Public debut this weekend

**way2fractious** · 13th April 07, 05:32 PM

A while back I made a kilt for a friend, taking a really fine belt in trade. The kilt was constructed from a non-worsted plaid with a fairly small asymmetric sett and pleated to the stripe. But which stripe? Here were the choices - muted gold, muted red, both gold and red, or black (neither stripe):

The muted gold, an earth tone, was chosen because the kilt is the foundation for a costume depicting an early-1800's character on the American frontier. The pleats were bulky enough, but because the fabric was fairly lightweight, I double-layered the apron. So, here's Big John during the final fitting:

Pictured below, he is dressed as he will be this weekend. (Hey, I only made the kilt - I didn't dress him up!) He is supposed to represent a not-so-well-off Scottish immigrant making his living as best he can in a new land. (See! A costume showing a kilt as everyday wear.) The retrofitted leather vest with the watch fob chain is nice. What can one say about the top hat? The light colored plainsman moccasins don't provide the color balance that the dark hose provided at the fitting. (Remember, he's new to all this. Neither is he on XMarksTheScot... yet.)

I'm pretty sure he has that "butterflies in the stomach" feeling that comes when one ventures into public for the very first time wearing a kilt. Perhaps there will be a few pictures in a couple days.

Here's to having fun while kilted!

**auld argonian** · 13th April 07, 05:39 PM

That is phenomenal...congratulations on a really nice job.

And tell your buddy that wearing the kilt out the first time is like skydiving...anxiety and apprehension followed by exhilaration, giddiness and, finally, smugness.

Best

AA

**Arlen** · 14th April 07, 02:36 AM

That's a really great job you done. Hopefully it won't be too long before he's asking for another.

**Panache** · 14th April 07, 08:11 AM

w2f,

Another kilt success! You do wonderful work my friend.

Cheers

Jamie

**Mumbles** · 14th April 07, 09:03 AM

Great looking kilt! fantastic work! Keep us posted, Id be interested in hearing his first experience. The first time is always a bit exhilarating, but then you get a bit more used to the idea

**Alan H** · 14th April 07, 12:59 PM

OK,the top hat combined with the Plains moccasins....Oyyy... but barring that, it's a good looking kilt and you've done a good job, once again.

**Pleater** · 15th April 07, 12:01 PM

I think the earth tone in the kilt is just enough to go with the moccasins - and I love the top hat - he looks like quite a character - I hope that if I ever start to make kilts for other people I get commissions like that one.