First X-kilt experiment

[Rygar]

Okay, instead of spending and ruining $30 + of material trying to make an X-Kilt, I decided to make one for my son first. Seeing how I have never used a sewing machine in my life, I was a bit scared to jump right in to making one for myself. After this valuable learning experience, I see that I was right to do so.

In retrospect, I should have gotten a yard and a half of material, but this one was already in a one yard piece, and truthfully, I didn’t think it would take more than that. (did I mention I am terrible at math?!) There was a shortage of material for the under-apron, and it opens up in the front when he squats or something…but he doesn’t seem to mind too much.

All together, the material, supplies, and the mini-sewing machine from Wall-Mart cost about $25. Not only did I learn how the X-kilt is *supposed* to be constructed properly, I also learned how a sewing machine works, and that I need a better one than the $13 walmart mini-special! LOL To go along with the machine workings, I finally figured out how to put thread on the bobbin, (after I was done with the kilt of course.) so it has white thread in the kilt instead of black. I also see some areas that I need to work on construction-wise that I didn’t get quite right. ( especially around the fell area. Really don’t like how that part turned out.)

As a matter of fact, the whole thing is really rough. REALLY rough, but like I said, It was a TOTAL learning experience and my almost 5 yr. old son doesn’t mind at all. He now has a kilt to wear like Dad for our *buddy nights* while his Mom is in school, and he is totally stoked!

So, pictures. I kept with the expectations of posting pics and got a front, back, and an attempt at a Hamish pose in respect to the living kilt legend himself. (Hope you approve Hamish. )







I plan to remake my sons kilt, as well as one for myself in the same Realtree cammo material when my budget allows for me to buy more material.

All in all, this was a lot of fun and very educational. The best part though, was the excitement of my son as we made it. It was contagious and I kept having to force myself to slow down.

[Riverkilt]

The Ham pose cracks me up.

Ham, you're immortal now!

Generations from now folks will be doing the Ham pose with their kilts and hearing of your ledgendary fame.

Ron

[LoftGuy]

Hi,

Great job on the kilt; the Ham pose is priceless.

Bob

[David Dalglish]

I agree, worth the picture for the pose alone. your sons looks good in this kilt

[Alan H]

OK, so it isn't PERFECT. But obviously he seriously kigs his kilt, so don't stress over it!

I will say that while you don't need a $600 sewing machine to make an x-kilt, you do need a REAL sewing machine. It helps if it does both zig-zag and straight stitch. There are used ones for under $100 on ebay. Look at it this way.

$100 for the machine
$30 for the materials

total $130..........which is what your basic Utilikilt will cost you. So you'll have a nice kilt. You'll have learned something AND you'll have a new tool in the house for the price of a Utilikilt.. Not bad.

SUGGESTION: if you honestly have never used a sewing machine before and have NO clue, find a friend that knows how to sew and talk them into sitting down with you for an hour. Learn how to thread the needle and wind a bobbin. Learn how to change needles when you break one. Learn about thread/bobbin tension. Practice on some spare material. That hour or two will more tha pay off, down the road.

[cloves]

Rygar,
dude, you made the attempt and that counts for something! There are alot of us who simply don't have the guts or ambition to tackle the project, so give yourself a pat on the back for that.

As for the kilt itself, doesn't look bad at all from what I can tell from the pics. Your son certainly looks like he loves it! He did good with the scrunched socks and boots too. Tell him he looks great.

[morrison]

Bravo, bravo, Rygar; A fine garment you've stitched up for your young clothes horse! The larger kilts for yourself I'll bet will be superb. I think the "Ham" pic will likely go far up to legendary heights as the one that got it all started when the "Hall of Fame" pics library of "Ham" pics opens. Yes, yes, yes! ! !

[mkmound]

I concur with the others -- good job! You tackled a number of unknowns, and came through to the other side in good shape. (You now know much more than me about how to use a sewing machine, so my hat's off to you!! Someday . . . )

Cute pics of your son. Thanks for sharing them. The pic of the Hamish pose is priceless!

[Hamish]

What can I say, Rygar?!

First of all: tell your boy that his 'Hamish' is the best yet - and that is from one who knows!

Second: you are a braver man than I. For one who has had a perfectly good (and expensive, as I recall) sewing machine for years but who has NEVER mastered the business of 'tension' - let alone any other aspects of using it - I commend you. To my mind, the machining is probably the easy part. It's the planning and calculating in kiltmaking that is way beyond me! I have ambition and drive in abundance, but no methodical brain!!! Congratulations, and here's to the next one.

[Rygar]

Thanks for the compliments and advice! It is really encouraging to read all of those. Collin is tickled to see his pictures on here and all the replies.

I definately plan on purchasing a used sewing machine..or learn how to use the antique one of my great grandmas. (a foot pedal driven Domestic brand made in the middle 1800's. Still with all the attachements and slowly disintigrating instruction booklet!!!) But I fear that will be a little while in the future with all the holiday expences coming up piled on top of the everyday bills.

I promised to purchase him a kilt in the USA tartan, (he's been talking about it for weeks after seeing the tartan swatch online) and I plan on moving up in my kilt quality by getting a SWK standard next. Small steps. (so many kilts, kilt types and kilt makers....so little $)

Thanks again for the replies and compliments guys! You have really made my sons day!