Thread, thread

[Tartan Hiker]

I know this isn't your question, but, if you're sewing a kilt by hand, you _don't_ want cotton-wrapped polyester (also called Dual Duty).

Oh, no! And I'm already at least 1,000 stitches into my new box-pleat!

I know....we'll call it a carefully controlled scientific test. When the thread comes apart, I'll let you all know.

Why didn't I buy the book???

[kfreeouf]

Oh, no! And I'm already at least 1,000 stitches into my new box-pleat!

I know....we'll call it a carefully controlled scientific test. When the thread comes apart, I'll let you all know.

Why didn't I buy the book???

In the interest of saving you the trauma of seeing one of your beautifully crafted kilts (I know you're a perfectionist) fall apart before your very eyes, I am willing to offer it safe haven and hospice care upon my hips. I'm literally volunteering to "carry your burden!"
Semper Fi,
Keith

[Alan H]

Well, you learn something new every day. You know why I went with the cotton-poly Dual-duty stuff?

.....'cause Frostline includes it with all their kits!.......or used to, anyway.

[SteveB]

I have been sewing since my school days many decades ago. Early polyester thread was very unreliable at first. Most of my sewing was shirts and trousers for school. My parents did buy the sport coat and tie, the rest was for me to sew. The uniform required a cotton shirt, for which I used cotton thread. my old Singer could handle it real well. The cloth for the trousers started out as cotton, but as the Cotton/polyester fabrics became available, I tried them with "dual duty" thread as the all polyester thread would not work consistently in my machine. The poly thread at the time was not able to hold a reasonable tolerance of diameter, and would bunch in the tensioner, or get stuck in the eye of the needle. Today's quality manufacturers of poly have improved the thread many times over. I too haul in the Gutterman's when it is on sale and save it for the special work, and use the Coats and Clark all poly for most of my general purpose sewing today. Barb may know this one, What did they use for thread in kilts in Scotland around 1958? That is where and when my first tank was made. The stitching is such that there is none visible anywhere on the kilt. There is only a hint of stitching on the lining. Still have no idea what the thread is, but it is still going strong today. The kilt has never needed any repairs. The kilt I am now trying to make following Barb's book and my first time with real wool tartan is being made with all poly Gutterman thread.

[kfreeouf]

Well, you learn something new every day. You know why I went with the cotton-poly Dual-duty stuff?

.....'cause Frostline includes it with all their kits!.......or used to, anyway.

I "cut my teeth" on several Frostline kits, including a nice mountain parka. There used to be a Frostline store in Denver (many years ago) that would have outlet-type deals on kits.

Is Frostline still around?

They provided a great niche of high quality materials kits before outdoor gear was so readily available at the highly discounted prices of today. The catch was, you had to sew it yourself or find someone to sew it for you. I think I re-did the zipper in my mountain parka about a dozen times before I was satisfied with it!
Thanks Alan, for a nostalgic memory!
Semper Fi,
Keith

[Alan H]

I "cut my teeth" on several Frostline kits, including a nice mountain parka. There used to be a Frostline store in Denver (many years ago) that would have outlet-type deals on kits.

Is Frostline still around?

Thanks Alan, for a nostalgic memory!
Semper Fi,
Keith

Frostline technically still exists but the company changed hands in 2000 and if you do the substantial amount of work needed to chase them down, according to this website:

http://www.oregonphotos.com/Frostline1.html

you'll get their last catalog, published in 2001. I think they're basically kaput, which is very much too bad.

[Moosedog]

Oh, I remember those little tubes of down...

Moosedog

[Barb T]

Oh, I remember those little tubes of down...

Moosedog

Me, too!

[Tartan Hiker]

In the interest of saving you the trauma of seeing one of your beautifully crafted kilts (I know you're a perfectionist) fall apart before your very eyes, I am willing to offer it safe haven and hospice care upon my hips. I'm literally volunteering to "carry your burden!"
Semper Fi,
Keith

Wow, what a generous offer. Let me finish attaching the waistband and I'll box it up for you.

[thescot]

Barb, you are always a wonder and a pleasure to have around here. Aside from the vast storehouse of knowledge you don't mind sharing.

As an almost rookie (I just got my first machine), I really appreciate your help.