A year and a half in the making, a project comes to a conclusion...

[Rex_Tremende]

I think that after I-don't-know-how-many kilts, I have finally mastered the art of removing the basting stitches. In the past, I have resorted to snipping them, which I know is dangerous, but I did it with utmost care. But besides being dangerous, it's tedious removing all those shards of floss.

Here, now, is how it should be done (I now believe):

First, you need a tool that is not sharp and will not puncture your tartan. A big knitting needle might work, but I don't knit, and I don't have one of those.

I do have a meat thermometer...

...with a rounded tip and coated in Teflon.

Locate the tacks on one end of the basting stitches.

Work out the tack.

Then pull the stitches out one by one. I have to say, the non-stick coating was like lubricant, and it went SO FAST!

When you get to the end with the knot, just pull it out.

See, my problem was that I always tried to get the knot out and worked from the wrong end.

This took no time at all. Well, just a few minutes - but SO easy!

So, here's the pleat shot - not on me just yet - you might have to wait for that some more.

This is my first kilt ever pleated to the stripe. I designed the tartan with goal in mind - hoping that I would avoid the dreaded lawn chair effect. What do you think: did I succeed, or is it too stripey? I expect that it will flash dark checks when it moves.

One thing you might observe about this kilt in the above photo is that it won't lay flat - and that's one of the amazing things about Barb's skill - she makes a kilt designed and engineered to fit a body, which, if you haven't noticed, isn't flat.

[Zardoz]

That's a thing of beauty Rex!

[xman]

This is my first kilt ever pleated to the stripe. I designed the tartan with goal in mind - hoping that I would avoid the dreaded lawn chair effect. What do you think: did I succeed, or is it too stripey?

Very successful result IMO. I would love more information on the design.

[artificer]

If a great hank of woven wool can be sexy, this one IS.

What a beautiful tartan, Rex. You said you designed it to be pleated to the stripe (presumably avoiding the dreaded 'lawn chair' effect) and have succeeded most admirably. The Mrs. Tewksbury should be awarded some sort of knighthood, for 'service to the plaid' or similar.

An amazing cooperative effort! There's nothing like working with someone whose work is spot-on, and which you have total confidence in.

I'd gladly allow you to design my personal tartan, should I need one, and sleep safe in the knowledge that you and Barb would work wonders for me as you've done here.

I'm still begging for the obligatory pleat-shot!

[KiltedKnome]

First, you need a tool that is not sharp and will not puncture your tartan. A big knitting needle might work, but I don't knit, and I don't have one of those.

I do have a meat thermometer.

How can anyone have a meat thermometer that clean...?

[Rex_Tremende]

I would love more information on the design.

Here is the backstory:

First there were some musings on a tartan...

And then a vision comes to fruition...

Which was subjected to the obligatory review.

This kilt was made in Egypt. Hey Barb: got pics?

An amazing cooperative effort! There's nothing like working with someone whose work is spot-on, and which you have total confidence in.

I was going to save this for the final shots, but I really can't wait: I can't thank enough the folks who've helped create this thing - Nick Fiddes and Stewart Robertson, and the technical staff at Scotweb, the unnamed weavers, the amazing Barb Tewksbury, and her surprise collaborator, Robert Pel. I'm just thrilled to pieces about it. Thanks everyone!*

Best,
Rex.

*Edit: And Phil Corlis - for his confidence, encouragement, and good taste.

[Rex_Tremende]

How can anyone have a meat thermometer that clean...?

It never stays in the meat in the oven. It's only a tester - works just as well.

[KiltedKnome]

It never stays in the meat in the oven. It's only a tester - works just as well.

Thank you....I was feeling so humbled, staring at my meat thermometer...it certainly does not look that nice.......

Now, back on topic -- lovely tartan, lovely kilt!

[Brian K]

Congratulations, Rex, it is simply stunning and I wish you the joy of it! I would be pleased to say I had designed a tartan as lovely as Heatherfields.

Regards,

Brian

[xman]

Here is the backstory:

First there were some musings on a tartan...

And then a vision comes to fruition...

Which was subjected to the obligatory review.

This kilt was made in Egypt. Hey Barb: got pics?

Cheers that.