Quote Originally Posted by Chef View Post
... I can barely sew on a button so the the likelihood that I can actually make a kilt is remote at best but I am interested in learning about the process even if I'm not likely to make something I would be willing to wear.
I hadn't picked up a needle in more than thirty years when I took Elsie Stuehmeyer's kilt making workshop earlier this month. Elsie is the the other author of Barb T's book. I had to learn everything. Everything.

I bought some of the remnant x-marks tartan from Fraser & Kirkbright so it wouldn't cost me a lot in the (likely) event that my first kilt turned out to be completely unwearable. I recognized early in the workshop that I was going to have to sacrifice quality and accuracy in this kilt just to keep up and get it finished or most of the way there by the end of the week. And I wanted to keep up with the class because there was so much to learn.

Still, despite pleating that totally sucks, the kilt fits quite well and is wearable. It just isn't as pretty as it should be - no where near pretty actually.

So, things to do before and at kilt kamp:

1. Read Barb's & Elsie's book.
2. Read it again.
3. Practice the stitches on good sturdy cloth - I was surprised at how tough and inflexible my tartan was
4. Find a seat by a window so you have good light - I was in the center of the room and on cloudy days it was a bit gloomy. This is even more important if you are sewing a dark tartan.
5. If the skin on your fingers gets sore from gripping and pushing the needle, paint the area with New Skin it helps protect against abrasion.
6. ????
7. Profit!