Starting work on my first x-kilt

[sandor7]

I'm pretty stoked about the walk through I found here, as well as the insane amount of support and help that's available (I've been doing research :o).

I bought my fabric and random accessories today; set me back all of $25. I've opted to try this with buttons instead of velcro, but I think I still have time to ponder (the 4 yards of what I'm sure will prove to be too light a fabric are currently drying after the 'pre-anything' wash).

I did the math, I wrote up my own little cliff-notes, even drew a scale sketch in Fireworks, complete with notes and labels. I did notice that some of my measurements do not fall into the 'average' given in the walk through: I have a 33" inch waist and 38" (nowhere near the 8" average).

I'm sure I'll mess up a few things here and there, but since this is meant to only be a trial run, I can learn from my mistakes and the second will be that much better.

Thanks everyone for offering your experiences and insights as related to the x-kilt on this forum; I'm sure I'll have to turn to you guys again before this project is through

[vorpallemur]

Good luck. I just did one for myself. I'm plotting the second, with some changes.

[Alan H]

Go get 'em, mate!! Bes ure to post pics when you're done!

[sandor7]

Will do... marking the fabric as we speak... it keeps slipping all over the place, making it hard to keep everything square.

[Dave K]

Take your time and make notes on what you're doing. I just finished X-Kilt #2 and it's much, much easier (and nicer looking) than #1. It also took about half the time to build.

Good luck,
Dave

[sandor7]

I took measurements as instructed, I even added an inch to my rump measurement to give me some more breathing room, but its still ridiculously tight. I've pulled extra fabric to make the apron wider a couple of times (each time having to adjust some taper on the back pleats to keep the waist the same).

If its too unbearably tight, I'll just give it to my brother for his birthday, since he is more slender then I.

I'm currently at a standstill on account of I ran out of thread. And to think, all I have left is the waistband and a few buttons.

[twodog]

So you've had some time to complete it. Let's check it out. I just finished my first one and even though my measurements were spot on, mine was too loose I blame my soft belly and the denim I used. You can always let it out in the front apron pleat. It's your first it doesn't have to be perfect justgetting some experience for the next and better one.

[sydnie7]

Something I learned the hard way, especially when working with multiple layers of thick fabric: measure your waistband progress along the inside of the top! Measuring on the outside can result in, well, a measurable difference.

[Alan H]

You came into this with the right outlook....make one, see how it goes. The second one will be that much better. So finish up, get some more fabric, take a deep breath and wade into it!

[sandor7]

I have in fact finished my x-kilt. The biggest problems are that the lower right button is about a half inch too high, creating the wrinkle. Also, I need a much heavier fabric: although this one seemed fine when I bought it, it is far too light after two washes.

Please forgive the crappy picture; I haven't had a chance to get someone to take a real pic...