input request

[weepeskythistle]

This is exactly right. Dressing it up shouldn't be an issue. Kind of stuck on, the belt will be fine but for constant sitting is there anything that can or should be done with the sporran?

[Tobus]

I think all of these are fabulous suggestions. I am even thinking pleats backwards too but then the uh uptight kilters might see him and think poor cripple doesn't even know how to wear the kilt.

I agree, especially if he's returning to Scotland. He should be attempting to wear it 'correctly', though with comfort in mind.

for constant sitting is there anything that can or should be done with the sporran?

I generally find that a sporran is harder to get into when sitting. So you would probably want to adjust the belt/strap so that it sits comfortably in his lap and choose a style that's easy to use while seated. Most models, especially ones with cantles, are meant to be reached into from the top.

Maybe a custom sporran would be in order? One that has a flap, but when the flap is opened, the front panel of the pouch can be peeled open for easier access to the contents while sitting. I hope that made sense.

[artificer]

Maybe a custom sporran would be in order? One that has a flap, but when the flap is opened, the front panel of the pouch can be peeled open for easier access to the contents while sitting. I hope that made sense.

Or just a soft construction "Rob Roy" style would suffice (and are easily, and relatively inexpensively, obtained).

[piperdbh]

I can tell you that a box-pleated kilt is more comfortable to sit on than a knife-pleated one, but that idea has already been discussed.
The sporran can be worn over the hip, as some dancers do, if it proves uncomfortable in its "usual" place.
Can the person in question pull up his own kilt hose and put on his own shoes? If not, that's a consideration that his caregiver will have to think about.
If getting a kilt doesn't work out, would a tartan lap rug be out of order?

[tulloch]

Living in a chair one would have to think of comfort and practicality. A lap rug came immediately to mind when I thought about it. A nice kilt jacket would always do but a good sweater might be more comfortable. Having a sporran is great but access is an issue so the "Rob Roy" might be good. There are alternatives to having it on one's waist. Having it is first. You got to have your kit somewhere.

[Tiny]

What??? Not sure I agree with this train of thought. That's like suggesting that someone without arms should wear a wrist watch on their leg. I would wear it proper, and wear it proud.

If a man with no arms wears a wrist watch on his leg I would assume that is the propper way.

In regards to the issue of a kilt in a wheelchair at first I thought a tartan lap rug could be called a kilt if you never stand up.

In reallity I can only picture sweeping the pleats to be a bit of a challenge. My thinking if I were confined to a chair would be custom kilts. Front aprons all the same then pleats for the sides a bit but then another rear apron in the back to accomodate easier sweeping and so your not sitting on bunched up fabric. In addition I would make the rear longer then traditional kilts to allow it to cover the backs of his legs more.

If your sitting on your kilt for 12-16 hours a day with fabric bunched up you have real medical risks from clots. As has been described adjustments and slight tweeks are made to clothes made for those who use wheelchairs and I think a kilt should be no different. Just make sure its of good quality good materials with an attention to detail. if he wants real buckles I would only do 2 the 3rd will only cause things to bunch or sit funny.

[Tartan Hiker]

I agree with Tiny. While seated the pleats aren't visible anyway, so an unpleated wrap with a traditional kilt apron in the front would be just the ticket. That way you're sitting on two layers of totally flat fabric, and that would be medically superior because it would allow just enough space for air to circulate between the skin and the seat material (nylon/leather/etc.).

Single buckle on the right, velcro beneath the waist band on the left, either simple tabs or a cinch strap. That's how I make mine.

And I for one would be happy to correct anyone who ridiculed the wearer's garment as "not a real kilt".

And just imagine, since you'd probably only need two yards of fabric for one of these, you could get four for the price of one tank!

[Tobus]

In reallity I can only picture sweeping the pleats to be a bit of a challenge.

This may sound like a silly suggestion, but it might be better in his case to simply leave the basting stitches in place. That would eliminate the need for sweeping pleats, keeping his pleats nice and tidy underneath him for padding.

A simple liner could be stitched to the inside of the pleats for comfort and to eliminate any issues from the unevenness of sitting on the folded pleats.

[NorCalPiper]

A couple of years ago we did a kilt buy for an Iraqi soldier who helped America form the first Iraqi brigades fight against insurgents. He was critically wounded and given a free pass to America for treatment and such for his service. This guy was crazy about my kilt and stuff (He lived across the street from me in Atlanta). We all got together to get him a USA Semi in Black Watch. While he was absolutely thrilled (And I mean like a kid on Christmas when I gave it to him), putting it on certainly was quite the challenge. Then the problem was when he would move himself to the chair itself created a monster problem with the pleats sitting right (He couldn't do the "sweep"). I ended up sewing the pleats down almost halfway in the back leaving just a few on each side normal which helped the situation. My immediate advice is to have a kilt made with velcro fasteners and have the pleats sewn down almost half way in the back (Leave the side pleats normally sewn down (4-5 of them). Just my experience.

[wildrover]

Sewing the pleats down a little farther is a great idea...I assume that your friend will stand at times in public, no reason no to show off the pleats like anyone else, though granted as Tartan Hiker stated, nobody in their right mind would challenge a modification as being "not a proper kilt."

I think it's a great idea, definitely do it!

Also, as far as belts, they can be a little uncomfortable at times when sitting, and there's really no need for one anyway. A vest, sweater, hoodie (my favorite), or just a favorite t-shirt in long or short sleeves (not an undershirt, I don't know what the UK version of an American t-shirt is) is perfect, and precludes the belt.

Good luck with it!