acquaintances, sounds like a great thing, though.

[way2fractious]

I actually do rather enjoy making kilts...

You have another thread on beginning to handmake a kilt. We will all be waiting to hear whether your enthusiasm waxes or wanes during the process. Maybe we could set up a betting pool on how long it takes and if you will ever do it again.

[mbhandy]

You have another thread on beginning to handmake a kilt. We will all be waiting to hear whether your enthusiasm waxes or wanes during the process. Maybe we could set up a betting pool on how long it takes and if you will ever do it again.

BLAZN... Go with how you feel!!!

MrBill